The Curse of Work in Qoheleth: An Exposé of Genesis 3:17–19 in Ecclesiastes

Abstract

The frustrations of work are a major leitmotif in Qoheleth. This paper takes an intertextual approach and applies theological criticism to Qoheleth in an attempt to see if the author was dependent upon Gn. 3:17–19 for the background to his leitmotif of work. An apology for the traditional interpretation of the universal Fall and original sin in Genesis 3 is provided on the basis of literary critical analysis. Test cases from four categories were used in an attempt to prove Qoheleth’s dependence on Gn. 3:17–19: work in general (1:311), intellectual pursuits (1:12–18), business and achievements (2:4–23) and in politics (8:1–10:20).