Ecclesiastes 4:8

There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 (KJV)

Context

Ecclesiastes is attributed to King Solomon, who reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the search for meaning. This verse belongs to a passage that contrasts the emptiness of solitary toil with the benefits of companionship.

Meaning

The verse describes a man who is completely alone. He has no child or brother, no one to share his life or inherit his work. Yet he labors without end, and his eye is never satisfied with riches. He never asks, “For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good?” His work has no purpose beyond himself.

This is called “vanity” and “a sore travail.” The man’s toil is painful and empty because it is disconnected from relationships and from God. He works only to feed an insatiable desire for more, never stopping to reflect on why he works.

Biblical connections

The broader passage in Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 shows that two are better than one, for they can help each other and keep warm together. This verse sets the contrast: the solitary man’s labor is futile, while shared labor brings reward and support. The Bible consistently teaches that work is good, but it becomes meaningless when it is self-centered and isolated from others.

Application

This verse warns against the trap of relentless work and accumulation without asking why. It invites us to examine our own motivations. Do we work only for ourselves, or do we labor for the good of others and for God’s purposes? It also reminds us of our deep need for community. Meaningful relationships give purpose to our efforts and protect us from the emptiness of isolation.

Reflection

Consider your own labor. Are you satisfied with what you have, or do you always crave more? Do you have people in your life who share your work and your joys? The man in this verse never asked the most important question: “For whom do I labor?” We can learn from his mistake by seeking fulfillment beyond material wealth, in relationships and in God.