Silver Letter Edition | Kjv

Search

StrongsHitchcockEastonsNavesMatthew HenryFootnotesPersonal Notes

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 1

¹The words^H1697 of the Preacher^H6953, the son^H1121 of David^H1732, king^H4428 in Jerusalem^H3389. ²Vanity^H1892 of vanities^H1892, saith^H0559 the Preacher^H6953, vanity^H1892 of vanities^H1892; all is vanity^H1892. ³What profit^H3504 hath a man^H0120 of all his labour^H5999 which he taketh^H5998 under the sun^H8121?

⁴ One generation^H1755 passeth away^H1980, and another generation^H1755 cometh^H0935: but the earth^H0776 abideth^H5975 for ever^H5769. ⁵The sun^H8121 also ariseth^H2224, and the sun^H8121 goeth down^H0935, and hasteth^H7602 to his place^H4725 where he arose^H2224. ⁶The wind^H7307 goeth^H1980 toward the south^H1864, and turneth about^H5437 unto the north^H6828; it whirleth about continually^H1980, and the wind^H7307 returneth again^H7725 according to his circuits^H5439. ⁷All the rivers^H5158 run^H1980 into the sea^H3220; yet the sea^H3220 is not full^H4392; unto the place^H4725 from whence the rivers^H5158 come^H1980, thither they return^H7725 again^H3212. ⁸All things^H1697 are full of labour^H3023; man^H0376 cannot^H3201 utter^H1696 it: the eye^H5869 is not satisfied^H7646 with seeing^H7200, nor the ear^H0241 filled^H4390 with hearing^H8085.

⁹The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done^H6213 is that which shall be done^H6213: and there is no new^H2319 thing under the sun^H8121. ¹⁰Is there^H3426 any thing^H1697 whereof it may be said^H0559, See^H7200, this is new^H2319? it hath been already^H3528 of old time^H5769, which was before^H6440 us. ¹¹ There is no remembrance^H2146 of former^H7223 things; neither shall there be any remembrance^H2146 of things that are to come^H0314 with those that shall come after^H0314.

¹²I the Preacher^H6953 was king^H4428 over Israel^H3478 in Jerusalem^H3389. ¹³And I gave^H5414 my heart^H3820 to seek^H1875 and search out^H8446 by wisdom^H2451 concerning all things that are done^H6213 under heaven^H8064: this sore^H7451 travail^H6045 hath God^H0430 given^H5414 to the sons^H1121 of man^H0120 to be exercised^H6031 therewith. ¹⁴I have seen^H7200 all the works^H4639 that are done^H6213 under the sun^H8121; and, behold, all is vanity^H1892 and vexation^H7469 of spirit^H7307. ¹⁵ That which is crooked^H5791 cannot^H3201 be made straight^H8626: and that which is wanting^H2642 cannot^H3201 be numbered^H4487. ¹⁶I communed^H1696 with mine own heart^H3820, saying^H0559, Lo, I am come to great estate^H1431, and have gotten^H3254 more wisdom^H2451 than all they that have been before^H6440 me in Jerusalem^H3389: yea, my heart^H3820 had great^H7235 experience^H7200 of wisdom^H2451 and knowledge^H1847. ¹⁷And I gave^H5414 my heart^H3820 to know^H3045 wisdom^H2451, and to know^H3045 madness^H1947 and folly^H5531: I perceived^H3045 that this^H1571 also is vexation^H7475 of spirit^H7307. ¹⁸For in much^H7230 wisdom^H2451 is much^H7230 grief^H3708: and he that increaseth^H3254 knowledge^H1847 increaseth^H3254 sorrow^H4341.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 2

¹I said^H0559 in mine heart^H3820, Go to now^H3212, I will prove^H5254 thee with mirth^H8057, therefore enjoy^H7200 pleasure^H2896: and, behold, this also is vanity^H1892. ²I said^H0559 of laughter^H7814, It is mad^H1984: and of mirth^H8057, What^H2090 doeth^H6213 it? ³I sought^H8446 in mine heart^H3820 to give^H4900 myself^H1320 unto wine^H3196, yet acquainting^H5090 mine heart^H3820 with wisdom^H2451; and to lay hold^H0270 on folly^H5531, till I might see^H7200 what was that good^H2896 for the sons^H1121 of men^H0120, which they should do^H6213 under the heaven^H8064 all^H4557 the days^H3117 of their life^H2416. ⁴I made me great^H1431 works^H4639; I builded^H1129 me houses^H1004; I planted^H5193 me vineyards^H3754: ⁵I made^H6213 me gardens^H1593 and orchards^H6508, and I planted^H5193 trees^H6086 in them of all kind of fruits^H6529: ⁶I made^H6213 me pools^H1295 of water^H4325, to water^H8248 therewith the wood^H3293 that bringeth forth^H6779 trees^H6086: ⁷I got^H7069 me servants^H5650 and maidens^H8198, and had servants born^H1121 in my house^H1004; also I had great^H7235 possessions^H4735 of great^H1241 and small cattle^H6629 above all that were in Jerusalem^H3389 before^H6440 me: ⁸I gathered^H3664 me also silver^H3701 and gold^H2091, and the peculiar treasure^H5459 of kings^H4428 and of the provinces^H4082: I gat^H6213 me men singers^H7891 and women singers^H7891, and the delights^H8588 of the sons^H1121 of men^H0120, as musical instruments^H7705, and that of all sorts. ⁹So I was great^H1431, and increased^H3254 more than all that were before^H6440 me in Jerusalem^H3389: also my wisdom^H2451 remained^H5975 with me. ¹⁰And whatsoever mine eyes^H5869 desired^H7592 I kept^H0680 not from them, I withheld^H4513 not my heart^H3820 from any joy^H8057; for my heart^H3820 rejoiced^H8056 in all my labour^H5999: and this was my portion^H2506 of all my labour^H5999. ¹¹Then I looked^H6437 on all the works^H4639 that my hands^H3027 had wrought^H6213, and on the labour^H5999 that I had laboured^H5998 to do^H6213: and, behold, all was vanity^H1892 and vexation^H7469 of spirit^H7307, and there was no profit^H3504 under the sun^H8121.

¹²And I turned^H6437 myself to behold^H7200 wisdom^H2451, and madness^H1947, and folly^H5531: for what can the man^H0120 do that cometh^H0935 after^H0310 the king^H4428? even that which hath been already^H3528 done^H6213. ¹³Then I saw^H7200 that^H3426 wisdom^H2451 excelleth^H3504 folly^H5531, as far as light^H0216 excelleth^H3504 darkness^H2822. ¹⁴The wise mans^H2450 eyes^H5869 are in his head^H7218; but the fool^H3684 walketh^H1980 in darkness^H2822: and I myself perceived^H3045 also that one^H0259 event^H4745 happeneth^H7136 to them all. ¹⁵Then^H0227 said^H0559 I in my heart^H3820, As it happeneth^H4745 to the fool^H3684, so it happeneth^H7136 even to me^H1571; and why was I then more^H3148 wise^H2449? Then I said^H1696 in my heart^H3820, that this also is vanity^H1892. ¹⁶For there is no remembrance^H2146 of the wise^H2450 more than^H5973 of the fool^H3684 for ever^H5769; seeing that which now^H3528 is in the days^H3117 to come^H0935 shall all be forgotten^H7911. And how dieth^H4191 the wise^H2450 man ? as the fool^H3684.

¹⁷Therefore I hated^H8130 life^H2416; because the work^H4639 that is wrought^H6213 under the sun^H8121 is grievous^H7451 unto me: for all is vanity^H1892 and vexation^H7469 of spirit^H7307.

¹⁸Yea, I hated^H8130 all my labour^H5999 which I had taken^H6001 under the sun^H8121: because I should leave^H3240 it unto the man^H0120 that shall be after^H0310 me. ¹⁹And who knoweth^H3045 whether he shall be a wise^H2450 man or a fool^H5530? yet shall he have rule^H7980 over all my labour^H5999 wherein I have laboured^H5998, and wherein I have shewed myself wise^H2449 under the sun^H8121. This is also vanity^H1892. ²⁰Therefore I went about^H5437 to cause^H2976 my heart^H3820 to despair^H2976 of all the labour^H5999 which I took^H5998 under the sun^H8121. ²¹For there is^H3426 a man^H0120 whose labour^H5999 is in wisdom^H2451, and in knowledge^H1847, and in equity^H3788; yet to a man^H0120 that hath not laboured^H5998 therein shall he leave^H5414 it for his portion^H2506. This also is vanity^H1892 and a great^H7227 evil^H7451. ²²For what hath^H1933 man^H0120 of all his labour^H5999, and of the vexation^H7475 of his heart^H3820, wherein^H1931 he hath laboured^H6001 under the sun^H8121? ²³For all his days^H3117 are sorrows^H4341, and his travail^H6045 grief^H3708; yea, his heart^H3820 taketh not rest^H7901 in the night^H3915. This is also vanity^H1892.

²⁴ There is nothing better^H2896 for a man^H0120, than that he should eat^H0398 and drink^H8354, and that he should make his soul^H5315 enjoy^H7200 good^H2896 in his labour^H5999. This^H2090 also I saw^H7200, that it was from the hand^H3027 of God^H0430. ²⁵For who can eat^H0398, or who else can hasten^H2363 hereunto , more^H2351 than I? ²⁶For God giveth^H5414 to a man^H0120 that is good^H2896 in his sight^H6440 wisdom^H2451, and knowledge^H1847, and joy^H8057: but to the sinner^H2398 he giveth^H5414 travail^H6045, to gather^H0622 and to heap up^H3664, that he may give^H5414 to him that is good^H2896 before^H6440 God^H0430. This also is vanity^H1892 and vexation^H7469 of spirit^H7307.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 3

¹To every thing there is a season^H2165, and a time^H6256 to every purpose^H2656 under the heaven^H8064: ²A time^H6256 to be born^H3205, and a time^H6256 to die^H4191; a time^H6256 to plant^H5193, and a time^H6256 to pluck up^H6131 that which is planted^H5193; ³A time^H6256 to kill^H2026, and a time^H6256 to heal^H7495; a time^H6256 to break down^H6555, and a time^H6256 to build up^H1129; ⁴A time^H6256 to weep^H1058, and a time^H6256 to laugh^H7832; a time^H6256 to mourn^H5594, and a time^H6256 to dance^H7540; ⁵A time^H6256 to cast away^H7993 stones^H0068, and a time^H6256 to gather^H3664 stones^H0068 together^H3664; a time^H6256 to embrace^H2263, and a time^H6256 to refrain^H7368 from embracing^H2263; ⁶A time^H6256 to get^H1245, and a time^H6256 to lose^H0006; a time^H6256 to keep^H8104, and a time^H6256 to cast away^H7993; ⁷A time^H6256 to rend^H7167, and a time^H6256 to sew^H8609; a time^H6256 to keep silence^H2814, and a time^H6256 to speak^H1696; ⁸A time^H6256 to love^H0157, and a time^H6256 to hate^H8130; a time^H6256 of war^H4421, and a time^H6256 of peace^H7965. ⁹What profit^H3504 hath he that worketh^H6213 in that wherein^H0834 he laboureth^H6001? ¹⁰I have seen^H7200 the travail^H6045, which God^H0430 hath given^H5414 to the sons^H1121 of men^H0120 to be exercised^H6031 in it.

¹¹He hath made^H6213 every thing beautiful^H3303 in his time^H6256: also he hath set^H5414 the world^H5769 in their heart^H3820, so that^H1097 no man^H0120 can find out^H4672 the work^H4639 that God^H0430 maketh^H6213 from the beginning^H7218 to the end^H5490. ¹²I know^H3045 that there is no good^H2896 in them, but for a man to rejoice^H8055, and to do^H6213 good^H2896 in his life^H2416. ¹³And also that every man^H0120 should eat^H0398 and drink^H8354, and enjoy^H7200 the good^H2896 of all his labour^H5999, it is the gift^H4991 of God^H0430. ¹⁴I know^H3045 that, whatsoever God^H0430 doeth^H6213, it shall be for ever^H5769: nothing^H0369 can be put^H3254 to it, nor any thing taken^H1639 from it: and God^H0430 doeth^H6213 it , that men should fear^H3372 before^H6440 him. ¹⁵That which hath been is now^H3528; and that which is to be hath already^H3528 been; and God^H0430 requireth^H1245 that which is past^H7291.

¹⁶And moreover I saw^H7200 under the sun^H8121 the place^H4725 of judgment^H4941, that wickedness^H7562 was there; and the place^H4725 of righteousness^H6664, that iniquity^H7562 was there. ¹⁷I said^H0559 in mine heart^H3820, God^H0430 shall judge^H8199 the righteous^H6662 and the wicked^H7563: for there is a time^H6256 there for every purpose^H2656 and for every work^H4639. ¹⁸I said^H0559 in mine heart^H3820 concerning the estate^H1700 of the sons^H1121 of men^H0120, that God^H0430 might manifest^H1305 them, and that they might see^H7200 that they^H1992 themselves are beasts^H0929. ¹⁹For that which befalleth^H4745 the sons^H1121 of men^H0120 befalleth^H4745 beasts^H0929; even one thing^H0259 befalleth^H4745 them: as the one dieth^H4194, so dieth^H4194 the other^H2088; yea, they have all one^H0259 breath^H7307; so that a man^H0120 hath no preeminence^H4195 above a beast^H0929: for all is vanity^H1892. ²⁰All go^H1980 unto one^H0259 place^H4725; all are of the dust^H6083, and all turn^H7725 to dust^H6083 again^H7725. ²¹Who knoweth^H3045 the spirit^H7307 of man^H1121 that goeth^H5927 upward^H4605, and the spirit^H7307 of the beast^H0929 that goeth^H3381 downward^H4295 to the earth^H0776? ²²Wherefore I perceive^H7200 that there is nothing better^H2896, than that a man^H0120 should rejoice^H8055 in his own works^H4639; for that is his portion^H2506: for who shall bring^H0935 him to see^H7200 what shall be after^H0310 him?

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 4

¹So I returned^H7725, and considered^H7200 all the oppressions^H6217 that are done^H6213 under the sun^H8121: and behold the tears^H1832 of such as were oppressed^H6231, and they had no comforter^H5162; and on the side^H3027 of their oppressors^H6231 there was power^H3581; but they had no comforter^H5162. ²Wherefore I praised^H7623 the dead^H4191 which are already^H3528 dead^H4191 more than the living^H2416 which are yet^H5728 alive^H2416. ³Yea, better^H2896 is he than both^H8147 they, which hath not yet^H5728 been, who hath not seen^H7200 the evil^H7451 work^H4639 that is done^H6213 under the sun^H8121.

⁴Again, I considered^H7200 all travail^H5999, and every right^H3788 work^H4639, that for this a man^H0376 is envied^H7068 of his neighbour^H7453. This is also vanity^H1892 and vexation^H7469 of spirit^H7307. ⁵The fool^H3684 foldeth^H2263 his hands^H3027 together^H2263, and eateth^H0398 his own flesh^H1320. ⁶Better^H2896 is an handful^H3709 with quietness^H5183, than both the hands^H2651 full^H4393 with travail^H5999 and vexation^H7469 of spirit^H7307.

⁷Then I returned^H7725, and I saw^H7200 vanity^H1892 under the sun^H8121. ⁸There is^H3426 one^H0259 alone , and there is not a second^H8145; yea, he hath neither child^H1121 nor brother^H0251: yet is there no end^H7093 of all his labour^H5999; neither is his eye^H5869 satisfied^H7646 with riches^H6239; neither saith he , For whom do I labour^H6001, and bereave^H2637 my soul^H5315 of good^H2896? This is also vanity^H1892, yea, it is a sore^H7451 travail^H6045.

⁹Two^H8147 are better^H2896 than one^H0259; because they have^H3426 a good^H2896 reward^H7939 for their labour^H5999. ¹⁰For if they fall^H5307, the one^H0259 will lift up^H6965 his fellow^H2270: but woe^H0337 to him that is alone^H0259 when he falleth^H5307; for he hath not another^H8145 to help him up^H6965. ¹¹Again^H1571, if two^H8147 lie together^H7901, then they have heat^H2552: but how can one^H0259 be warm^H3179 alone ? ¹²And if one^H0259 prevail^H8630 against him, two^H8147 shall withstand^H5975 him; and a threefold^H8027 cord^H2339 is not quickly^H4120 broken^H5423.

¹³Better^H2896 is a poor^H4542 and a wise^H2450 child^H3206 than an old^H2205 and foolish^H3684 king^H4428, who will^H3045 no more be admonished^H2094. ¹⁴For out of prison^H0631 he cometh^H3318 to reign^H4427; whereas also he that is born^H3205 in his kingdom^H4438 becometh poor^H7326. ¹⁵I considered^H7200 all the living^H2416 which walk^H1980 under the sun^H8121, with the second^H8145 child^H3206 that shall stand up^H5975 in his stead. ¹⁶ There is no end^H7093 of all the people^H5971, even of all that have been before^H6440 them: they also that come after^H0314 shall not rejoice^H8055 in him. Surely this also is vanity^H1892 and vexation^H7475 of spirit^H7307.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 5

¹Keep^H8104 thy foot^H7272 when thou goest^H3212 to the house^H1004 of God^H0430, and be more ready^H7138 to hear^H8085, than to give^H5414 the sacrifice^H2077 of fools^H3684: for they consider^H3045 not that they do^H6213 evil^H7451. ²Be not rash^H0926 with thy mouth^H6310, and let not thine heart^H3820 be hasty^H4116 to utter^H3318 any thing^H1697 before^H6440 God^H0430: for God^H0430 is in heaven^H8064, and thou upon earth^H0776: therefore let thy words^H1697 be few^H4592. ³For a dream^H2472 cometh^H0935 through the multitude^H7230 of business^H6045; and a fools^H3684 voice^H6963 is known by multitude^H7230 of words^H1697.

⁴When thou vowest^H5087 a vow^H5088 unto God^H0430, defer^H0309 not to pay^H7999 it; for he hath no pleasure^H2656 in fools^H3684: pay^H7999 that which thou hast vowed^H5087. ⁵Better^H2896 is it that thou shouldest not vow^H5087, than that thou shouldest vow^H5087 and not pay^H7999. ⁶Suffer^H5414 not thy mouth^H6310 to cause thy flesh^H1320 to sin^H2398; neither say^H0559 thou before^H6440 the angel^H4397, that it was an error^H7684: wherefore should God^H0430 be angry^H7107 at thy voice^H6963, and destroy^H2254 the work^H4639 of thine hands^H3027? ⁷For in the multitude^H7230 of dreams^H2472 and many^H7235 words^H1697 there are also divers vanities^H1892: but fear^H3372 thou God^H0430.

⁸If thou seest^H7200 the oppression^H6233 of the poor^H7326, and violent^H1499 perverting of judgment^H4941 and justice^H6664 in a province^H4082, marvel^H8539 not at the matter^H2656: for he that is higher^H1364 than the highest^H1364 regardeth^H8104; and there be higher^H1364 than they^H5921.

⁹Moreover the profit^H3504 of the earth^H0776 is for all: the king^H4428 himself is served^H5647 by the field^H7704. ¹⁰He that loveth^H0157 silver^H3701 shall not be satisfied^H7646 with silver^H3701; nor he that loveth^H0157 abundance^H1995 with increase^H8393: this is also vanity^H1892. ¹¹When goods^H2896 increase^H7235, they are increased^H7231 that eat^H0398 them: and what good^H3788 is there to the owners^H1167 thereof, saving^H0518 the beholding^H7207 of them with their eyes^H5869? ¹²The sleep^H8142 of a labouring man^H5647 is sweet^H4966, whether he eat^H0398 little^H4592 or much^H7235: but the abundance^H7647 of the rich^H6223 will not suffer^H3240 him to sleep^H3462. ¹³There is^H3426 a sore^H2470 evil^H7451 which I have seen^H7200 under the sun^H8121, namely , riches^H6239 kept^H8104 for the owners^H1167 thereof to their hurt^H7451. ¹⁴But those riches^H6239 perish^H0006 by evil^H7451 travail^H6045: and he begetteth^H3205 a son^H1121, and there is nothing^H3972 in his hand^H3027. ¹⁵As he came forth^H3318 of his mothers^H0517 womb^H0990, naked^H6174 shall he return^H7725 to go^H3212 as he came^H0935, and shall take^H5375 nothing^H3972 of his labour^H5999, which he may carry away^H3212 in his hand^H3027. ¹⁶And this^H2090 also is a sore^H2470 evil^H7451, that in all points^H5980 as he came^H0935, so shall he go^H3212: and what profit^H3504 hath he that hath laboured^H5998 for the wind^H7307? ¹⁷All his days^H3117 also he eateth^H0398 in darkness^H2822, and he hath much^H7235 sorrow^H3707 and wrath^H7110 with his sickness^H2483.

¹⁸Behold that which I have seen^H7200: it is good^H2896 and comely^H3303 for one to eat^H0398 and to drink^H8354, and to enjoy^H7200 the good^H2896 of all his labour^H5999 that he taketh^H5998 under the sun^H8121 all^H4557 the days^H3117 of his life^H2416, which God^H0430 giveth^H5414 him: for it is his portion^H2506. ¹⁹Every man^H0120 also to whom God^H0430 hath given^H5414 riches^H6239 and wealth^H5233, and hath given him power^H7980 to eat^H0398 thereof, and to take^H5375 his portion^H2506, and to rejoice^H8055 in his labour^H5999; this^H2090 is the gift^H4991 of God^H0430. ²⁰For he shall not much^H7235 remember^H2142 the days^H3117 of his life^H2416; because God^H0430 answereth^H6031 him in the joy^H8057 of his heart^H3820.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 6

¹There is^H3426 an evil^H7451 which I have seen^H7200 under the sun^H8121, and it is common^H7227 among men^H0120: ²A man^H0376 to whom God^H0430 hath given^H5414 riches^H6239, wealth^H5233, and honour^H3519, so that he wanteth^H2638 nothing for his soul^H5315 of all that he desireth^H0183, yet God^H0430 giveth him not power^H7980 to eat^H0398 thereof, but a stranger^H0376 eateth^H0398 it: this is vanity^H1892, and it is an evil^H7451 disease^H2483.

³If a man^H0376 beget^H3205 an hundred^H3967 children , and live^H2421 many^H7227 years^H8141, so that the days^H3117 of his years^H8141 be many^H7227, and his soul^H5315 be not filled^H7646 with good^H2896, and also that he have no burial^H6900; I say^H0559, that an untimely birth^H5309 is better^H2896 than he. ⁴For he cometh^H0935 in with vanity^H1892, and departeth^H3212 in darkness^H2822, and his name^H8034 shall be covered^H3680 with darkness^H2822. ⁵Moreover he hath not seen^H7200 the sun^H8121, nor known^H3045 any thing: this^H2088 hath more rest^H5183 than^H2088 the other.

⁶Yea, though^H0432 he live^H2421 a thousand^H0505 years^H8141 twice^H6471 told , yet hath he seen^H7200 no good^H2896: do not all go^H1980 to one^H0259 place^H4725?

⁷All the labour^H5999 of man^H0120 is for his mouth^H6310, and yet the appetite^H5315 is not filled^H4390. ⁸For what hath the wise^H2450 more^H3148 than the fool^H3684? what hath the poor^H6041, that knoweth^H3045 to walk^H1980 before the living^H2416?

⁹Better^H2896 is the sight^H4758 of the eyes^H5869 than the wandering^H1980 of the desire^H5315: this is also vanity^H1892 and vexation^H7469 of spirit^H7307. ¹⁰That which hath been is named^H7121 already^H3528, and it is known^H3045 that it is man^H0120: neither may^H3201 he contend^H1777 with him that is mightier^H8623 than he.

¹¹Seeing there be^H3426 many^H7235 things^H1697 that increase^H7235 vanity^H1892, what is man^H0120 the better^H3148? ¹²For who knoweth^H3045 what is good^H2896 for man^H0120 in this life^H2416, all^H4557 the days^H3117 of his vain^H1892 life^H2416 which he spendeth^H6213 as a shadow^H6738? for who can tell^H5046 a man^H0120 what shall be after^H0310 him under the sun^H8121?

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 7

¹A good name^H8034 is better^H2896 than precious^H2896 ointment^H8081; and the day^H3117 of death^H4194 than the day^H3117 of ones birth^H3205.

² It is better^H2896 to go^H3212 to the house^H1004 of mourning^H0060, than to go^H3212 to the house^H1004 of feasting^H4960: for^H0834 that is the end^H5490 of all men^H0120; and the living^H2416 will lay^H5414 it to his heart^H3820. ³Sorrow^H3708 is better^H2896 than laughter^H7814: for by the sadness^H7455 of the countenance^H6440 the heart^H3820 is made better^H3190. ⁴The heart^H3820 of the wise^H2450 is in the house^H1004 of mourning^H0060; but the heart^H3820 of fools^H3684 is in the house^H1004 of mirth^H8057. ⁵ It is better^H2896 to hear^H8085 the rebuke^H1606 of the wise^H2450, than for a man^H0376 to hear^H8085 the song^H7892 of fools^H3684. ⁶For as the crackling^H6963 of thorns^H5518 under a pot^H5518, so is the laughter^H7814 of the fool^H3684: this also is vanity^H1892.

⁷Surely oppression^H6233 maketh a wise man^H2450 mad^H1984; and a gift^H4979 destroyeth^H0006 the heart^H3820. ⁸Better^H2896 is the end^H0319 of a thing^H1697 than the beginning^H7225 thereof: and the patient^H0750 in spirit^H7307 is better^H2896 than the proud^H1362 in spirit^H7307. ⁹Be not hasty^H0926 in thy spirit^H7307 to be angry^H3707: for anger^H3708 resteth^H5117 in the bosom^H2436 of fools^H3684. ¹⁰Say^H0559 not thou, What is the cause that the former^H7223 days^H3117 were better^H2896 than these? for thou dost not enquire^H7592 wisely^H2451 concerning this.

¹¹Wisdom^H2451 is good^H2896 with an inheritance^H5159: and by it there is profit^H3148 to them that see^H7200 the sun^H8121. ¹²For wisdom^H2451 is a defence^H6738, and money^H3701 is a defence^H6738: but the excellency^H3504 of knowledge^H1847 is, that wisdom^H2451 giveth life^H2421 to them that have^H1167 it. ¹³Consider^H7200 the work^H4639 of God^H0430: for who can^H3201 make that straight^H8626, which he hath made crooked^H5791? ¹⁴In the day^H3117 of prosperity^H2896 be joyful^H2896, but in the day^H3117 of adversity^H7451 consider^H7200: God^H0430 also hath set^H6213 the one over against^H5980 the other, to the end^H1700 that man^H0120 should find^H4672 nothing^H3972 after^H0310 him. ¹⁵All things have I seen^H7200 in the days^H3117 of my vanity^H1892: there is^H3426 a just^H6662 man that perisheth^H0006 in his righteousness^H6664, and there is a wicked^H7563 man that prolongeth^H0748 his life in his wickedness^H7451. ¹⁶Be not righteous^H6662 over much^H7235; neither make thyself over^H3148 wise^H2449: why shouldest thou destroy^H8074 thyself? ¹⁷Be not over much^H7235 wicked^H7561, neither be thou foolish^H5530: why shouldest thou die^H4191 before thy time^H6256? ¹⁸ It is good^H2896 that thou shouldest take hold^H0270 of this; yea, also from this^H2088 withdraw^H3240 not thine hand^H3027: for he that feareth^H3373 God^H0430 shall come forth^H3318 of them all. ¹⁹Wisdom^H2451 strengtheneth^H5810 the wise^H2450 more than ten^H6235 mighty^H7989 men which are in the city^H5892. ²⁰For there is not a just^H6662 man^H0120 upon earth^H0776, that doeth^H6213 good^H2896, and sinneth^H2398 not. ²¹Also take^H5414 no heed^H3820 unto all words^H1697 that are spoken^H1696; lest thou hear^H8085 thy servant^H5650 curse^H7043 thee: ²²For oftentimes^H6471 also thine own heart^H3820 knoweth^H3045 that thou thyself likewise hast cursed^H7043 others^H0312.

²³All this^H2090 have I proved^H5254 by wisdom^H2451: I said^H0559, I will be wise^H2449; but it was far^H7350 from me. ²⁴That which is far off^H7350, and exceeding deep^H6013, who can find it out^H4672? ²⁵I applied^H5437 mine heart^H3820 to know^H3045, and to search^H8446, and to seek out^H1245 wisdom^H2451, and the reason^H2808 of things , and to know^H3045 the wickedness^H7562 of folly^H3689, even of foolishness^H5531 and madness^H1947: ²⁶And I find^H4672 more bitter^H4751 than death^H4194 the woman^H0802, whose heart^H3820 is snares^H4685 and nets^H2764, and her hands^H3027 as bands^H0612: whoso pleaseth^H2896 God^H0430 shall escape^H4422 from her; but the sinner^H2398 shall be taken^H3920 by her. ²⁷Behold^H7200, this have I found^H4672, saith^H0559 the preacher^H6953, counting one^H0259 by one^H0259, to find out^H4672 the account^H2808: ²⁸Which yet my soul^H5315 seeketh^H1245, but I find^H4672 not: one^H0259 man^H0120 among a thousand^H0505 have I found^H4672; but a woman^H0802 among all those have I not found^H4672. ²⁹Lo^H7200, this only^H0905 have I found^H4672, that God^H0430 hath made^H6213 man^H0120 upright^H3477; but they have sought out^H1245 many^H7227 inventions^H2810.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 8

¹Who is as the wise^H2450 man ? and who knoweth^H3045 the interpretation^H6592 of a thing^H1697? a mans^H0120 wisdom^H2451 maketh his face^H6440 to shine^H0215, and the boldness^H5797 of his face^H6440 shall be changed^H8132. ²I counsel thee to keep^H8104 the kings^H4428 commandment^H6310, and that in regard^H1700 of the oath^H7621 of God^H0430. ³Be not hasty^H0926 to go out^H3212 of his sight^H6440: stand^H5975 not in an evil^H7451 thing^H1697; for he doeth^H6213 whatsoever pleaseth^H2654 him. ⁴Where the word^H1697 of a king^H4428 is, there is power^H7983: and who may say^H0559 unto him, What doest^H6213 thou? ⁵Whoso keepeth^H8104 the commandment^H4687 shall feel^H3045 no evil^H7451 thing^H1697: and a wise mans^H2450 heart^H3820 discerneth^H3045 both time^H6256 and judgment^H4941.

⁶Because to every purpose^H2656 there is^H3426 time^H6256 and judgment^H4941, therefore the misery^H7451 of man^H0120 is great^H7227 upon him. ⁷For he knoweth^H3045 not that which shall be: for who can tell^H5046 him when it shall be? ⁸ There is no man^H0120 that hath power^H7989 over the spirit^H7307 to retain^H3607 the spirit^H7307; neither hath he power^H7983 in the day^H3117 of death^H4194: and there is no discharge^H4917 in that war^H4421; neither shall wickedness^H7562 deliver^H4422 those that are given^H1167 to it.

⁹All this have I seen^H7200, and applied^H5414 my heart^H3820 unto every work^H4639 that is done^H6213 under the sun^H8121: there is a time^H6256 wherein one man^H0120 ruleth^H7980 over another to his own hurt^H7451. ¹⁰And so^H3651 I saw^H7200 the wicked^H7563 buried^H6912, who had come^H0935 and gone^H1980 from the place^H4725 of the holy^H6918, and they were forgotten^H7911 in the city^H5892 where they had so done^H6213: this is also vanity^H1892. ¹¹Because sentence^H6599 against an evil^H7451 work^H4639 is not executed^H6213 speedily^H4120, therefore the heart^H3820 of the sons^H1121 of men^H0120 is fully set^H4390 in them to do^H6213 evil^H7451.

¹²Though a sinner^H2398 do^H6213 evil^H7451 an hundred times^H3967, and his days be prolonged^H0748, yet surely I know^H3045 that it shall be well^H2896 with them that fear^H3373 God^H0430, which fear^H3372 before^H6440 him: ¹³But it shall not be well^H2896 with the wicked^H7563, neither shall he prolong^H0748 his days^H3117, which are as a shadow^H6738; because he feareth^H3373 not before^H6440 God^H0430.

¹⁴There is^H3426 a vanity^H1892 which is done^H6213 upon the earth^H0776; that there be just^H6662 men , unto whom it happeneth^H5060 according to the work^H4639 of the wicked^H7563; again, there be^H3426 wicked^H7563 men , to whom it happeneth^H5060 according to the work^H4639 of the righteous^H6662: I said^H0559 that this also^H1571 is vanity^H1892. ¹⁵Then I commended^H7623 mirth^H8057, because a man^H0120 hath no better thing^H2896 under the sun^H8121, than to eat^H0398, and to drink^H8354, and to be merry^H8055: for that shall abide^H3867 with him of his labour^H5999 the days^H3117 of his life^H2416, which God^H0430 giveth^H5414 him under the sun^H8121.

¹⁶When I applied^H5414 mine heart^H3820 to know^H3045 wisdom^H2451, and to see^H7200 the business^H6045 that is done^H6213 upon the earth^H0776: (for also there is that neither day^H3117 nor night^H3915 seeth^H7200 sleep^H8142 with his eyes^H5869:) ¹⁷Then I beheld^H7200 all the work^H4639 of God^H0430, that a man^H0120 cannot^H3201 find out^H4672 the work^H4639 that is done^H6213 under the sun^H8121: because^H0834 though^H7945 a man^H0120 labour^H5998 to seek it out^H1245, yet he shall not find^H4672 it; yea further; though a wise^H2450 man think^H0559 to know^H3045 it , yet shall he not be able^H3201 to find^H4672 it .

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 9

¹For all this I considered^H5414 in my heart^H3820 even to declare^H0952 all this, that the righteous^H6662, and the wise^H2450, and their works^H5652, are in the hand^H3027 of God^H0430: no man^H0120 knoweth^H3045 either^H1571 love^H0160 or hatred^H8135 by all that is before^H6440 them. ²All things come alike to all: there is one^H0259 event^H4745 to the righteous^H6662, and to the wicked^H7563; to the good^H2896 and to the clean^H2889, and to the unclean^H2931; to him that sacrificeth^H2076, and to him that^H0834 sacrificeth^H2076 not: as is the good^H2896, so is the sinner^H2398; and he that sweareth^H7650, as he that feareth^H3373 an oath^H7621. ³This is an evil^H7451 among all things that are done^H6213 under the sun^H8121, that there is one^H0259 event^H4745 unto all: yea, also the heart^H3820 of the sons^H1121 of men^H0120 is full^H4390 of evil^H7451, and madness^H1947 is in their heart^H3824 while they live^H2416, and after^H0310 that they go to the dead^H4191.

⁴For^H4310 to him that is^H3426 joined^H2266 to all the living^H2416 there is hope^H0986: for a living^H2416 dog^H3611 is better^H2896 than a dead^H4191 lion^H0738. ⁵For the living^H2416 know^H3045 that they shall die^H4191: but the dead^H4191 know^H3045 not any thing^H3972, neither have they any more a reward^H7939; for the memory^H2143 of them is forgotten^H7911. ⁶Also their love^H0160, and their hatred^H8135, and their envy^H7068, is now^H3528 perished^H0006; neither have they any more a portion^H2506 for ever^H5769 in any thing that is done^H6213 under the sun^H8121.

⁷Go thy way^H3212, eat^H0398 thy bread^H3899 with joy^H8057, and drink^H8354 thy wine^H3196 with a merry^H2896 heart^H3820; for God^H0430 now^H3528 accepteth^H7521 thy works^H4639. ⁸Let thy garments^H0899 be always^H6256 white^H3836; and let thy head^H7218 lack^H2637 no ointment^H8081. ⁹Live^H2416 joyfully^H7200 with the wife^H0802 whom thou lovest^H0157 all the days^H3117 of the life^H2416 of thy vanity^H1892, which he hath given^H5414 thee under the sun^H8121, all the days^H3117 of thy vanity^H1892: for that is thy portion^H2506 in this life^H2416, and in thy labour^H5999 which thou takest^H6001 under the sun^H8121. ¹⁰Whatsoever thy hand^H3027 findeth^H4672 to do^H6213, do^H6213 it with thy might^H3581; for there is no work^H4639, nor device^H2808, nor knowledge^H1847, nor wisdom^H2451, in the grave^H7585, whither thou goest^H1980.

¹¹I returned^H7725, and saw^H7200 under the sun^H8121, that the race^H4793 is not to the swift^H7031, nor the battle^H4421 to the strong^H1368, neither yet bread^H3899 to the wise^H2450, nor yet riches^H6239 to men of understanding^H0995, nor yet favour^H2580 to men of skill^H3045; but time^H6256 and chance^H6294 happeneth^H7136 to them all. ¹²For man^H0120 also knoweth^H3045 not his time^H6256: as the fishes^H1709 that are taken^H0270 in an evil^H7451 net^H4685, and as the birds^H6833 that are caught^H0270 in the snare^H6341; so^H1992 are the sons^H1121 of men^H0120 snared^H3369 in an evil^H7451 time^H6256, when it falleth^H5307 suddenly^H6597 upon them.

¹³This^H2090 wisdom^H2451 have I seen^H7200 also under the sun^H8121, and it seemed great^H1419 unto me: ¹⁴ There was a little^H6996 city^H5892, and few^H4592 men^H0582 within it; and there came^H0935 a great^H1419 king^H4428 against it, and besieged^H5437 it, and built^H1129 great^H1419 bulwarks^H4685 against it: ¹⁵Now there was found^H4672 in it a poor^H4542 wise^H2450 man^H0376, and he by his wisdom^H2451 delivered^H4422 the city^H5892; yet no man^H0120 remembered^H2142 that same poor^H4542 man^H0376. ¹⁶Then said^H0559 I, Wisdom^H2451 is better^H2896 than strength^H1369: nevertheless the poor mans^H4542 wisdom^H2451 is despised^H0959, and his words^H1697 are not heard^H8085. ¹⁷The words^H1697 of wise^H2450 men are heard^H8085 in quiet^H5183 more than the cry^H2201 of him that ruleth^H4910 among fools^H3684. ¹⁸Wisdom^H2451 is better^H2896 than weapons^H3627 of war^H7128: but one^H0259 sinner^H2398 destroyeth^H0006 much^H7235 good^H2896.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 10

¹Dead^H4194 flies^H2070 cause the ointment^H8081 of the apothecary^H7543 to send forth^H5042 a stinking savour^H0887: so doth a little^H4592 folly^H5531 him that is in reputation^H3368 for wisdom^H2451 and honour^H3519. ²A wise mans^H2450 heart^H3820 is at his right hand^H3225; but a fools^H3684 heart^H3820 at his left^H8040. ³Yea also, when he that is a fool^H5530 walketh^H1980 by the way^H1870, his wisdom^H3820 faileth^H2638 his);"> him , and he saith^H0559 to every one his);"> that he his);"> is a fool^H5530.

⁴If the spirit^H7307 of the ruler^H4910 rise up^H5927 against thee, leave^H3240 not thy place^H4725; for yielding^H4832 pacifieth^H3240 great^H1419 offences^H2399. ⁵There is^H3426 an evil^H7451 which I have seen^H7200 under the sun^H8121, as an error^H7684 which proceedeth^H3318 from^H6440 the ruler^H7989: ⁶Folly^H5529 is set^H5414 in great^H7227 dignity^H4791, and the rich^H6223 sit^H3427 in low place^H8216. ⁷I have seen^H7200 servants^H5650 upon horses^H5483, and princes^H8269 walking^H1980 as servants^H5650 upon the earth^H0776. ⁸He that diggeth^H2658 a pit^H1475 shall fall^H5307 into it; and whoso breaketh^H6555 an hedge^H1447, a serpent^H5175 shall bite^H5391 him. ⁹Whoso removeth^H5265 stones^H0068 shall be hurt^H6087 therewith; and he that cleaveth^H1234 wood^H6086 shall be endangered^H5533 thereby. ¹⁰If the iron^H1270 be blunt^H6949, and he do not whet^H7043 the edge^H6440, then must he put^H1396 to more strength^H2428: but wisdom^H2451 is profitable^H3504 to direct^H3787. ¹¹Surely the serpent^H5175 will bite^H5391 without enchantment^H3908; and a babbler^H3956 is no better^H3504.

¹²The words^H1697 of a wise mans^H2450 mouth^H6310 are gracious^H2580; but the lips^H8193 of a fool^H3684 will swallow up^H1104 himself. ¹³The beginning^H8462 of the words^H1697 of his mouth^H6310 is foolishness^H5531: and the end^H0319 of his talk^H6310 is mischievous^H7451 madness^H1948. ¹⁴A fool^H5530 also is full^H7235 of words^H1697: a man^H0120 cannot tell^H3045 what shall be; and what shall be after^H0310 him, who can tell^H5046 him? ¹⁵The labour^H5999 of the foolish^H3684 wearieth^H3021 every one of them, because he knoweth^H3045 not how to go^H3212 to the city^H5892.

¹⁶Woe^H0337 to thee, O land^H0776, when thy king^H4428 is a child^H5288, and thy princes^H8269 eat^H0398 in the morning^H1242! ¹⁷Blessed^H0835 art thou, O land^H0776, when thy king^H4428 is the son^H1121 of nobles^H2715, and thy princes^H8269 eat^H0398 in due season^H6256, for strength^H1369, and not for drunkenness^H8358!

¹⁸By much slothfulness^H6103 the building^H4746 decayeth^H4355; and through idleness^H8220 of the hands^H3027 the house^H1004 droppeth through^H1811.

¹⁹A feast^H3899 is made^H6213 for laughter^H7814, and wine^H3196 maketh merry^H8055: but money^H3701 answereth^H6030 all things .

²⁰Curse^H7043 not the king^H4428, no not in thy thought^H4093; and curse^H7043 not the rich^H6223 in thy bedchamber^H2315: for a bird^H5775 of the air^H8064 shall carry^H3212 the voice^H6963, and that which hath^H1167 wings^H3671 shall tell^H5046 the matter^H1697.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 11

¹Cast^H7971 thy bread^H3899 upon^H6440 the waters^H4325: for thou shalt find^H4672 it after many^H7230 days^H3117. ²Give^H5414 a portion^H2506 to seven^H7651, and also to eight^H8083; for thou knowest^H3045 not what evil^H7451 shall be upon the earth^H0776. ³If the clouds^H5645 be full^H4390 of rain^H1653, they empty^H7324 themselves upon the earth^H0776: and if the tree^H6086 fall^H5307 toward the south^H1864, or toward the north^H6828, in the place^H4725 where the tree^H6086 falleth^H5307, there it shall be^H1933. ⁴He that observeth^H8104 the wind^H7307 shall not sow^H2232; and he that regardeth^H7200 the clouds^H5645 shall not reap^H7114. ⁵As thou knowest^H3045 not what is the way^H1870 of the spirit^H7307, nor how the bones^H6106 do grow in the womb^H0990 of her that is with child^H4392: even so thou knowest^H3045 not the works^H4639 of God^H0430 who maketh^H6213 all. ⁶In the morning^H1242 sow^H2232 thy seed^H2233, and in the evening^H6153 withhold^H3240 not thine hand^H3027: for thou knowest^H3045 not whether^H0335 shall prosper^H3787, either this or that, or whether they both^H8147 shall be alike^H0259 good^H2896.

⁷Truly the light^H0216 is sweet^H4966, and a pleasant^H2896 thing it is for the eyes^H5869 to behold^H7200 the sun^H8121: ⁸But if a man^H0120 live^H2421 many^H7235 years^H8141, and rejoice^H8055 in them all; yet let him remember^H2142 the days^H3117 of darkness^H2822; for they shall be many^H7235. All that cometh^H0935 is vanity^H1892.

⁹Rejoice^H8055, O young man^H0970, in thy youth^H3208; and let thy heart^H3820 cheer^H2895 thee in the days^H3117 of thy youth^H0979, and walk^H1980 in the ways^H1870 of thine heart^H3820, and in the sight^H4758 of thine eyes^H5869: but know^H3045 thou, that for all these things God^H0430 will bring^H0935 thee into judgment^H4941. ¹⁰Therefore remove^H5493 sorrow^H3708 from thy heart^H3820, and put away^H5674 evil^H7451 from thy flesh^H1320: for childhood^H3208 and youth^H7839 are vanity^H1892.

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 12

¹Remember^H2142 now thy Creator^H1254 in the days^H3117 of thy youth^H0979, while the evil^H7451 days^H3117 come^H0935 not, nor the years^H8141 draw nigh^H5060, when thou shalt say^H0559, I have no pleasure^H2656 in them; ²While the sun^H8121, or the light^H0216, or the moon^H3394, or the stars^H3556, be not darkened^H2821, nor the clouds^H5645 return^H7725 after^H0310 the rain^H1653: ³In the day^H3117 when the keepers^H8104 of the house^H1004 shall tremble^H2111, and the strong^H2428 men^H0582 shall bow^H5791 themselves, and the grinders^H2912 cease^H0988 because they are few^H4591, and those that look out^H7200 of the windows^H0699 be darkened^H2821, ⁴And the doors^H1817 shall be shut^H5462 in the streets^H7784, when the sound^H6963 of the grinding^H2913 is low^H8217, and he shall rise up^H6965 at the voice^H6963 of the bird^H6833, and all the daughters^H1323 of musick^H7892 shall be brought low^H7817; ⁵Also when they shall be afraid^H3372 of that which is high^H1364, and fears^H2849 shall be in the way^H1870, and the almond tree^H8247 shall flourish^H5006, and the grasshopper^H2284 shall be a burden^H5445, and desire^H0035 shall fail^H6565: because man^H0120 goeth^H1980 to his long^H5769 home^H1004, and the mourners^H5594 go about^H5437 the streets^H7784: ⁶Or ever^H3808 the silver^H3701 cord^H2256 be loosed^H7576, or the golden^H2091 bowl^H1543 be broken^H7533, or the pitcher^H3537 be broken^H7665 at the fountain^H4002, or the wheel^H1534 broken^H7533 at the cistern^H0953. ⁷Then shall the dust^H6083 return^H7725 to the earth^H0776 as it was: and the spirit^H7307 shall return^H7725 unto God^H0430 who gave^H5414 it.

⁸Vanity^H1892 of vanities^H1892, saith^H0559 the preacher^H6953; all is vanity^H1892. ⁹And moreover^H3148, because the preacher^H6953 was wise^H2450, he still taught^H3925 the people^H5971 knowledge^H1847; yea, he gave good heed^H0239, and sought out^H2713, and set in order^H8626 many^H7235 proverbs^H4912. ¹⁰The preacher^H6953 sought^H1245 to find out^H4672 acceptable^H2656 words^H1697: and that which was written^H3789 was upright^H3476, even words^H1697 of truth^H0571. ¹¹The words^H1697 of the wise^H2450 are as goads^H1861, and as nails^H4930 fastened^H5193 by the masters^H1167 of assemblies^H0627, which are given^H5414 from one^H0259 shepherd^H7462. ¹²And further^H3148, by these^H1992, my son^H1121, be admonished^H2094: of making^H6213 many^H7235 books^H5612 there is no end^H7093; and much^H7235 study^H3854 is a weariness^H3024 of the flesh^H1320.

¹³Let us hear^H8085 the conclusion^H5490 of the whole matter^H1697: Fear^H3372 God^H0430, and keep^H8104 his commandments^H4687: for this is the whole duty of man^H0120. ¹⁴For God^H0430 shall bring^H0935 every work^H4639 into judgment^H4941, with every secret thing^H5956, whether it be good^H2896, or whether it be evil^H7451.

The Silver Letter Edition

King James Version (with Apocrypha)

Search

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 1

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 2

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 3

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 4

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 5

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 6

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 7

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 8

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 9

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 10

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 11

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 12

The Silver Letter Edition

King James Version (with Apocrypha)

KJV

Ecclesiastes

Chapters

Search

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 1

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 2

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 3

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 4

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 5

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 6

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 7

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 8

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 9

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 10

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 11

Ecclesiastes: Chapter 12