Ecclesiastes 5:19 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When God grants wealth along with the ability to enjoy it and rejoice in one's work, that capacity for joy is itself His gift.
What Does Ecclesiastes 5:19 Mean?
The Preacher deepens his commendation of enjoyment. He observes that riches alone are not enough; the power to actually enjoy them, to take one's portion and rejoice, is a separate grace.
This ability is itself "the gift of God," not something wealth can secure on its own. Many possess much and enjoy nothing; the difference is God's giving. The verse teaches a grateful dependence: every good we have and every capacity to savor it come from above. To rejoice in honest labor and daily bread with a thankful heart is to receive God's gift exactly as He intends it to be received.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 5:19
What does Ecclesiastes 5:19 mean?
When God grants wealth along with the ability to enjoy it and rejoice in one's work, that capacity for joy is itself His gift.