Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

ECCLESIASTES 5:18KJV
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Ecclesiastes 5:18 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 5:18 mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:18 says that it is good and fitting for a person to eat, drink, and enjoy the benefits of their hard work during their lifetime, recognizing these things as gifts from God and their rightful share. The verse highlights the value of finding satisfaction in daily life and honest labor, seeing these simple pleasures as part of one’s portion in life.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, addressing anyone reflecting on the meaning of life “under the sun”—that is, in this earthly existence. Ecclesiastes 5:18 comes in a section where the writer considers the limits of wealth and the fleeting nature of life, urging readers to appreciate the ordinary blessings God gives rather than chasing after more. The verse encourages a grounded, thankful enjoyment of what one has.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 5:18

  • The word “good” (טוֹב, tov) means something beneficial, pleasant, or morally right. Here, it emphasizes that enjoying life’s basic gifts is not just allowed but truly worthwhile.
  • The word “comely” (יָפֶה, yafeh) is often understood as “fitting” or “appropriate,” suggesting that it is proper and beautiful to take pleasure in the fruits of one’s labor.
  • The word “portion” (חֵלֶק, cheleq) refers to one’s share or allotted part in life. This word underlines that these everyday joys are not random but are given by God as each person’s rightful share.

Why Ecclesiastes 5:18 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 clarifies that enjoying life’s simple pleasures is not selfish or shallow, but a wise and proper response to God’s gifts.
  • The verse shifts the focus from striving for more to gratitude for what is already given, which is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes.
  • This verse connects to the book’s larger message about the limits of wealth and ambition, reminding readers that contentment is found in appreciating what God provides day by day.

Where else these words appear

“taketh” 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.

“comely” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • 2 Samuel 14:25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
  • Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

“labour” Hebrew H5999 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Psalms 55:10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

“portion” Hebrew H2506 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.