By Mark W. Christy, PhD
According to Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV, “’Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’” Based upon this translation, it would seem that supposed truths and even self in this world must be meaningless. From the context, one learns that the writer of Ecclesiastes is specifically addressing the efforts of men under the sun (1:3). With this view, this article will consider how to properly understand this verse and whether or not the efforts of people are indeed meaningless.
Literally, the word translated as “meaninglessness” is ‘a breath or vapor.’ It is used metaphorically by Solomon in Ecclesiastes to mean ‘emptiness or nothingness.’ For this reason, many translations prefer the term ‘vanity’. This term, however, has shifted in the modern era to refer more to one’s pride, so many present-day readers may struggle to ascertain Solomon’s meaning when interpreters choose to retain it. Regardless of the translators’ decision, the writer of Ecclesiastes is simply trying to state that the efforts of people which are associated purely with this world are ultimately futile, useless, and worthless, at least as it concerns them. This being the case, employment of the word ‘meaninglessness’ becomes problematic if one fails to see the context of Ecclesiastes 1:2 clearly.
Certainly, God has a purpose for all that happens under the sun. As Proverbs 16:4 declares, “The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.”[i] Jacob and Esau were born through the purpose of God, and His purpose shaped the direction of their lives (Rom 9:16). When Pharoah hardened his heart and remained unwilling to let the Israelites go despite multiple plagues wrought by God, God Himself declares His purpose lay behind Pharoah’s stubborn actions (Ex 9:16).
Acknowledging that those who live under sun live in a place where wickedness often takes the place of righteousness (Eccl 3:16), the writer of Ecclesiastes points out the many futile endeavors of those focused purely upon worldly pleasure and worldly gain with no concern for their impending demise and the corresponding futility of their pointless activities which end with them. Instead of the fruitless course of action, Solomon advocates some meaningful activities for the wise. Those who would be wise should “go to the house of God and draw near to listen” and remain teachable (4:13; 5:1). Likewise, they should be honest, truthful, controlled in their speech, and have fear of God (5:4-7). According to him, it is better to have a good character (7:1), to acknowledge the brevity of life (7:3), to experience pain that awakens the heart to truth (7:3), to mourn of sin (7:4), to listen when chastened (7:5), to remain patient under trial (7:8), and to avoid anger (7:9).
As can be seen throughout all of Scripture, the writer of Ecclesiastes separates “those who fear God” with a fear that is openly transparent due to the quality of their lives from those who are evil (8:12-13). To all who happen upon his words, he cries out “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth” (12:1). To conclude his message on the futility of worldly undertaking done solely for pleasure without due deference to God, the writer offers a parting admonishment: “fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (12:13-14).
[i]Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references in this article are taken from NASB1995.