Ecclesiastes 5:19

Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The Preacher addresses his readers after contrasting the fleeting nature of wealth with the divine capacity to enjoy it, immediately following his observation on finding satisfaction in labor during life's brief span.

The words — נָתַן (na.tan) translates as "he has given," and עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer) denotes "wealth," anchoring the verse's claim that prosperity originates from divine action rather than human merit.

The thread — This theme reappears in Deuteronomy 8:18, which attributes the power to acquire wealth to God, and echoes Ecclesiastes 3:13, which labels the ability to find satisfaction in labor as a divine gift.

Why it lands — The text declares that enjoyment of prosperity is a God-given capacity, demanding that readers attribute both material provision and the joy to receive it to divine agency rather than personal achievement.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 6:2 God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.
2 Chronicles 1:12 therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”
Ecclesiastes 2:24 Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.
1 Kings 3:13 Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.