Ecclesiastes 2:3
What does Ecclesiastes 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I made a search with my heart to give pleasure to my flesh with wine, still guiding my heart with wisdom, and to go after foolish things, so that I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under the heavens all the days of their life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have sought in my heart to draw out with wine my appetite, (and my heart leading in wisdom), and to take hold on folly till that I see where <FI>is<Fi> this--the good to the sons of man of that which they do under the heavens, the number of the days of their lives.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I thought in my heart, to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I might turn my mind to wisdom, and might avoid folly, till I might see what was profitable for the children of men: and what they ought to do under the sun, all the days of their life.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I searched in my heart how to cherish my flesh with wine, while practising my heart with wisdom; and how to lay hold on folly, till I should see what was that good for the children of men which they should do under the heavens all the days of their life.
Context
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.
- Ecclesiastes 2:24
There is nothing better for a manthanthat he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.
- Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
- Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise.
- 1 Samuel 25:36
And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.
- Ecclesiastes 1:17
And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind.
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