Ecclesiastes 5:17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

Eateth - appropriately put for 'liveth' in general, as connected with Ecclesiastes 5:11-12; Ecclesiastes 5:18. In darkness - opposed to 'light (joy) of countenance' (Ecclesiastes 8:1; Proverbs 16:15). He may be seated in a well-lighted hall, but all is gloom in his heart. The sun is darkened to him who is in mental darkness. It shines only for the happy (Ecclesiastes 12:2; Jeremiah 4:23).

(He hath) much sorrow and wrath - fretfulness.

With his sickness - literally, 'sorrow (is) much, and his sickness (through vexation) and wrath.'

Ecclesiastes 5:17

17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.