And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

ECCLESIASTES 5:16KJV
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Ecclesiastes 5:16 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 5:16 mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:16 says that it is a troubling reality that people leave the world in the same way they entered it—with nothing—and that all their hard work can end up being as pointless as chasing the wind. The verse asks what real benefit anyone gains from working so hard if, in the end, nothing can be taken with them.

The speaker is the Teacher (traditionally understood as Solomon), who is reflecting on the meaninglessness he sees in human efforts to gain wealth or success. He is speaking to anyone who will listen, especially those tempted to find lasting value in material things. The verse fits into a larger section where the Teacher points out the limits of earthly gain and the frustration that comes from seeing all labor ultimately fade away.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 5:16

  • The word "sore" (חָלָה, ḥālāh) is often used for something that is deeply troubling or grievous, not just mildly bad. Here, it stresses how deeply the Teacher feels about this problem.
  • The word "profit" (יֹתֵר, yōter) means "advantage" or "gain." The verse questions whether there is any real, lasting benefit to all the effort people put in.
  • The word "laboured" (עָמַל, ʿāmal) refers to hard, toilsome work. The Teacher is not talking about casual effort, but about the exhausting labor people pour into life.
  • The word "wind" (רוּחַ, rūaḥ) can mean wind or spirit, but here it points to something impossible to grasp or keep—emphasizing the futility of trying to hold onto the results of one's work.

Why Ecclesiastes 5:16 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that hard work alone guarantees lasting reward; it highlights the reality that material gain is temporary and cannot be kept after death.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:16 emphasizes the emotional weight of this realization, showing that it is not just a logical problem but something that can deeply trouble a thoughtful person.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Ecclesiastes, which repeatedly questions where true meaning and satisfaction can be found if everything in life eventually slips away.

Where else these words appear

“profit” Hebrew H3504 · used in 9 verses

  • Ecclesiastes 1:3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
  • Ecclesiastes 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

“laboured” Hebrew H5998 · used in 11 verses

  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

“this” Hebrew H2090 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 18:4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.
  • 2 Kings 6:19 And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:19 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.

“points” Hebrew H5980 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:27 Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:8 And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
  • Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.