Ecclesiastes 3:13

13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

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Ecclesiastes 3:13 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)

13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

English Standard Version (ESV)

13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man.

New Living Translation (NLT)

13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

The Message Bible (MSG)

13 That's it - eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.

American Standard Version (ASV)

13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)

13 It is a gift from God to be able to eat and drink and experience the good that comes from every kind of hard work.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

13 Everyone should eat and drink. People should be satisfied with all of their hard work. That is God's gift to them.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink
Not to excess, but in moderation; and yet freely, plentifully, and cheerfully; and not alone, but giving the poor a portion with him; and in all having in view the glory of God, ( 1 Corinthians 10:31 ) ; and enjoy the good of all his labour;
take the comfort of what he has been labouring for, and not lay it up for, and leave it to, he knows not who: the Targum is,

``and see good in his days, and cause his children, at the time of his death, to inherit all his labour;''

it [is] the gift of God;
not only to have, but to enjoy, and make a proper use of the mercies of life. This is the same doctrine which is delivered ( Ecclesiastes 2:24 ) .

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Ecclesiastes 3:13 In-Context

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

Cross References 3

1. Ecclesiastes 2:3
2. Psalms 34:12
3. S Deuteronomy 12:7,18; S Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 5:19