Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 6:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
A man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a stranger eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
Compare translations
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
What Ecclesiastes 6:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Imagine having everything you could ever want—wealth, honor, and comfort. You might think that this is the ultimate success, but what if you can’t enjoy any of it? This is the situation described here. A person can have all the riches in the world, yet if they lack the ability to enjoy them, it feels pointless. It’s like having a feast laid out before you, but being unable to take a single bite. This situation is not just frustrating; it’s described as a serious problem, almost like a disease. It highlights the emptiness that can come from material wealth when it doesn’t bring true satisfaction. Ultimately, it reminds us that life is not just about accumulating things, but about experiencing joy and fulfillment. Without the power to enjoy what we have, our riches become meaningless. This teaches us to seek deeper meaning in life beyond just material possessions, focusing on what truly nourishes our souls instead of just our wallets. It’s a call to reflect on what really matters.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 6:2 to your life
Consider what truly brings you joy in life. Are you focusing too much on accumulating wealth or status? Reflect on how you can enjoy what you have and find deeper satisfaction beyond material possessions. Seek experiences and relationships that enrich your life and soul instead of just your bank account. Live fully in the moment, appreciating what you have now.
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 6:2
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 6:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 6:2 mean?
Ecclesiastes 6:2 highlights the futility of having wealth and honor if one cannot enjoy them. It suggests that material possessions can feel meaningless if they do not bring true satisfaction or joy.
What is the meaning of 'vanity' in Ecclesiastes 6:2?
In Ecclesiastes 6:2, 'vanity' refers to the emptiness or futility of life when one possesses riches but lacks the ability to enjoy them. It emphasizes that mere accumulation of wealth does not guarantee happiness.
How does Ecclesiastes 6:2 relate to life's meaning?
Ecclesiastes 6:2 suggests that life’s meaning goes beyond accumulating wealth. It encourages individuals to seek joy and fulfillment in experiences rather than just in material possessions.
What lessons can we learn from Ecclesiastes 6:2?
We can learn that true satisfaction comes from enjoying what we have rather than just focusing on acquiring more. It encourages reflection on what truly enriches our lives and souls.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.