Translations
Modern
I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.
Traditional
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
Literal
I have seen the task that God has given to the sons of man, to be occupied with it.
Latin
Vidi afflictionem quam dedit Deus filiis hominum, ut distendantur in ea.
Original
Hebrew
English
I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.
Notes
the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men: God made our work harder after humans rebelled against Him (Genesis 3:17–19). This burden is not too heavy for us to enjoy our work and its rewards (Ecclesiastes 3:11213).
Every activity has a right time (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8), but only God knows when that time is (Ecclesiastes 3:9–11). People should accept uncertainty and trust God, who rewards wise and righteous work with enjoyment.