Ecclesiastes | Chapter Summaries + Study Questionsಮಾದರಿ

ECCLESIASTES 1

EVERYTHING IS MEANINGLESS

Ecclesiastes opens with the author introducing the primary speaker in the book, known as the Preacher or the Teacher. The majority of Ecclesiastes quotes this speaker but closes with the author's evaluation of what was said.

The Teacher starts by calling everything meaningless or vanity. A more direct translation from the original text is “vapor” or “smoke,” meaning that everything is fleeting and temporary. Humanity works their entire lives, but for what reason? Generations will come and go, and everyone will be forgotten. Creation will outlast us all; the sun will still rise, and the waves will still crash long after we are gone. There is nothing new under the sun!

The Teacher even describes wisdom, one of the most valuable things on earth, as chasing after the wind. Gaining wisdom opens your eyes to the suffering in the world, causing pain and trouble in your heart. After searching the world, nothing is satisfying to the Teacher.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Using a study Bible or internet search, look up the meaning of the Hebrew word “Hebel” (הֶבֶל). What different meanings can you find? Does this affect your interpretation or understanding of the text?

How does the Teacher compare humanity and nature? Which does he view as permanent and lasting? What does it mean that there is “nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, ESV)?

In Ecclesiastes 1, how does the Teacher view the pursuit of wisdom?