Verse 1

under the sun. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:3.

men. Hebrew. adam (with Art.) = humanity. App-14. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:13.

Verse 2

God. Hebrew. Elohim.(with Art.) = the [true] God, or the Deity. App-4. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:13.

wealth. See note on Ecclesiastes 5:19.

his soul = himself. Hebrew. nephesh.

vanity. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:2.

Verse 3

filled = satisfied.

Verse 4

he cometh: i.e. in the untimely birth of Ecclesiastes 6:3.

Verse 6

do not all. ? Figure of speech Erotesis (in Affirmation), App-6. Compare Ecclesiastes 3:19-21.

one place: i.e. Sheol. App-35.

Verse 7

labour = toil.

the appetite = the soul. Hebrew. nephesh.

Verse 8

what = what [advantage].

the wise = a wise one, or sage.

the fool = a fool. Hebrew. kesil. See note on Proverbs 1:7.

the poor = a wretched one. Heb "anah. See note on "poverty", Proverbs 6:11.

Verse 9

Better. See note on Ecclesiastes 2:24.

the sight of = what is seen by.

the wandering of = what is pursued by.

the desire = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13. No Art.

vexation of spirit. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:14.

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9,

Verse 10

That which hath been is named already, &c.:

"What is he who hath been? "(Compare Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Long ago his name was given;

And it is understood what [that name was,]--

It was Adam":

which means vegetable mould, made in the likeness of Elohim, Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 5:1, Genesis 5:2. Made of "earth" he returns to earth (1 Corinthians 15:47): i.e. "vanity". This book is a comment on Psalms 144:4. Compare Psalms 39 ; 49 ; 62.

Verse 12

all the days of his vain life = the numbered days of his vain life.

for = as to which.