Ecclesiastes 2:3 Meaning and Explanation
“I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Preacher samples pleasure and folly while keeping wisdom as his guide, searching for what is truly good for people to do in their brief lives.
What Does Ecclesiastes 2:3 Mean?
This is a deliberate investigation, not mere indulgence. The speaker explores wine and even folly, yet he keeps his mind anchored to wisdom, observing himself as he goes. His aim is stated plainly: to discover the genuine good that people should pursue during their few days under heaven.
The phrase the days of their life marks the boundary of the whole search. Life is measured and short. The honest question is what is worth doing within it. By posing it so carefully, the Preacher prepares the reader to receive the answer that satisfaction is finally a gift from God's hand, not a prize wrung from experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 2:3
What does Ecclesiastes 2:3 mean?
The Preacher samples pleasure and folly while keeping wisdom as his guide, searching for what is truly good for people to do in their brief lives.