Devine Scripture

Ecclesiastes 5:16

What does Ecclesiastes 5:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And this again is a great evil, that in all points as he came so will he go; and what profit has he in working for the wind?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And this also <FI>is<Fi> a painful evil, just as he came, so he goeth, and what advantage <FI>is<Fi> to him who laboureth for wind?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

All the days of his life he eateth in darkness, and in many cares, and in misery, and sorrow.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came so doth he go away, and what profit hath he, in having laboured for the wind?

Context

v.15As he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.

v.16This passage

v.17All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he is sore vexed, and hath sickness and wrath.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 8:36

    For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?

  • Ecclesiastes 2:22

    For what hath a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboreth under the sun?

  • Hosea 8:7

    For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: he hath no standing grain; the blade shall yield no meal; if so be it yield, strangers shall swallow it up.

  • 1 Samuel 12:21

    and turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:13

    There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept by the owner thereof to his hurt:

  • Ecclesiastes 1:3

    What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun?

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