Ecclesiastes 8:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In a world full of unanswered riddles, the Preacher commends joy: eating, drinking, and gladness are God's gift to accompany our labor through the days He gives.
What Does Ecclesiastes 8:15 Mean?
Having faced injustice and mystery, the Preacher turns to a gracious counsel. Since we cannot untangle every wrong, he commends the simple joys of food, drink, and a glad heart as the good that walks beside our daily work.
This is not surrender to pleasure but a thankful receiving of what God provides. The days, the labor, and the joy are all named as gifts that God gives. To eat and drink with gratitude is itself a quiet act of trust, savoring the goodness of the Giver even while many questions remain unanswered.
Ecclesiastes 8:15 in the Original Language
simchah (שִׂמְחָה), 'mirth' -- gladness or joy, here a God-given gladness received with thanks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 8:15
What does Ecclesiastes 8:15 mean?
In a world full of unanswered riddles, the Preacher commends joy: eating, drinking, and gladness are God's gift to accompany our labor through the days He gives.