Ecc 4:4-6 | NETfull | STEP | Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless

Ecclesiastes 4:4-6

Labor Motivated by Envy

4 Then I considered ^{▼▼ Heb “saw.”} all the skillful work ^{▼▼ Heb “all the toil and all the skill.” This Hebrew clause (אֶת־כָּל־עָמָל וְאֵת כָּל־כִּשְׁרוֹן, ’et-kol-’amal v^e’et kol-kishron) is a nominal hendiadys (a figurative expression in which two independent phrases are used to connote the same thing). The second functions adverbially, modifying the first, which retains its full nominal function: “all the skillful work.”} that is done:
Surely it is nothing more than ^{▼▼ The phrase “nothing more than” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.} competition ^{▼▼ The noun קִנְאַה (qin’ah, “competition”) has a wide range of meanings: “zeal; jealousy; envy; rivalry; competition; suffering; animosity; anger; wrath” (HALOT 1110 s.v.; BDB 888 s.v.). Here, as in 9:6, it denotes “rivalry” (BDB 888 s.v. 1) or “competitive spirit” (HALOT 1110 s.v. 1.b). The LXX rendered it ζῆλος (zēlos, “envy; jealousy”). The English versions reflect this broad range: “rivalry” (NEB, NAB, NASB), “envy” (KJV, ASV, RSV, NRSV, MLB, NIV, NJPS), and “jealousy” (Moffatt).} between one person and another. ^{▼▼ Heb “a man and his neighbor.”}
This also is profitless – like ^{▼▼ The word “like” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.} chasing the wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and does no work, ^{▼▼ Heb “the fool folds his hands.” The Hebrew idiom means that he does not work (e.g., Prov 6:10; 24:33). In the translation the words “and does no work” (which do not appear in the Hebrew text) have been supplied following the idiom to clarify what is meant.}
so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh. ^{▼▼ Heb “and eats his own flesh.” Most English versions render the idiom literally: “and eats/consumes his flesh” (KJV, AS, NASB, NAB, RSV, NRSV, NJPS). However, a few versions attempt to explain the idiom: “and lets life go to ruin” (Moffatt), “and wastes away” (NEB), “and ruins himself” (NIV).}
6 Better is one handful with some rest
than two hands full of toil ^{▼▼ Qoheleth lists three approaches to labor: (1) the competitive workaholic in 4:4, (2) the impoverished sluggard in 4:5, and (3) the contented laborer in 4:6. The balanced approach rebukes the two extremes.} and chasing the wind.