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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Ecclesiastes 6:4–9

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
¶ Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
¶ Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

All 47 ranked passages are available for comparison.

From verse 4

  1. Psalms 109:13Rank 1 from verse 4
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    13Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

From verse 5

  1. Job 14:1Rank 1 from verse 5
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    1MAN that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

  2. Job 3:10–13Rank 2 from verse 5
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    10Because it shut not up the doors of my mother’s womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.

    11Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?

    12Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

    13For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,

  3. Psalms 58:8Rank 3 from verse 5
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    8As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

  4. Psalms 90:7–9Rank 4 from verse 5
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    7For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

    8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

    9For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

From verse 6

  1. Ecclesiastes 3:20Rank 1 from verse 6
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    20All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

  2. Hebrews 9:27Rank 2 from verse 6
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    27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

  3. Job 30:23Rank 3 from verse 6
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    23For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.

  4. Ecclesiastes 12:7Rank 4 from verse 6
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    7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

  5. Ecclesiastes 6:3Rank 5 from verse 6
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    3¶ If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.

  6. Genesis 5:23–24Rank 6 from verse 6
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    23And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:

    24And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

  7. Genesis 5:5Rank 7 from verse 6
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    5And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

  8. Isaiah 65:20Rank 8 from verse 6
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    20There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.

  9. Isaiah 65:22Rank 9 from verse 6
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    22They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

  10. Jeremiah 17:6Rank 10 from verse 6
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    6For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

  11. Job 1:21Rank 11 from verse 6
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    21And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

  12. Job 7:7Rank 12 from verse 6
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    7O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.

  13. Psalms 34:12Rank 13 from verse 6
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    12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

  14. Psalms 4:6–7Rank 14 from verse 6
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    6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

    7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

From verse 7

  1. John 6:27Rank 1 from verse 7
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    27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

  2. Proverbs 16:26Rank 2 from verse 7
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    26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

  3. 1 Timothy 6:6–8Rank 3 from verse 7
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    6But godliness with contentment is great gain.

    7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

    8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

  4. Matthew 6:25Rank 4 from verse 7
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    25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

  5. Ecclesiastes 5:10Rank 5 from verse 7
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    10He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

  6. Ecclesiastes 6:3Rank 6 from verse 7
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    3¶ If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.

  7. Luke 12:19Rank 7 from verse 7
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    19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

  8. Genesis 3:17–19Rank 8 from verse 7
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    17And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

    18Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

    19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

From verse 8

  1. Proverbs 19:1Rank 1 from verse 8
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    1BETTER is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

  2. Ecclesiastes 2:14–16Rank 2 from verse 8
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    14The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

    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.

    16For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

  3. 1 Timothy 6:17Rank 3 from verse 8
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    17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  4. Ecclesiastes 5:11Rank 4 from verse 8
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    11When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

  5. Genesis 17:1Rank 5 from verse 8
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    1AND when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

  6. Luke 1:6Rank 6 from verse 8
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    6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

  7. Psalms 101:2Rank 7 from verse 8
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    2I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

  8. Psalms 116:9Rank 8 from verse 8
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    9I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

From verse 9

  1. Ecclesiastes 1:14Rank 1 from verse 9
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    14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

  2. Job 31:7Rank 2 from verse 9
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    7If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;

  3. Ecclesiastes 1:2Rank 3 from verse 9
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    2Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

  4. Ecclesiastes 11:9Rank 4 from verse 9
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    9¶ Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

  5. Ecclesiastes 2:11Rank 5 from verse 9
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    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.

  6. Ecclesiastes 3:12–13Rank 6 from verse 9
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    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.

  7. Ecclesiastes 4:4Rank 7 from verse 9
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    4¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

  8. Ecclesiastes 5:18Rank 8 from verse 9
    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.

  9. Ecclesiastes 2:22–24Rank 9 from verse 9
    Open

    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.

    24There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

  10. Ecclesiastes 6:2Rank 10 from verse 9
    Open

    2A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

  11. Jeremiah 2:20Rank 11 from verse 9
    Open

    20¶ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

  12. Proverbs 30:15–16Rank 12 from verse 9
    Open

    15The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

    16The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 6:4

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

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

vanity

↗

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

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

name

↗

Sense 1: A word, appellation, or designation by which a person or thing is called or known. Sense 2: The person or persons named or represented. Sense 3: Reputation, character, renown, or remembrance. Sense 4: The authority, behalf, or standing represented by a name. Sense 5: As a verb, to call, designate, or mention by name.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · 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

covered

↗

Had a covering placed or spread over; hidden, concealed, enclosed, overlaid, clothed, sheltered, or occupied over the surface or extent of something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 6:5

COMBINED MEANING

moreover

↗

Besides, further, additionally, or what is more, introducing another statement, fact, command, reason, or continuation.

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

COMBINED MEANING

rest

↗

Sense 1: To cease from labour or motion, lie still, settle, remain, or rely; also repose, peace, security, or an abiding place. Sense 2: The remaining persons or things after a part is distinguished.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 6:6

COMBINED MEANING

yea

↗

1. Indeed, marking confirmation, emphasis, addition, continuation, or heightening of what is said; it may also emphasize a question. 2. Yes, expressing an affirmative answer or declaration.

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

twice

↗

Two times, on two occasions, in two repeated instances, or in double measure.

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

COMBINED MEANING

told

↗

Past-tense or past-participial form of tell (to say, relate, inform, count, or make known).

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

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

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

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 6:7

COMBINED MEANING

labour

↗

1. Work, toil, effort, exertion, service, or the product of work. 2. Weariness or trouble. 3. Travail in childbirth. 4. To work, strive, serve, or exert oneself.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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

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

mouth

↗

Sense 1: The bodily opening used for eating, breathing, and speaking. Sense 2: The opening or entrance of a thing. Sense 3: Speech, utterance, or the agency of speaking.

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

filled

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of fill. Sense 1: To make full or occupy capacity. Sense 2: To satisfy. Sense 3: To occupy. Sense 4: To complete what is lacking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 6:8

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

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fool

↗

Sense 1: A person lacking wisdom or moral understanding. Sense 2: As a verb, to act foolishly or deceive.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

before

↗

Earlier than in time; in front of; in the presence of; or prior in order or rank.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

living

↗

Sense 1: Alive or having life. Sense 2: As a noun, one's means of support or possessions.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 6:9

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

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

COMBINED MEANING

sight

↗

1. The act or power of seeing. 2. A thing seen, view, or appearance. 3. Presence or observation.

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

desire

↗

Sense 1: A wish, longing, request, pleasure, or thing wished for. Sense 2: To wish for, long for, request, or take pleasure in.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

vanity

↗

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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

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Related Concepts

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READ THE PASSAGE

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Suggested context · Ecclesiastes 6:3–10

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

6:3¶ If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.

6:4For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.

Selected passage

6:5Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.

Selected passage

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

Selected passage

6:7All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

Selected passage

6:8For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

Selected passage

6:9¶ Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Selected passage

6:10That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

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