Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 5:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Also every man to whom God has given riches and wealth and has given him power to eat of them, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor — this is the gift of God.
Compare translations
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
What Ecclesiastes 5:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a profound truth about life and the gifts we receive from God. When someone is blessed with wealth and the ability to enjoy it, it is not just a matter of luck. It is a special gift from God. This means that enjoying the fruits of our labor is a divine blessing. It encourages us to appreciate what we have and to find joy in our work. Life is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about recognizing the joy that comes from it. When we can enjoy our earnings and share them, we experience a deeper sense of fulfillment. This perspective helps us to understand that true happiness comes from gratitude and contentment with what we have. Ultimately, it reminds us that our ability to enjoy life’s blessings is a reflection of God’s generosity towards us. We should cherish these moments and acknowledge them as gifts that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. This understanding can transform our approach to wealth and work, leading to a more meaningful existence.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 5:19 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life, especially the ability to enjoy what you have. Consider how you can express gratitude for your work and the fruits it brings. Share your blessings with others to enhance your joy and fulfillment. Remember, happiness often comes from appreciating what you already possess and sharing it with those around you. Live with a thankful heart and embrace the gifts you receive each day.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ecclesiastes 5:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ecclesiastes 5:19
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Ecclesiastes
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 5:19 mean?
Ecclesiastes 5:19 highlights that wealth and the ability to enjoy it are gifts from God. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating what we have and finding joy in our work.
What is the meaning of 'gift of God' in Ecclesiastes 5:19?
The 'gift of God' in this verse refers to the blessing of wealth and the capacity to enjoy it. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from recognizing and appreciating these blessings in our lives.
How can I apply Ecclesiastes 5:19 in my life?
To apply Ecclesiastes 5:19, reflect on your blessings and express gratitude for your work and its rewards. Consider sharing your wealth with others to enhance your joy and fulfillment.
What themes are present in Ecclesiastes 5:19?
The themes in Ecclesiastes 5:19 include wealth, the gift of God, enjoyment of life, labor, and gratitude. These themes encourage a positive perspective on work and the blessings we receive.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.