Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes is Scripture's most searching book on the meaning of life. The Preacher tests every earthly pursuit, wealth, pleasure, work, and wisdom, and finds each empty apart from God, so that we will anchor our lives in the Eternal. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The Book of Ecclesiastes records the reflections of Qoheleth, the Preacher, son of David and king in Jerusalem, traditionally identified as Solomon. With unmatched wealth and wisdom, he sets out to find lasting meaning in everything life offers, and reports honestly that all of it, grasped apart from God, is hevel, a fleeting breath. The recurring phrase under the sun marks his method: examining life on the purely earthly plane to expose its dead ends.
This commentary covers Ecclesiastes verse by verse, with the Hebrew words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. Its unflinching honesty is a gift: by letting every earthly hope fail, it turns us to the eternal God and to the newness that only Christ can give. The book's own conclusion is its key: fear God and keep His commandments. References are given at the foot of each chapter.
We are building this book one chapter at a time. Chapter 1 is complete; the remaining chapters are on the way.
Author
Qoheleth, 'the Preacher,' son of David; traditionally Solomon.
Setting
A king's search for meaning in every earthly pursuit.
Key Phrase
'Under the sun': life examined from a strictly earthly view.
Theme
All is vanity apart from God; fear God and keep His commandments.
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
Ecclesiastes Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
Vanity of Vanities
The Preacher announces his verdict, all is vanity, and surveys the weary cycles of life under the sun, where even great wisdom cannot fill the void apart from God.
Read Chapter 1 →More Chapters Coming