Ecclesiastes: Summary & Overview
Overview
Ecclesiastes is the most philosophical book of the Bible. 'Vanity of vanities,' the Preacher declares — life 'under the sun' without God is meaningless. Solomon explores wealth, pleasure, work, and wisdom, finding them all ultimately empty. Yet the book isn't nihilistic — it points us to enjoy God's gifts in the moment and fear Him above all.
Key Themes
- •The meaninglessness of life without God
- •Enjoying God's gifts
- •The limits of human wisdom
- •The certainty of death
- •Fear God and keep His commandments
Famous Verses
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
— Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”
— Ecclesiastes 1:2
“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.”
— Ecclesiastes 7:8
Key Facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Wisdom
- Author
- Solomon (traditionally)
- Date Written
- ~935 BC
- Chapters
- 12
Related Books
Read Ecclesiastes in Context
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