Read the Bible
KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Ecclesiastes 11:2–8

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
¶ Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.
Share
Email linkOpen a new message in your email app
Read chapterReport issue
More

PASSAGE SELECTION

Build from either side

7 selected · 3 available

Add or remove verses within this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

All 91 ranked passages are available for comparison.

From verse 2

  1. 1 Timothy 6:18–19Rank 1 from verse 2
    Open

    18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

    19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

  2. Job 5:19Rank 2 from verse 2
    Open

    19He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

  3. Psalms 112:9Rank 3 from verse 2
    Open

    9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

  4. Luke 6:30–35Rank 4 from verse 2
    Open

    30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

    31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

    32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

    33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

    34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

    35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

  5. Proverbs 6:16Rank 5 from verse 2
    Open

    16¶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

  6. Acts 11:28–30Rank 6 from verse 2
    Open

    28And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar.

    29Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa:

    30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

  7. Daniel 4:27Rank 7 from verse 2
    Open

    27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

  8. Esther 9:19Rank 8 from verse 2
    Open

    19Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

  9. Micah 5:5Rank 9 from verse 2
    Open

    5And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

  10. Nehemiah 8:10Rank 10 from verse 2
    Open

    10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

  11. Ephesians 5:16Rank 11 from verse 2
    Open

    16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

  12. Galatians 6:1Rank 12 from verse 2
    Open

    1BRETHREN, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  13. Hebrews 13:3Rank 13 from verse 2
    Open

    3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

  14. Luke 17:4Rank 14 from verse 2
    Open

    4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

  15. Matthew 18:22Rank 15 from verse 2
    Open

    22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

  16. Matthew 5:42Rank 16 from verse 2
    Open

    42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

  17. Esther 9:22Rank 17 from verse 2
    Open

    22As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

From verse 3

  1. 1 John 3:17Rank 1 from verse 3
    Open

    17But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

  2. Isaiah 55:10–11Rank 2 from verse 3
    Open

    10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

    11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

  3. Psalms 65:9–13Rank 3 from verse 3
    Open

    9Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

    10Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

    11Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

    12They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

    13The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

  4. Luke 13:7Rank 4 from verse 3
    Open

    7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

  5. 1 Kings 18:45Rank 5 from verse 3
    Open

    45And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

  6. Luke 16:22–26Rank 6 from verse 3
    Open

    22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

    23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

    24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

    25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

    26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

  7. Matthew 3:10Rank 7 from verse 3
    Open

    10And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

From verse 4

  1. Proverbs 20:4Rank 1 from verse 4
    Open

    4The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

  2. Proverbs 3:27Rank 2 from verse 4
    Open

    27¶ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

  3. Proverbs 22:13Rank 3 from verse 4
    Open

    13The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

From verse 5

  1. John 3:8Rank 1 from verse 5
    Open

    8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

  2. Psalms 92:5Rank 2 from verse 5
    Open

    5O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

  3. Ecclesiastes 8:17Rank 3 from verse 5
    Open

    17Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

  4. Romans 11:33Rank 4 from verse 5
    Open

    33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  5. Isaiah 40:28Rank 5 from verse 5
    Open

    28¶ Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

  6. Psalms 104:24Rank 6 from verse 5
    Open

    24O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

  7. Psalms 139:13–16Rank 7 from verse 5
    Open

    13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

    14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

    15My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

    16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

  8. Ecclesiastes 7:24Rank 8 from verse 5
    Open

    24That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

  9. Job 26:5–14Rank 9 from verse 5
    Open

    5Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.

    6Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.

    7He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.

    8He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.

    9He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.

    10He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

    11The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.

    12He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.

    13By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.

    14Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

  10. Job 36:24–33Rank 10 from verse 5
    Open

    24Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.

    25Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.

    26Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.

    27For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:

    28Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.

    29Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?

    30Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.

    31For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.

    32With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.

    33The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

  11. Job 38:4–30Rank 11 from verse 5
    Open

    4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

    5Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

    6Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

    7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

    8Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

    9When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,

    10And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,

    11And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

    12Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;

    13That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?

    14It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.

    15And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.

    16Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?

    17Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?

    18Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.

