
The Book of Ecclesiastes
Old Testament
Ecclesiastes Summary — Book Overview
- Author
- Solomon (traditionally)
- Written
- ~935 BC
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Chapters
- 12
- Key Theme
- The search for meaning — apart from God, all is fleeting.
- Written For
- All who search for purpose and meaning
Introduction of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes takes its name from the Greek for “assembler” or “preacher,” referring to the main speaker traditionally identified as King Solomon. Likely written in the 10th or 3rd century BC, the book records a brutally honest search for meaning. The Preacher (“Qoheleth”) explores pleasure, work, wisdom, wealth, and legacy — only to repeatedly declare them “vanity” or “chasing after wind.” Through this relentless quest, the book forces readers to confront life’s deepest frustrations. Its surprising conclusion about what truly matters lingers long after the final words.


