[1][2] The book contains philosophical speeches by a character called '(the) Qoheleth' ("the Teacher"), composed probably between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE.

[3] Peshitta, Targum, and Talmud attribute the authorship of the book to King Solomon.

[4] Michael Eaton notes that this chapter and the next are characterized by the encouragement to make decision and the need to act speedily.

Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B;

[3] The New King James Version divides this chapter into two sections: The keyword for this section is "faith" or considerable trust, so the ominous outlook or the unexpected happenings will not ruin the joy of life.