Ecclesiastes 2:17 meaning

In the pursuit of wealth and achievement, the Preacher in Ecclesiastes reflects on the often disheartening reality of human toil. Life’s endless labor, devoid of satisfying returns, leads to an overwhelming sense of despair. This profound frustration is explored as Solomon confronts the transient nature of both life and the fruits of labor. Despite his wisdom and the accomplishments he amassed under the sun, he bitterly concludes that his endeavors yield little more than futility. He profoundly states that the burdens of life can feel so oppressive that they incite a loathing of existence itself, revealing a deep existential crisis.

Solomon’s disdain for life stems from the realization that no matter how much one achieves, it is ultimately fleeting and lacks lasting significance. He learns that without a perspective of eternity or the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, the pursuits of life become utterly vapid. As stated, “he hated life itself because the work done under the sun was grievous to him” Ecclesiastes 2:17. The stark contrast between temporal labor and the eternal context shifts the reader’s focus toward finding joy in life's simple pleasures, underscoring that fulfillment comes not from achievement but from one's relationship with the Creator.