Ecclesiastes 5:15-17

5:15 Just as he came forth from his mother's womb, naked will he return as he came,

and he will take nothing in his hand that he may carry away from his toil.

5:16 This is another misfortune: ¹ 

Just as he came, so will he go.

What did he gain from toiling for the wind?

5:17 Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, ² 

and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.

[5:16]  ¹ tn See the note on the phrase “depressing misfortune” in v. 13.

[5:17]  ² tn Heb “all his days.” The phrase “of his life” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.