עִנְיָן (in.yan)

in.yan

task

H6045 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 6 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun inyan refers to a specific task, occupation, or piece of work. It appears exclusively in the book of Ecclesiastes, where it describes the labor and efforts that occupy human life. The word captures the concrete reality of daily toil rather than abstract ambition.

Its narrow distribution highlights how the Teacher views work as a central, yet often perplexing, part of existence. In this context, inyan is not merely a job title but the actual substance of one’s days—the projects and duties that demand attention and energy.

Translators typically render it as "task" or "occupation," reflecting its focus on the activity itself. By limiting the word to Ecclesiastes, the text emphasizes how these daily burdens are weighed against the search for meaning in a transient world.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word inyan describes the specific tasks that fill our days. Ecclesiastes uses this term to show how work is a heavy burden given by God. It is not just about career goals, but the daily grind of labor and effort.

This reality can feel exhausting when we seek meaning in our achievements. Yet, the text reminds us that wisdom and joy are gifts from God, not rewards for our toil alone. We do not have to carry the weight of the world on our own shoulders.

Instead of striving endlessly for satisfaction in our tasks, we can find peace in knowing that our value is not defined by our productivity. This perspective offers rest for the weary heart.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ task2×
task/ his1×
and/ [is] a task of1×
a task1×
[is] a task of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

עִנְיָנ֔/וֹ1×
עִנְיָ֜ן1×
עִנְיַ֣ן1×
וְ/עִנְיַ֥ן1×
הָֽ/עִנְיָ֗ן1×
הָ֣/עִנְיָ֔ן1×

Key Verses

Ecclesiastes 1:13
I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

This verse introduces the concept of a heavy burden given to humanity, setting the stage for understanding inyan as a divine assignment rather than mere human ambition.
Ecclesiastes 2:23
For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.

Here the word highlights the sorrow and grief that accompany daily labor, showing how work can become a source of unrest even when it is necessary.
Ecclesiastes 4:8
There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.

The solitary worker's endless labor illustrates the futility of seeking fulfillment in tasks alone, emphasizing the isolation that can accompany a life defined only by work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word inyan mean?

Inyan refers to a specific task, occupation, or piece of work. It appears exclusively in Ecclesiastes to describe the concrete reality of daily toil and the efforts that occupy human life.

Why is this word only found in Ecclesiastes?

Its narrow distribution emphasizes how the Teacher views work as a central yet perplexing part of existence. It highlights the tension between daily labor and the search for meaning in a transient world.

How does inyan differ from general words for work?

While other terms might refer to abstract ambition or general activity, inyan captures the specific substance of one’s days—the projects and duties that demand attention and energy.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)

Ecclesiastes 6 verses

Ecclesiastes 1:13

I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden…

Ecclesiastes 2:23

For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is…

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and…

Ecclesiastes 3:10

I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

Ecclesiastes 4:8

There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his…

Ecclesiastes 8:16

When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on the earth (even though eyes see no…