Ecclesiastes 2:17 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

So I came to hate life, because everything that happens in this world brought me grief. It's all meaningless and like chasing after the wind.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is expressing his deep frustration and despair after realizing that all human achievements and pleasures ultimately feel empty and meaningless.

📚 Historical Context

This verse comes from King Solomon's philosophical reflections on life's meaning, written during Israel's golden age when he had access to unlimited wealth, wisdom, and pleasures. Solomon conducted what he called an 'experiment' to find satisfaction through various pursuits - wisdom, pleasure, work, and achievements - only to discover they all left him feeling empty.

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