Ecclesiastes 5:17 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 5:17 mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:17 describes a person who spends his life in gloom, eating in darkness and experiencing much sorrow, anger, and sickness. The verse paints a picture of someone whose days are filled with emotional and physical suffering, rather than joy or satisfaction.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflecting on the emptiness that can come from a life focused on wealth or toil without deeper meaning. The verse comes in a section warning about the dangers of loving money and the futility of chasing after material gain, showing the personal toll it can take.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 5:17

• "Darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, ḥōshek): This word often means more than just the absence of light; it can suggest gloom, misery, or a sense of being cut off from joy. Here, it highlights the emotional and spiritual state of the person.
• "Sorrow" (כַּעַס, ka‘as): This word can mean grief, vexation, or frustration. It emphasizes the ongoing emotional pain that marks the person’s daily life.
• "Wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word carries the sense of anger or indignation, possibly directed at circumstances, others, or even oneself. It adds to the picture of inner turmoil.
• "Sickness" (חֳלִי, ḥolî): This word refers to physical illness or affliction, showing that the suffering described is not just emotional but also bodily.

Why Ecclesiastes 5:17 matters

• Ecclesiastes 5:17 clarifies that a life centered on material pursuits can lead to deep, lasting dissatisfaction and suffering, not just a lack of happiness.
• The verse connects to the broader message of Ecclesiastes, which often warns that chasing after wealth or success without purpose leads to emptiness.
• By listing both emotional (sorrow, wrath) and physical (sickness) consequences, the verse shows how all parts of a person’s life can be affected by misplaced priorities.