1 For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it be love or hatred, man knoweth it not; all is before them.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- For all this I considered H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- in my heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- even to declare H952 (בּוּר) — to bore, i.e. (figuratively) examine
- all this, that the righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- and the wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- and their works H5652 (עֲבָד) — a deed
- in the hand H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- of God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…
- no man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- knoweth H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- either H1571 (גַּם) — properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
- love H160 (אַהֲבָה)
- or hatred H8135 (שִׂנְאָה) — hate
- before H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
2 All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth and to him that sacrificeth not; as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- one H259 (אֶחָד) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first
- event H4745 (מִקְרֶה) — something met with, i.e. an accident or fortune
- to the righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- and to the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- to the good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- and to the clean H2889 (טָהוֹר) — pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
- and to the unclean H2931 (טָמֵא) — foul in a religious sense
- to him that sacrificeth H2076 (זָבַח) — to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
- and to him that H834 (אֲשֶׁר) — who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.
- sacrificeth H2076 (זָבַח) — to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
- the good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- the sinner H2398 (חָטָא) — properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
- he that sweareth H7650 (שָׁבַע) — to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
- that feareth H3373 (יָרֵא) — fearing; morally, reverent
- an oath H7621 (שְׁבוּעָה) — properly, something sworn, i.e. an oath
3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- an evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- that are done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- one H259 (אֶחָד) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first
- event H4745 (מִקְרֶה) — something met with, i.e. an accident or fortune
- unto all: yea, also the heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- of the sons H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- of men H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- is full H4390 (מָלֵא) — to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
- of evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- and madness H1947 (הוֹלֵלָה) — folly
- in their heart H3824 (לֵבָב) — the heart (as the most interior organ);
- while they live H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- and after H310 (אַחַר) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
- to the dead H4191 (מוּת) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
4 For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- For H4310 (מִי) — who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
- to him that is H3426 (יֵשׁ) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
- joined H977 (בָּחַר) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select
- joined H2266 (חָבַר) — to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
- to all the living H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- there is hope H986 (בִּטָּחוֹן) — trust
- for a living H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- dog H3611 (כֶּלֶב) — a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
- is better H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- than a dead H4191 (מוּת) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
- lion H738 (אֲרִי) — a lion
5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- For the living H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- know H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- that they shall die H4191 (מוּת) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
- but the dead H4191 (מוּת) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
- not any thing H3972 (מְאוּמָה) — properly, a speck or point, i.e. (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
- neither have they any more a reward H7939 (שָׂכָר) — payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit
- for the memory H2143 (זֵכֶר) — a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
- of them is forgotten H7911 (שָׁכַח) — to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
6 As well their love, as their hatred and their envy, is perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Also their love H160 (אַהֲבָה)
- and their hatred H8135 (שִׂנְאָה) — hate
- and their envy H7068 (קִנְאָה) — jealousy or envy
- is now H3528 (כְּבָר) — properly, extent of time, i.e. a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto
- perished H6 (אָבַד) — properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
- neither have they any more a portion H2506 (חֵלֶק) — properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment
- for ever H5769 (עוֹלָם) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially…
- that is done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Go thy way H3212 (יָלַךְ) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
- eat H398 (אָכַל) — to eat (literally or figuratively)
- thy bread H3899 (לֶחֶם) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
- with joy H8057 (שִׂמְחָה) — blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
- and drink H8354 (שָׁתָה) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
- thy wine H3196 (יַיִן) — wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
- with a merry H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- for God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…
- now H3528 (כְּבָר) — properly, extent of time, i.e. a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto
- accepteth H7521 (רָצָה) — to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
- thy works H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
8 Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Let thy garments H899 (בֶּגֶד) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage
- be always H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
- white H3836 (לָבָן) — white
- and let thy head H7218 (רֹאשׁ) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
- lack H2637 (חָסֵר) — to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
- no ointment H8081 (שֶׁמֶן) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy life of vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all thy days of vanity: for that is thy portion in life, and in thy labor wherein thou laborest under the sun.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Live H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- joyfully H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- with the wife H802 (אִשָּׁה) — a woman
- whom thou lovest H157 (אָהַב) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
- all the days H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
- of the life H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- of thy vanity H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
- which he hath given H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- thee under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- thy portion H2506 (חֵלֶק) — properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment
- life H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- and in thy labour H5999 (עָמָל) — toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
- which thou takest H6001 (עָמֵל) — toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Whatsoever thy hand H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
- findeth H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
- to do H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- do H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- with thy might H3581 (כֹּחַ) — vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its hardiness) a large lizard
- no work H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- nor device H2808 (חֶשְׁבּוֹן) — properly, contrivance; by implication, intelligence
- nor knowledge H1847 (דַּעַת) — knowledge
- nor wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- in the grave H7585 (שְׁאוֹל) — hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
- whither thou goest H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- I returned H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
- and saw H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- that the race H4793 (מֵרוֹץ) — a run (the trial of speed)
- not to the swift H7031 (קַל) — light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)
- nor the battle H4421 (מִלְחָמָה) — a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. war-fare)
- to the strong H1368 (גִּבּוֹר) — powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
- neither yet bread H3899 (לֶחֶם) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
- to the wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- nor yet riches H6239 (עֹשֶׁר) — wealth
- to men of understanding H995 (בִּין) — to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand
- nor yet favour H2580 (חֵן) — graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
- to men of skill H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- but time H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
- and chance H6294 (פֶּגַע) — impact (casual)
- happeneth H7136 (קָרָה) — to light upon (chiefly by accident); causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- For man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- also knoweth H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- not his time H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
- as the fishes H1709 (דָּג) — a fish (often used collectively)
- that are taken H270 (אָחַז) — to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
- in an evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- net H4685 (מָצוֹד) — a net (for capturing animals or fishes); a fastness or (beseiging) tower
- and as the birds H6833 (צִפּוֹר) — a little bird (as hopping)
- that are caught H270 (אָחַז) — to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
- in the snare H6341 (פַּח) — a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin); also a spring net (as spread out like a lamina)
- so H1992 (הֵם) — they (only used when emphatic)
- the sons H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- of men H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- snared H3369 (יָקֹשׁ) — to ensnare (literally or figuratively)
- time H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
- when it falleth H5307 (נָפַל) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
- suddenly H6597 (פִּתְאוֹם) — instantly
13 I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- This H2090 (זֹה) — this or that
- wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- have I seen H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- also under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- great H1419 (גָּדוֹל) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- a little H6996 (קָטָן) — abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
- city H5892 (עִיר) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
- and few H4592 (מְעַט) — a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
- men H582 (אֱנוֹשׁ) — properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
- within it; and there came H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
- a great H1419 (גָּדוֹל) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
- king H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
- against it, and besieged H5437 (סָבַב) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
- it, and built H1129 (בָּנָה) — to build (literally and figuratively)
- great H1419 (גָּדוֹל) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
- bulwarks H4685 (מָצוֹד) — a net (for capturing animals or fishes); a fastness or (beseiging) tower
15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Now there was found H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
- in it a poor H4542 (מִסְכֵּן) — indigent
- wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- man H376 (אִישׁ) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
- and he by his wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- delivered H4422 (מָלַט) — properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit spa…
- the city H5892 (עִיר) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
- yet no man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- remembered H2142 (זָכַר) — properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
- that same poor H4542 (מִסְכֵּן) — indigent
16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Then said H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- I, Wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- better H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- than strength H1369 (גְּבוּרָה) — force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
- nevertheless the poor man’s H4542 (מִסְכֵּן) — indigent
- wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- despised H959 (בָּזָה) — to disesteem
- and his words H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- are not heard H8085 (שָׁמַע) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The words H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- of wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- heard H8085 (שָׁמַע) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
- in quiet H5183 (נַחַת) — a descent, i.e. imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food); restfulness
- more than the cry H2201 (זַעַק) — a shriek or outcry
- of him that ruleth H4910 (מָשַׁל) — to rule
- among fools H3684 (כְּסִיל) — properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- better H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- than weapons H3627 (כְּלִי) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
- of war H7128 (קְרָב) — hostile encounter
- but one H259 (אֶחָד) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first
- sinner H2398 (חָטָא) — properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
- destroyeth H6 (אָבַד) — properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
- much H7235 (רָבָה) — to increase (in whatever respect)
- good H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…