    19Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,

    20That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?

    21Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?

    22Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,

    23Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

    24By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?

    25Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;

    26To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;

    27To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?

    28Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?

    29Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?

    30The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

  12. Job 5:9Rank 12 from verse 5
    Open

    9Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

  13. Psalms 40:5Rank 13 from verse 5
    Open

    5Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

  14. Job 37:23Rank 14 from verse 5
    Open

    23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.

From verse 6

  1. 2 Corinthians 9:10–11Rank 1 from verse 6
    Open

    10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

    11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

  2. Isaiah 55:10Rank 2 from verse 6
    Open

    10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

  3. Haggai 1:6–11Rank 3 from verse 6
    Open

    6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

    7¶ Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

    8Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.

    9Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

    10Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

    11And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

  4. Hosea 10:12Rank 4 from verse 6
    Open

    12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

  5. 2 Corinthians 9:6Rank 5 from verse 6
    Open

    6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  6. Zechariah 8:11–12Rank 6 from verse 6
    Open

    11But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the Lord of hosts.

    12For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.

  7. John 4:36–38Rank 7 from verse 6
    Open

    36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

    37And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

    38I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

  8. 1 Corinthians 3:5–7Rank 8 from verse 6
    Open

    5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

    6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

    7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

  9. 2 Timothy 4:2Rank 9 from verse 6
    Open

    2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

  10. Haggai 2:17–19Rank 10 from verse 6
    Open

    17I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the Lord.

    18Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, consider it.

    19Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.

  11. Mark 4:26–29Rank 11 from verse 6
    Open

    26¶ And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

    27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

    28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

    29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

  12. Ecclesiastes 9:10Rank 12 from verse 6
    Open

    10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

  13. Ecclesiastes 9:1Rank 13 from verse 6
    Open

    1FOR all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.

  14. Acts 11:20–21Rank 14 from verse 6
    Open

    20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

    21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

From verse 7

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:11Rank 1 from verse 7
    Open

    11¶ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

  2. Matthew 5:45Rank 2 from verse 7
    Open

    45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

  3. Proverbs 15:30Rank 3 from verse 7
    Open

    30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

  4. Psalms 84:11Rank 4 from verse 7
    Open

    11For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

  5. Job 33:30Rank 5 from verse 7
    Open

    30To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

  6. Proverbs 29:13Rank 6 from verse 7
    Open

    13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.

  7. Ecclesiastes 6:5Rank 7 from verse 7
    Open

    5Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.

  8. Job 33:28Rank 8 from verse 7
    Open

    28He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

  9. Psalms 56:13Rank 9 from verse 7
    Open

    13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

From verse 8

  1. John 12:35Rank 1 from verse 8
    Open

    35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

  2. Deuteronomy 32:29Rank 2 from verse 8
    Open

    29O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

  3. Ecclesiastes 7:14Rank 3 from verse 8
    Open

    14In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

  4. Joel 2:2Rank 4 from verse 8
    Open

    2A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

  5. Ecclesiastes 12:1–5Rank 5 from verse 8
    Open

    1REMEMBER now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

    2While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

    3In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

    4And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

    5Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

  6. Ecclesiastes 6:11Rank 6 from verse 8
    Open

    11¶ Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

  7. Ecclesiastes 8:12Rank 7 from verse 8
    Open

    12¶ Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

  8. Ecclesiastes 8:15Rank 8 from verse 8
    Open

    15Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

  9. Jeremiah 13:16Rank 9 from verse 8
    Open

    16Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

  10. Job 14:10Rank 10 from verse 8
    Open

    10But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?

  11. Jude 1:18Rank 11 from verse 8
    Open

    18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

  12. Ecclesiastes 2:1–11Rank 12 from verse 8
    Open

    1I SAID in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.

    2I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

    3I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

    4I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

    5I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

    6I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

    7I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

    8I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

    9So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

    10And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

    11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

  13. Ecclesiastes 2:15Rank 13 from verse 8
    Open

    15Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

  14. Ecclesiastes 2:17Rank 14 from verse 8
    Open

    17Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

  15. Ecclesiastes 2:19Rank 15 from verse 8
    Open

    19And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

  16. Ecclesiastes 2:21–23Rank 16 from verse 8
    Open

    21For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

    22For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

    23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

  17. Ecclesiastes 2:26Rank 17 from verse 8
    Open

    26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

  18. Ecclesiastes 3:12–13Rank 18 from verse 8
    Open

    12I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

    13And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

  19. Ecclesiastes 4:16Rank 19 from verse 8
    Open

    16There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

  20. Ecclesiastes 4:8Rank 20 from verse 8
    Open

    8There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

  21. Ecclesiastes 5:15–16Rank 21 from verse 8
    Open

    15As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

    16And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

  22. Ecclesiastes 5:18–20Rank 22 from verse 8
    Open

    18¶ Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

    19Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

    20For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

  23. Ecclesiastes 6:6Rank 23 from verse 8
    Open

    6¶ Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

  24. Job 10:22Rank 24 from verse 8
    Open

    22A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.

  25. Job 15:23Rank 25 from verse 8
    Open

    23He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

  26. Job 18:18Rank 26 from verse 8
    Open

    18He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

  27. Matthew 22:13Rank 27 from verse 8
    Open

    13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 11:2

COMBINED MEANING

portion

↗

A part, share, allotment, inheritance, assigned duty, reward, or outcome belonging or given to someone.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

upon

↗

1. Marks the person, place, thing, or basis to which something is related: on or onto; above or over; toward or against as the target of action, speech, thought, attention, or force; resting on, assigned to, or affecting as a state, gift, burden, duty, guilt, or judgment; supported by or based on; or one placed, added, or repeated on or after another. 2. With a stated time or occasion, or a preceding event, at that time or point, or at or after that event: on, at, when, then, or following it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

earth

↗

Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 11:3

COMBINED MEANING

clouds

↗

Sense 1: Visible masses of condensed vapour in the sky. Sense 2: Figures of covering, multitude, or obscurity.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

rain

↗

Sense 1: Water falling in drops from the clouds. Sense 2: As a verb, to fall or pour down like rain.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

empty

↗

Sense 1: Containing nothing; void, unfilled, destitute, or without effect. Sense 2: To pour out or deprive of contents.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

upon

↗

1. Marks the person, place, thing, or basis to which something is related: on or onto; above or over; toward or against as the target of action, speech, thought, attention, or force; resting on, assigned to, or affecting as a state, gift, burden, duty, guilt, or judgment; supported by or based on; or one placed, added, or repeated on or after another. 2. With a stated time or occasion, or a preceding event, at that time or point, or at or after that event: on, at, when, then, or following it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

earth

↗

Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fall

↗

Sense 1: To descend, drop, or lose an upright position. Sense 2: To be slain, defeated, overthrown, ruined, or brought down. Sense 3: To come upon or attack. Sense 4: To pass into a specified place, condition, power, or course, or to depart from a former standing. Sense 5: To happen, turn out, or be allotted. Sense 6: As a noun, descent, overthrow, ruin, or loss of standing.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

toward

↗

1. In the direction of or in relation to. 2. Approaching. 3. Inclined or ready.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

north

↗

The direction or quarter opposite south; the side or region toward that quarter.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

place

↗

Sense 1: A physical location or room. Sense 2: A position or office. Sense 3: An occasion, circumstance, or passage. Sense 4: To set, fix, locate, or establish.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

falleth

↗

1. Comes or goes down, drops, collapses, bows, or is overthrown. 2. Comes upon or enters a state or condition. 3. Of a lot or portion, is assigned or belongs. 4. In ‘falleth out,’ happens or occurs. 5. In ‘falleth to,’ yields or goes over to another side.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 11:4

COMBINED MEANING

wind

↗

Sense 1: Air in motion; a current of air. Sense 2: Breath or a movement of air from breathing. Sense 3: By figure, something empty, unstable, or passing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

sow

↗

Sense 1: To scatter or plant seed. Sense 2: Figuratively, to spread what will produce a result. Sense 3: An adult female swine.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

clouds

↗

Sense 1: Visible masses of condensed vapour in the sky. Sense 2: Figures of covering, multitude, or obscurity.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

reap

↗

Sense 1: To cut and gather a crop. Sense 2: By figure, to receive the result or reward of actions.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 11:5

