Ecclesiastes 9
KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 9 of 12
1 For all this I gave to my heart, even to clear up all this, that the righteous ones and the wise ones and their works are in the hand of God. Also love, also hatred, man does not know all that is before them.
2 All that happens it is to all; one event to the righteous one, and to the wicked one; to the good one, and to the clean one, and to the unclean one; to him who sacrifices, and to him who does not sacrifice. As is the good one, so is the sinner; he who swears is as he that fears an oath.
3 This is an evil event among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event to all. Yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil purpose, and madness is in their heart while they are alive, and after that they go to those who died.
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Chapter Summary
Like things happen to good and bad. There is a necessity of death to men. Jehovah's providence rules over all. Wisdom is better than strength.
Key Hebrew Words
מוּת
die, death
H4191 · TWOT 1169
חׇכְמָה
wisdom
H2451 · TWOT 647a
מִקְרֶה
event, fate
H4745 · TWOT 2068c
אַהֲבָה
love
H160 · TWOT 29c
שְׁאוֹל
Sheol, grave
H7585 · TWOT 2303c
חֵ֫לֶק
portion
H2506 · TWOT 669a
People & Context
God
The righteous and wise and their works are in His hand; He approves the joyful man's works and gives him life (vv.1,7,9).
The Poor Wise Man
By his wisdom delivered a little city from a great king's siege, yet no one remembered him (vv.15-16).
Timeline
The Shared Fate of All Men
The righteous and the wise are in God's hands, yet the same event of death happens to all, whether they are good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 9:1-3
The State of the Dead vs The Living
There is still hope for the living, as a living dog is better off than a dead lion. The living know they will die, but the dead know nothing.
Ecclesiastes 9:4-6
Exhortation to Enjoy Life and Labor Diligently
Men are instructed to joyfully eat their bread, drink their wine, wear white garments, and labor with all their might, because there is no work or wisdom in Sheol.
Ecclesiastes 9:7-10
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