Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 1:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse poses a profound question about the value of our hard work.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
What profit does a man have from all his labor which he takes under the sun?
What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse poses a profound question about the value of our hard work. It asks us to consider what we truly gain from all the effort we put into our daily lives. The phrase 'under the sun' suggests that this inquiry is about our earthly existence. It challenges us to reflect on whether our labor leads to lasting fulfillment or simply temporary results. Many people chase after success, wealth, or recognition, but this verse invites us to think deeper. Are we investing our time and energy in things that matter? Ultimately, it encourages us to seek meaning beyond just our daily grind. Life can feel repetitive and exhausting, and this question serves as a reminder to evaluate our priorities and the true purpose of our efforts. It’s a call to find significance in our actions and to seek a deeper understanding of what it means to live well. In a world that often values productivity, this verse invites us to pause and reflect on our true motivations and goals in life. It’s about finding real profit in our existence. Explore related reflection.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ecclesiastes 1:3 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on your daily activities. Are they bringing you joy and fulfillment? Consider what truly matters to you and how you can align your efforts with those values. Seek balance between work and personal satisfaction to find deeper meaning in your life. Make choices that resonate with your true self and aspirations. Be intentional about how you spend your time and energy, focusing on what brings you joy and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 1:3 mean?
Ecclesiastes 1:3 questions the value of human labor, asking what benefit we truly gain from our hard work in life. It prompts us to consider whether our efforts lead to lasting fulfillment or just temporary results.
What is the meaning of 'under the sun' in Ecclesiastes 1:3?
'Under the sun' refers to our earthly existence and the everyday life we experience. It emphasizes that the inquiry about the profit of labor is focused on our temporal, worldly pursuits.
How can I apply Ecclesiastes 1:3 to my life?
You can apply this verse by reflecting on your daily activities and assessing if they align with what truly matters to you. Focus on finding joy and purpose in your work rather than just productivity.
What themes are present in Ecclesiastes 1:3?
The main themes in Ecclesiastes 1:3 include the value of work, the search for meaning in life, reflection on our priorities, and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond mere labor.

The Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 1: All Is Vanity
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem, begin with the declaration that all is vanity. He says that what a person gains from all labor under the sun is unclear, because generations come and go while the earth remains. The sun rises and sets and returns to its place. The wind moves in circuits. Rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full, and the rivers return again. He observes that all things are full of weariness; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Unlock the full Ecclesiastes summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ecclesiastes — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 12 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ecclesiastes summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.