Ecclesiastes (KJV)
12 chapters · 222 verses. Choose a chapter to read it in the King James Version.
About the Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes probes the apparent vanity of life 'under the sun' and the limits of human striving for meaning apart from God. It concludes by commending the fear of God as the anchor amid life's enigmas.
- Genre
- Wisdom
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon ('the Preacher')
- First audience
- Israel, and all who seek meaning
How to read it: Read this reflective wisdom in full — its bleak observations are part of an honest argument that resolves only at the end; don't quote its tensions as final answers.
It opens: “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1)
Chapters
Key verses in Ecclesiastes
The verses of Ecclesiastes that the rest of Scripture cross-references most often.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Read Ecclesiastes with a guide
- Ecclesiastes: Meaning Under the Sun7 days through the book of EcclesiastesAll 7 days in Ecclesiastes
- Marriage: Love That Lasts7 days on love, faithfulness and partnership1 of 7 days in Ecclesiastes
- New Year, New Mercies7 days to begin the year with God1 of 7 days in Ecclesiastes
- Students, Study & Exams7 days on diligence, wisdom, honesty and peace in exams1 of 7 days in Ecclesiastes
- Unemployment & God's Provision7 days on dignity and hope while looking for work1 of 7 days in Ecclesiastes