Parallel Verses
NET Bible
So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile -- like chasing the wind.
New American Standard Bible
So I
King James Version
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.
Holman Bible
Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
International Standard Version
So I hated life, because whatever is done on earth causes me trouble it's all pointless, like chasing after the wind.
A Conservative Version
So I hated life, because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous to me. For all is vanity and a striving after wind.
American Standard Version
So I hated life, because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Amplified
So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun caused me only great sorrow; because all is futility and chasing after the wind.
Bible in Basic English
So I was hating life, because everything under the sun was evil to me: all is to no purpose and desire for wind.
Darby Translation
And I hated life; for the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and pursuit of the wind.
Julia Smith Translation
And I hated life, for evil to me the work done under the sun: for all vanity and striving of the spirit
King James 2000
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is done under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and like grasping the wind.
Lexham Expanded Bible
So I hated life because the work done under the sun [is] grievous to me. For everything [is] vanity and chasing wind!
Modern King James verseion
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is done under the sun is sad to me; for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
Thus began I to be weary of my life, in so much that I could away with nothing that is done under the Sun, for all was but vanity and vexation of mind:
New Heart English Bible
So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
The Emphasized Bible
Therefore I hated life, for, a vexation unto me, was the work which was done under the sun, - for, all, was vanity, and a feeding on wind.
Webster
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous to me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
World English Bible
So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Youngs Literal Translation
And I have hated life, for sad to me is the work that hath been done under the sun, for the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Themes
Life » Of the spirit » Weariness of
Life » Conditions of receiving » Hated
Life » Sacredness of, an inference from what is taught in the law concerning murder » Hated
Interlinear
Shemesh
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 2:17
Verse Info
Context Readings
Is There Real Happiness In Life?
16 For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long, because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten. Alas, the wise man dies -- just like the fool! 17 So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile -- like chasing the wind. 18 So I loathed all the fruit of my effort, for which I worked so hard on earth, because I must leave it behind in the hands of my successor.
Phrases
Names
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: "All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless -- like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth."
Numbers 11:15
But if you are going to deal with me like this, then kill me immediately. If I have found favor in your sight then do not let me see my trouble."
1 Kings 19:4
while he went a day's journey into the desert. He went and sat down under a shrub and asked the Lord to take his life: "I've had enough! Now, O Lord, take my life. After all, I'm no better than my ancestors."
Job 3:20-22
"Why does God give light to one who is in misery, and life to those whose soul is bitter,
Job 7:15-16
so that I would prefer strangling, and death more than life.
Job 14:13
"O that you would hide me in Sheol, and conceal me till your anger has passed! O that you would set me a time and then remember me!
Psalm 89:47
Take note of my brief lifespan! Why do you make all people so mortal?
Ecclesiastes 1:14
I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile -- like chasing the wind!
Ecclesiastes 2:22
What does a man acquire from all his labor and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth?
Ecclesiastes 3:16
I saw something else on earth: In the place of justice, there was wickedness, and in the place of fairness, there was wickedness.
Ecclesiastes 4:2
So I considered those who are dead and gone more fortunate than those who are still alive.
Ecclesiastes 6:9
It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile -- like chasing the wind.
Jeremiah 20:14-18
Cursed be the day I was born! May that day not be blessed when my mother gave birth to me.
Ezekiel 3:14
A wind lifted me up and carried me away. I went bitterly, my spirit full of fury, and the hand of the Lord rested powerfully on me.
Jonah 4:3
So now, Lord, kill me instead, because I would rather die than live!"
Jonah 4:8
When the sun began to shine, God sent a hot east wind. So the sun beat down on Jonah's head, and he grew faint. So he despaired of life, and said, "I would rather die than live!"
Habakkuk 1:3
Why do you force me to witness injustice? Why do you put up with wrongdoing? Destruction and violence confront me; conflict is present and one must endure strife.
Philippians 1:23-25
I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,