Ecclesiastes — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on ecclesiastes, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Ecclesiastes 1:14 (KJV)
According to the first chapter, what is the state of all things under the sun?
Answer: Vanity and vexation of spirit
Study note. The Preacher declares that all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Lesson 2 · Ecclesiastes 3:2 (KJV)
The Preacher states that 'to every thing there is a season,' including a time to be born and a time to what?
Answer: Die
Study note. The text pairs the time to be born with a time to die.
Lesson 3 · Ecclesiastes 7:1 (KJV)
What does the Preacher say is better than a precious ointment?
Answer: A good name
Study note. A good name is better than precious ointment.
Lesson 4 · Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV)
According to chapter 4, what is a 'threefold cord' not quickly broken?
Answer: A threefold cord
Study note. The scripture notes that a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Lesson 5 · Ecclesiastes 12:6 (KJV)
What happens to the silver cord when man goes to his long home?
Answer: It is loosed
Study note. The Preacher warns of the time 'or ever the silver cord be loosed.'
Lesson 6 · Ecclesiastes 1:9 (KJV)
Complete the phrase: 'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be... and there is no ____ thing under the sun.'
Answer: New
Study note. The Preacher famously observes there is no new thing under the sun.
Lesson 7 · Ecclesiastes 9:11 (KJV)
In chapter 9, the Preacher observes that the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the whom?
Answer: The strong
Study note. He notes that the battle is not always to the strong.
Lesson 8 · Ecclesiastes 11:1 (KJV)
What instruction is given regarding bread in chapter 11?
Answer: Cast thy bread upon the waters
Study note. The text says to cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
Lesson 9 · Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJV)
Whom should a person remember 'in the days of thy youth'?
Answer: Thy Creator
Study note. The youth are exhorted to remember now thy Creator.
Lesson 10 · Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)
What is the conclusion of the whole matter, according to the final chapter?
Answer: Fear God, and keep his commandments
Study note. The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does ecclesiastes point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?