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

זֹבֵ֑חַ slaughter for sacrifice H2076 · TWOT 525
בְגָדֶ֖י treachery H899 · TWOT 198a
עִ֣יר excitement H5892 · TWOT 1587a
הֶבְלֶ֔ vapour H1892 · TWOT 463a
לַחְמֶ֔ bread H3899 · TWOT 1105a

People & Context

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.

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.

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 wis…

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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Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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