Ecclesiastes 6:2 Meaning of Foreigner or Stranger

Ecclesiastes 6:2 describes a person to whom God has given wealth, possessions, and honor, yet God "gives him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it" (KJV). The term "stranger" or "foreigner" in this context refers to someone outside the immediate family or community of the wealthy individual who ultimately benefits from their accumulated riches.

The Text

Ecclesiastes 6:2 (KJV) states: "A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease."

Literary Context

The book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to "the Preacher" or Qoheleth, explores the meaning and purpose of life "under the sun." The author frequently laments the futility and vanity (Hebrew: hebel) of human endeavors, particularly the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and wisdom, when viewed from a purely earthly perspective. Chapter 6 continues this theme, focusing on the unsatisfying nature of riches when one cannot enjoy them. The preceding verses (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17) discuss the insatiable desire for wealth and the sorrow that often accompanies it, noting that those who accumulate riches often find their sleep disturbed and their enjoyment limited. Ecclesiastes 6:1 introduces the idea of a "sickness" or "evil" that the Preacher has observed, which is then elaborated upon in verse 2: the inability to enjoy one's wealth, with a "stranger" ultimately consuming it. This reinforces the overarching message that human effort and accumulation are ultimately fleeting and subject to divine will, often leading to an outcome contrary to one's desires.

Historical Setting

The book of Ecclesiastes is generally dated to the post-exilic period, possibly as late as the 3rd century BCE, though some scholars argue for an earlier Solomonic authorship ^[10]. Regardless of the precise date, the social and economic conditions reflected in the text depict a society where wealth accumulation was possible, but also where social instability or unexpected events could lead to the loss or redistribution of that wealth. The concept of a "stranger" or "foreigner" was well-established in ancient Israelite society, with specific legal and social implications ^{[1, 3, 4]}.

Key Terms

The central term in Ecclesiastes 6:2 is "stranger" (Hebrew: zar). This word carries various nuances in the Old Testament:

• Foreigner/Alien: In its most common usage, zar refers to someone from a foreign land, not of the Israelite people ^{[1, 3]}. For example, 2 Chronicles 6:32 and 33 (KJV) speaks of "the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country" ^[2]. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines a "foreigner" as a Gentile residing among the Hebrews, and a "stranger" as a person from a foreign land residing in Palestine ^{[1, 3]}. These individuals often enjoyed certain rights but remained distinct from native-born Israelites ^{[1, 3, 4]}. The Tyndale House commentary on Deuteronomy 28:43 notes that the Hebrew term for "sojourners" (ger) refers to those regarded as the weakest and most vulnerable elements of Israelite society, who might dominate in a day of judgment ^[10]. Similarly, the Tyndale House commentary on Leviticus 16:29 describes the ger as non-Israelites living among Israelites, who participated in worship and were expected to abide by Israelite law ^[11].
• Non-family member/Outsider: The term can also denote someone outside a specific family, tribe, or priestly lineage. For instance, Numbers 3:10 uses "stranger" to refer to someone not of the family of Aaron ^[3].
• Unknown Person: In some contexts, zar can simply mean an unknown person or an alien ^[3].
• Apostate/Estranged: The Babylonian Talmud, in discussing the term "stranger" in a different context (Zevachim 22b.5), interprets it not as a gentile, but as someone whose actions are "estranged from his Father in Heaven," an apostate who regularly sins ^[9]. This highlights a metaphorical extension of the term to describe someone alienated from their spiritual heritage.

In Ecclesiastes 6:2, the context suggests zar refers to someone who is not the intended heir or beneficiary of the wealthy person's labor. This could be a literal foreigner, an unrelated individual, or simply someone outside the immediate family who unexpectedly inherits or gains control of the wealth. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Hosea 7:9, for example, interprets "strangers" as foreigners like the Syrians and Assyrians who consumed Israel's strength ^[8]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Isaiah 43:12 also uses "strange" to mean foreign, introduced from abroad, in the context of strange gods ^[7].

