Original Word: רְעוּת
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: r`uwth
Pronunciation: reh-OOTH
Phonetic Spelling: (reh-ooth')
KJV: vexation
NASB: striving
Word Origin: [probably from H7462 (רָעָה - To shepherd)]

1. a feeding upon, i.e. grasping after

vexation

Probably from ra'ah; a feeding upon, i.e. Grasping after -- vexation.

see HEBREW ra'ah

Word Origin
from the same as rea
Definition
longing, striving
NASB Translation
striving (7).

II. רְעוּת noun feminine longing, striving; — construct, רוּחַ ׳הֶבֶל וּר Ecclesiastes 1:14; Ecclesiastes 2:11,17,26; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Ecclesiastes 6:9; רוּחַ ׳עָמָל וּר Ecclesiastes 4:6.

Range of usage

The term occurs seven times, all in Ecclesiastes (1:14; 2:11; 2:17; 2:26; 4:4; 4:6; 6:9). Each instance appears in the recurring formula “vanity and a chasing after the wind,” forming a literary refrain that frames the Preacher’s meditation on life “under the sun.” By confining the word to this single book, Scripture links it inseparably to Ecclesiastes’ dominant theme: the elusiveness of meaning when sought apart from God.

Literary and thematic function

1. Assessment of human achievement

Ecclesiastes 2:11 gathers the results of monumental projects, pleasure-seeking, and accumulated wealth, only to conclude, “I found everything to be vanity and a chasing after the wind”. The word underscores that human accomplishments, however dazzling, cannot secure lasting satisfaction.

2. Exposure of misplaced motivation

In Ecclesiastes 4:4 the Teacher observes that “every labor and every skillful work is done out of man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is vanity and a chasing after the wind”. Striving becomes an engine driven by rivalry, revealing the moral futility of self-exalting ambition.

3. Warning against restless desire

Ecclesiastes 6:9 contrasts contentment with the endless roving of appetite: “Better what the eyes see than the roaming of desire. This too is vanity and a chasing after the wind”. Here the term pictures an untethered, roving impulse that sabotages present enjoyment.

Contrast between human striving and divine gift

Confronting the futility of relentless pursuit, the Preacher repeatedly urges grateful reception of God’s gracious provisions:

• Ecclesiastes 2:24–25 commends simple enjoyment of food, drink, and toil as “from the hand of God.”
• Ecclesiastes 2:26 notes that while the sinner is assigned wearisome accumulation, “to the man who is pleasing in His sight, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy”.

Thus the word functions as a foil, highlighting the qualitative difference between self-directed effort and God-bestowed contentment.

Historical backdrop within wisdom literature

Ecclesiastes is situated in Israel’s wisdom tradition, yet its tone is markedly sober. The repeated description of labor as “a chasing after the wind” acknowledges the post-Eden reality of toil frustrated by the curse (Genesis 3:17–19). Israel’s sages never denied the value of diligence (Proverbs 6:6-11), but Ecclesiastes exposes the insufficiency of toil when severed from covenant trust in the Creator.

Canonical connections

The motif anticipates New Testament teaching that warns against earthly fixation:

• Jesus asks, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
• Paul exhorts believers to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

By revealing the fleeting nature of human striving, Ecclesiastes prepares the reader to seek durable treasure in the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19–33).

Practical ministry applications

1. Cultivating contentment

Ecclesiastes 4:6 recommends “one handful with tranquility” over compulsive accumulation. Pastoral counsel can draw on this verse to challenge consumerism and encourage Sabbath rhythms.

2. Diagnosing envy and rivalry

Ecclesiastes 4:4 uncovers the competitive impulse behind many vocational pursuits. Discipleship conversations can apply this insight to workplace ambition, academic achievement, and social media comparison.

3. Encouraging God-centered labor

While condemning empty striving, the book affirms purposeful work done in reverent dependence (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Believers are urged to labor “not unto men, but unto the Lord” (cf. Colossians 3:23).

Reflection for contemporary believers

Modern life multiplies avenues for self-advancement, yet the heart-cry expressed by the Preacher remains: restless effort, detached from God, is “a chasing after the wind.” The antidote is joyful reception of every good and perfect gift from above, coupled with labor offered in faith. Viewing vocation, possessions, and relationships through this lens frees the church to model a life of peace that stands in sharp contrast to the world’s unending pursuit of more.

וּרְע֣וּת וּרְע֥וּת ורעות ū·rə·‘ūṯ ūrə‘ūṯ ureUtInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts