Unknown for certain. (Much debated for centuries.)

Traditionally ascribed to Solomon, son of David, especially by the Jew. However, it must be noted that nowhere in the work is he mentioned by name.

Others have speculated to as many as 10 co-authors. (Somewhat absurd for such a short work.)

In Hebrew, the title (vs.1) reads: "THE WORDS OF QOHELETH," a rare term appearing uniquely in this work some 7 times. Translated into the Latin, CONCIONATOR, by Jerome (early Church writer, ca. A.D.340-420?). Meaning, "Speaker of the House," or, "before the Assembly". Hence the evolution into English: "PREACHER."

Many have interpreted this term QOHELETH to designate the "Officer of the Kahal," meaning, "Master of Ceremonies," or, "(Speaker?) of the Assembly."

Also some have interpreted from Hebrew "COUNSELLOR" rather than "KING" of vs.1, thus indicating the possibility of an author other than Solomon. 1:12 is further used as proof of this possibility, for at no time did Solomon ever lose his reign in Jerusalem as king; and so "KING" could only be interpreted as "COUNSELLOR."

Another argument against the Solomonic authorship is the cultural and societal decline (4:1-3) and increase of misery Ecclesiastes reflects in contrast to Solomon's day.

Suffice to say, there isn't enough evidence to assess the correct author rather than God Himself.

Since we cannot know for certain the author, likewise, we cannot know its time. If Solomon - then the period of his life, ca. 977 B.C.? If others, some date it to the post-exilic era, ca. 200-300 B.C. Most critical scholars accept the period of 200-280 B.C., with the time of Malachi seen by many as being the most likely period of origin.

Because of the Greek & Epicurean's influences read into this work, this latter time period is argued by some.

Finally, evidence exists that it could not be during or later than the Maccabean Period (167-63 B.C.).

Though the influence of Aramaic (and even 2 Persian words, 2:5 & 8:11) are seen in this work, there is no reason to believe it wasn't originally composed in Hebrew.

All life lived to the exclusion of God is unfulfilling.

All men are common in the eyes of God. Not one is different than all have been before; and death comes to all alike.

Man's riches are a result of God's blessings.

God gives joy to the good at heart. Man makes himself miserable by his own greed.

The whole duty of man is to reverence (fear) God and serve Him from the abundance of his heart (keep His commandments).

According to Jewish teachings, it is the 4th in order of 5 scrolls (Megilloth) read at various holy days in the year. (S.of S., Ruth, Lamentations, & Esther being the other 4.)

It is also held by Rabbinic sources that Solomon composed his Canticles in his youth, stressing conjugal love; his Proverbs in mid-life, stressing practical problems, and this work in old-age with its characteristic pessimisms.*

Though not the quality of Job, it remains Hebrew poetry at its best, with its Hebrew rhythmical characteristics.

Because the way certain words are accented, Hebrew has been purported to be the best of languages for poetic expressions.

It should be clear to the novice reader that certain religious philosophies which espouse mankind as becoming increasingly better as he increases in knowledge is debunked by this work. Man's knowledge apart from God's wisdom is increasingly leading him to the precipice of destruction. MAN WITHOUT GOD IS HOPELESS! Christ comes to fulfill all man's longing! He is the answer to man's search for completion and satisfaction in life. All Earth's possessions mean nothing without His redemptive gift of Eternal Life in a soon coming, unending, and incorruptible new world!