Major Exegetical Decisions and Interpretations

The core interpretive decision in Ecclesiastes 6:2 revolves around the precise identity of the "stranger" and the nature of the "power to eat thereof."

1. Identity of the "Stranger":

   • Literal Foreigner/Outsider: Many interpretations understand "stranger" literally as someone not related to the wealthy individual, perhaps a conqueror, a distant relative, or even a public entity that confiscates the wealth ^{[1, 3]}. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding of zar as an outsider ^{[1, 3, 4]}. The Tyndale House commentary on Zechariah 9:6 notes that the Hebrew word for "foreigners" (zar) can signify a loss of political and social identity, which could apply to the original owner of the wealth ^[12].
   • Unworthy Heir: The "stranger" could also represent an unworthy or undeserving heir, someone who did not labor for the wealth but nonetheless inherits it. This emphasizes the vanity of accumulating riches only for them to fall into the hands of someone who may squander them or not appreciate the effort involved in their acquisition.
   • Divine Agent: Some interpretations view the "stranger" as an agent of divine judgment or providence. God "gives him not power to eat thereof," implying a divine intervention that diverts the wealth. This aligns with the Preacher's frequent acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over human affairs.

2. "Power to Eat Thereof":

   • Physical Inability to Enjoy: This phrase can mean a literal inability to enjoy the wealth due to illness, mental distress, or an early death. The person has the riches but cannot derive pleasure or benefit from them. This aligns with the "evil disease" mentioned at the end of the verse.
   • Lack of Opportunity/Circumstance: It could also refer to circumstances that prevent enjoyment, such as political instability, war, or economic collapse, where the wealth is lost or seized before it can be used.
   • Spiritual or Psychological Incapacity: The "power to eat" might also imply a spiritual or psychological inability to find satisfaction in material possessions. The person may have everything but remains unfulfilled, a common theme in Ecclesiastes.

The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Ephesians 2:19, while discussing a different context, distinguishes between "strangers" and "sojourners," noting that "sojourners" are opposed to "members of the household," just as "strangers" are opposed to "fellow citizens" ^[5]. This distinction highlights the idea of belonging and exclusion, which is central to the meaning of "stranger" in Ecclesiastes 6:2. The wealthy individual is denied the "household" enjoyment of their riches, which instead goes to an outsider.

Function in Tradition

Ecclesiastes 6:2 has functioned in religious tradition as a stark reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human endeavors.

• Critique of Materialism: The verse serves as a critique of materialism, highlighting the futility of accumulating wealth for its own sake. It underscores the idea that true satisfaction does not come from possessions, especially if one cannot enjoy them or if they are ultimately inherited by those who did not earn them.
• Divine Providence: It emphasizes divine providence, suggesting that God ultimately controls who benefits from wealth. The inability to enjoy one's riches is presented as a divine act ("God giveth him not power"), reinforcing the Preacher's theological perspective that human plans are subject to God's will.
• Call for Contentment: By illustrating the vanity of unfulfilled wealth, the passage implicitly encourages contentment with what one has and a focus on more enduring values.
• Social Justice Implications: While not explicitly a social justice text, the idea of wealth being diverted to "strangers" can, in some interpretations, touch upon themes of economic inequality or the unexpected redistribution of resources, prompting reflection on the ethical dimensions of wealth. The Midrash Rabbah, Shemot Rabbah 19:4, for instance, discusses the inclusion of foreigners in the Passover offering, indicating a tradition of considering the integration and rights of outsiders within the community, even if initially excluded ^[6].

The verse encapsulates a central paradox of Ecclesiastes: despite all human effort and success, the outcome is often beyond one's control, leading to a sense of emptiness and frustration. The "stranger" in this context represents the unpredictable element of life that can negate the perceived benefits of wealth, making the pursuit of riches "vanity, and it is an evil disease."