Ecclesiastes 5:16

King James Version (KJV)

And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

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In context

14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

15 As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

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

18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

Read the whole of Ecclesiastes 5

Ecclesiastes 5:16 in every translation

KJV King James Version: And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
WEB World English Bible: This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?
BSB Berean Standard Bible: This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?
ASV American Standard Version: And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?
YLT Young's Literal Translation: And this also [is] a painful evil, just as he came, so he goeth, and what advantage [is] to him who laboureth for wind?
DBY Darby Translation: And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came so doth he go away, and what profit hath he, in having laboured for the wind?
WBS Webster Bible: And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath labored for the wind?