Ecclesiastes

Vanity of vanities

Ecclesiastes, or Qohelet, reflects on the meaning of life “under the sun”: work, wealth and pleasure pass like a breath. Its conclusion is to enjoy life as God’s gift and to fear him.

Historical context

Tradition attributes the book to Solomon; its late Hebrew leads many scholars to date it to the Persian or Hellenistic period.

Explanation

Best-known passages

“Vanity of vanities” (ch. 1)
“To every thing there is a season” (ch. 3)
“Remember now thy Creator” (ch. 12)