Ecclesiastes 5:17 Meaning and Explanation
“All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The one consumed by grasping spends his days in gloom, burdened with sorrow, frustration, and ill health.
What Does Ecclesiastes 5:17 Mean?
Here the Preacher describes the inner life of the man who lives only to accumulate and then loses it. His days pass "in darkness," eaten in shadow rather than light.
Sorrow, anger, and sickness become his companions, the bitter harvest of a life curved in upon its possessions. The picture is sobering, and meant to be. A heart that finds its meaning in wealth is left in the dark when wealth fails. By contrast, the next verses will open a door into light: the simple, grateful enjoyment of God's daily gifts, which no loss can finally darken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 5:17
What does Ecclesiastes 5:17 mean?
The one consumed by grasping spends his days in gloom, burdened with sorrow, frustration, and ill health.