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

↗

Sense 1: An immaterial living or personal being distinct from a body. Sense 2: The inward life, disposition, mind, or courage of a person. Sense 3: The Holy Spirit, the divine Spirit of God.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

womb

↗

Sense 1: The bodily place in a female where a child is conceived and carried before birth. Sense 2: A source pictured as such a place.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

child

↗

1. A son or daughter; an offspring or descendant. 2. A young person or infant, considered by age or development. 3. In 'with child,' pregnant or carrying an unborn child. 4. One described as belonging to, derived from, characterized by, or dependent upon another person, group, or condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

works

↗

Plural of work: acts, deeds, labours, operations, products, or things made.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

maketh

↗

Third-person singular present form of make (to form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 11:6

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

morning

↗

Sense 1: The beginning or early part of the day, including hours before daylight. Sense 2: The dawn or a beginning compared with dawn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sow

↗

Sense 1: To scatter or plant seed. Sense 2: Figuratively, to spread what will produce a result. Sense 3: An adult female swine.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

seed

↗

Sense 1: The reproductive substance of a plant or creature, especially what is sown to produce after its kind. Sense 2: Offspring, descendants, or lineage. Sense 3: A beginning, source, or thing sown that produces a result.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

hand

↗

Sense 1: The part of the body at the end of the arm. Sense 2: Figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

prosper

↗

To succeed, advance, thrive, flourish, increase, or accomplish an intended purpose.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 11:7

COMBINED MEANING

truly

↗

According to truth; in agreement with fact; Sincerely; honestly; really; faithfully; Exactly; justly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

light

↗

Sense 1: Brightness or illumination. Sense 2: A source or opening that gives light. Sense 3: Figuratively, truth, knowledge, revelation, life, or favour contrasted with darkness. Sense 4: To illuminate or kindle. Sense 5: To alight or come upon. Sense 6: Slight, easy, swift, or not heavy.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sweet

↗

Sense 1: Pleasing to the taste or smell. Sense 2: Pleasant, agreeable, or delightful to the senses or mind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

eyes

↗

The bodily organs of sight; by extension, sight, attention, observation, perception, understanding, desire, judgment, estimation, favour, or the presence and view before which something occurs.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

behold

↗

1. Used as an attention word or command directing someone to look at or take notice of the person, thing, statement, or event presented: look; see; take notice. 2. As a verb, to look upon, see, observe, or witness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sun

↗

The great light that rules the day and gives light and heat.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 11:8

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

live

↗

Sense 1: As a verb, to have or continue in life; to remain alive, be restored to life, or not die. Sense 2: To dwell, abide, or continue in a place, state, relation, or manner of life. Sense 3: To subsist or be sustained by or upon what is named. Sense 4: As an adjective, alive rather than dead; or containing fire and not extinguished.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

rejoice

↗

1. To be glad, take joy, delight, or exult; to express gladness. 2. To make glad or cause to rejoice.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yet

↗

1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

let

↗

Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

remember

↗

1. To retain in mind or call back to mind; to recall. 2. To keep in mind with heed, observance, commemoration, or corresponding action. 3. To take account of a person, promise, deed, sin, or need and act with regard to it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

darkness

↗

Sense 1: Absence of light. Sense 2: Obscurity, ignorance, distress, or moral evil by figure.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

vanity

↗

Emptiness, futility, worthlessness, falsehood, unreliability, or transience.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Suggested context · Ecclesiastes 11:1–8

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

11:1CAST thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

11:2Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

Selected passage

11:3If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

Selected passage

11:4He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

Selected passage

11:5As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Selected passage

11:6In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

Selected passage

11:7¶ Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

Selected passage

11:8But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

Selected passage

LOCAL PASTOR DIRECTORY

Ask a Pastor Near You

Enter a U.S. ZIP code to find nearby pastors committed to holding fast the faithful word.

Your ZIP is processed in this browser from local data. It is not sent to a ZIP lookup service or to a church. ZIP coordinates from GeoNames, licensed under CC BY 4.0.