Ecclesiastes 5:12

The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

King James Version

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Other Translations for Ecclesiastes 5:12

BSB

The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.

AKJV

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

CPDV

Sleep is sweet to one who works, whether he consumes little or much. But the satiation of a wealthy man will not permit him to sleep.

ERV

The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

NHEB

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

SMT

The sleep of the servant is sweet, if little, or if much he shall eat: and the satiety to the rich not permitting to him to sleep.

Word Study (Strong’s) for Ecclesiastes 5:12

ThesleepH8142Noun FeminineofalabouringmanH5647VerbissweetH4966whetherheeatH398Verb littleH4592ormuchH7235VerbbuttheabundanceH7647Noun MasculineoftherichH6223willnotsufferH3240VerbhimtosleepH3462Verb

Commentary for Ecclesiastes 5:12

Please note: this is not Scripture

These study resources are provided for informational purposes only. They reflect human interpretation, are subject to human error, and should not be considered divinely inspired or authoritative.

Barnes’ Notes Classic commentary from Albert Barnes Matthew Henry Commentary Classic commentary from Matthew Henry

Overview of Ecclesiastes 5:12

Summary

Labor brings sweet sleep; riches prevent restful sleep.

Event

Contrasting sleep quality by wealth

Estimated Time Period

c. 950 BC