Old Testament
Book of Ecclesiastes
The Preacher tests wealth, pleasure, work and wisdom and finds that all of it is "vanity", a vapor that cannot be held. He concludes that life is a gift from God to be received with reverence.
At a glance
Ecclesiastes key facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Chapters
- 12
- Author
- The Preacher, "son of David"; traditionally Solomon, though some scholars suggest a later writer
- When it was written
- Traditionally the 10th century BC; some scholars place it later
- Main theme
- Finding meaning in a life that feels fleeting
- Key verse
- Ecclesiastes 12:13
Summary
What is Ecclesiastes about?
The Preacher tests wealth, pleasure, work and wisdom and finds that all of it is "vanity", a vapor that cannot be held. He concludes that life is a gift from God to be received with reverence.
Key verse
A key verse in Ecclesiastes
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
12 chapters
Ecclesiastes chapters
Read any chapter of Ecclesiastes in full, with verse-by-verse links.
Questions
Ecclesiastes: common questions
Who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes?
The Preacher, "son of David"; traditionally Solomon, though some scholars suggest a later writer.
When was Ecclesiastes written?
Traditionally the 10th century BC; some scholars place it later.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
The Preacher tests wealth, pleasure, work and wisdom and finds that all of it is "vanity", a vapor that cannot be held. He concludes that life is a gift from God to be received with reverence.
How many chapters are in Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes has 12 chapters, in the Old Testament.
What is a key verse in Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (KJV).
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Study Ecclesiastes verse by verse
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