Albert Barnes Commentary Ecclesiastes 1:14

"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind." — Ecclesiastes 1:14 (ASV)

Vexation of spirit – This phrase occurs seven times and can also be translated as “feeding on wind.” Modern Hebrew grammarians assert that the word translated as “vexation” must be derived from a root meaning “to feed,” “to follow,” or “to strive after.”

This being admitted, two translations can be chosen:

1. “Striving after wind” or “windy effort,” adopted by the Septuagint and the majority of modern interpreters.
2. “Feeding on wind.” Compare Hosea 12:1 and similar phrases in Proverbs 15:14, Isaiah 44:20, and Psalm 37:3.