"Ecclesiastes" is a book from the Old Testament, belonging to the Ketuvim ('Writings') of the Hebrew Bible and the Wisdom literature of the Christian Old Testament. The book takes the form of a fictional autobiography.
Attribution of authorship is debated. While tradition ascribes the book to King Solomon (c. 970–931 BCE), based on the opening verse identifying the speaker as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem", many modern scholars suggest a later, post-exilic date. Linguistic analysis points to a composition possibly between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE. The author refers to himself as "Qoheleth" (translated as "Teacher" or "Preacher").
Ecclesiastes explores the meaning of life and the futility of worldly pursuits, concluding that without God, all of life is vanity. Qoheleth reflects on experiences and concludes that nothing is ultimately reliable, as death levels everyone. The book advises partaking in life in the present and finding enjoyment in daily life as gifts from God. It ends with the injunction to "Fear God and keep his commandments". Key themes include the meaninglessness of life without God, the fleeting nature of human existence, and the importance of fearing God.
Passages from Ecclesiastes have appeared in various forms of media. For example, verses have been quoted in novels such as The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The Byrds' 1965 hit song "Turn! Turn! Turn!" adapted text from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The book has also influenced titles of novels and films, such as The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton and Every Secret Thing.
