That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
Part II. here begins. Since man's toils are vain, what is the chief good? (Ecclesiastes 6:12.) The answer is contained in the rest of the book.
That which hath been (man's various plans for happiness in earthly things apart from God). Is named already - not only has existed, (Ecclesiastes 1:9; Ecclesiastes 3:15), but has received its just name, "vanity," long ago.
Man - Hebrew, 'aadaam (H120), 'man of red dust,' as his Creator appropriately named him from his frailty (Genesis 5:2; Genesis 3:19). Man is of earth, and returns to earth (1 Corinthians 15:47).
Neither may he contend. Romans 9:20; 1 Corinthians 10:22 alludes to this passage: "Are we stronger than he?" Instead of restlessly contending with our lot here, which is His appointment, and insatiably seeking riches, let us thankfully enjoy His mercies, and learn the lesson of discipline and purification designed in our present trials (Ecclesiastes 3:18).