Ecclesiastes study section

Ecclesiastes chapter summaries

A one-line summary of every chapter. Open any chapter for the full study.

Chapter list

Chapters 1–2

The Preacher’s search for meaning “under the sun” in wisdom, pleasure, and work, all “vanity.”

Chapter 1 (c. 935 BC): “Vanity of vanities”; life goes in weary circles, and there is nothing new under the sun.
Chapter 2 (c. 935 BC): The Preacher tests pleasure, wealth, and great works, and finds them empty, for death takes all.

Chapters 3–11

Observations on time, injustice, wealth, and the limits of wisdom in a fallen world.

Chapter 3 (c. 935 BC): “For everything there is a season”; God makes all beautiful in its time and sets eternity in the heart.
Chapter 4 (c. 935 BC): The vanity of oppression, envious toil, and isolation; “two are better than one.”
Chapter 5 (c. 935 BC): Reverence in worship, the emptiness of loving money, and receiving one’s lot from God.
Chapter 6 (c. 935 BC): The vanity of wealth without the ability to enjoy it, and the shortness of life.
Chapter 7 (c. 935 BC): Wisdom for a fleeting world: a good name, the house of mourning, and the limits of wisdom.
Chapter 8 (c. 935 BC): On authority, the mystery of justice delayed, and the good of fearing God.
Chapter 9 (c. 935 BC): Death comes to all alike; therefore enjoy life and work heartily while you can.
Chapter 10 (c. 935 BC): Proverbs contrasting wisdom and folly, and the harm of foolish rulers and words.
Chapter 11 (c. 935 BC): Cast your bread on the waters; rejoice, yet remember judgment, and serve God in your youth.

Chapter 12

Remember your Creator, for “the end of the matter” is to “fear God and keep his commandments.”

Chapter 12 (c. 935 BC): Remember your Creator before death; the conclusion, “Fear God and keep his commandments.”