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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Ecclesiastes 9:4–9

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
¶ For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
¶ Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

30 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 4

  1. Job 14:7–12Rank 1 from verse 4
    Open

    7For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

    8Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;

    9Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

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

    11As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:

    12So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

  2. Isaiah 38:18Rank 2 from verse 4
    Open

    18For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

  3. Luke 16:26–29Rank 3 from verse 4
    Open

    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.

    27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

    28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

    29Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

  4. Lamentations 3:21–22Rank 4 from verse 4
    Open

    21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

    22It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

  5. Job 27:8Rank 5 from verse 4
    Open

    8For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

From verse 5

  1. Isaiah 26:14Rank 1 from verse 5
    Open

    14They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.

  2. Ecclesiastes 1:11Rank 2 from verse 5
    Open

    11There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

  3. Psalms 6:5Rank 3 from verse 5
    Open

    5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

  4. Psalms 88:10–12Rank 4 from verse 5
    Open

    10Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

    11Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?

    12Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

  5. Hebrews 9:27Rank 5 from verse 5
    Open

    27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

From verse 6

  1. Psalms 146:3–4Rank 1 from verse 6
    Open

    3Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

    4His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

  2. Ecclesiastes 6:12Rank 2 from verse 6
    Open

    12For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

  3. Job 3:17–18Rank 3 from verse 6
    Open

    17There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.

    18There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.

  4. Matthew 2:20Rank 4 from verse 6
    Open

    20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.

  5. Ecclesiastes 2:18–23Rank 5 from verse 6
    Open

    18¶ Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

    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.

    20Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

    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.

From verse 7

  1. Ecclesiastes 3:12–13Rank 1 from verse 7
    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.

  2. Deuteronomy 12:7Rank 2 from verse 7
    Open

    7And there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee.

  3. Ecclesiastes 10:19Rank 3 from verse 7
    Open

    19¶ A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

  4. Ecclesiastes 8:15Rank 4 from verse 7
    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.

  5. Ecclesiastes 2:24–26Rank 5 from verse 7
    Open

    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.

    25For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

    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.

From verse 8

  1. Revelation 19:14Rank 1 from verse 8
    Open

    14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

  2. Revelation 3:4–5Rank 2 from verse 8
    Open

    4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

    5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

  3. Revelation 19:8Rank 3 from verse 8
    Open

    8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

  4. Revelation 7:13–14Rank 4 from verse 8
    Open

    13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

    14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  5. Revelation 16:15Rank 5 from verse 8
    Open

    15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

From verse 9

  1. Proverbs 5:18–19Rank 1 from verse 9
    Open

    18Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

    19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

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

    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.

  3. Ecclesiastes 6:12Rank 3 from verse 9
    Open

    12For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

  4. Malachi 2:15Rank 4 from verse 9
    Open

    15And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

  5. Ecclesiastes 3:13Rank 5 from verse 9
    Open

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

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 9:4

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

joined

↗

Connected, fastened, united, associated, attached, adjoining, or brought together.

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

COMBINED MEANING

hope

↗

1. Expectation, trust, reliance, or the good expected. 2. The person or ground on which expectation rests. 3. To expect, look for, trust, or rely upon.

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

COMBINED MEANING

dog

↗

Sense 1: The animal that barks, laps, scavenges, and may attack. Sense 2: A term of contempt for a person regarded as low, despised, unclean, or hostile.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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

dead

↗

Sense 1: Without life; deprived of life. Sense 2: Lifeless, inactive, insensible, or separated from a former state by figure.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lion

↗

Sense 1: A large, powerful wild cat. Sense 2: Figuratively, one fierce or strong.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 9:5

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

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

COMBINED MEANING

know

↗

To perceive, understand, recognize, experience, or be assured of something.

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

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

dead

↗

Sense 1: Without life; deprived of life. Sense 2: Lifeless, inactive, insensible, or separated from a former state by figure.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

neither

↗

1. Also not; nor, introducing or joining a further negative statement or prohibition. 2. Not either, or none, of the alternatives named, commonly in a neither ... nor construction.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

reward

↗

Sense 1: A benefit, payment, honour, punishment, or recompense given or received. Sense 2: As a verb, to give such a return.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

memory

↗

Sense 1: The faculty or act of retaining and recalling. Sense 2: The remembrance left of a person or event.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 9:6

COMBINED MEANING

love

↗

Sense 1: Affection, attachment, delight, goodwill, commitment, or devotion. Sense 2: To regard with affection or devotion. Sense 3: A beloved person.

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

COMBINED MEANING

envy

↗

Sense 1: Resentful desire at another's good. Sense 2: As a verb, to feel such jealousy.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

neither

↗

1. Also not; nor, introducing or joining a further negative statement or prohibition. 2. Not either, or none, of the alternatives named, commonly in a neither ... nor construction.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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

for ever

↗

1. Without end; for all time. 2. Continually or permanently throughout the duration in view.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ever

↗

At any time; always or continually; throughout all time or for ever.

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

sun

↗

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 9:7

COMBINED MEANING

eat

↗

To take food into the body; to consume, devour, or waste away.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

joy

↗

Sense 1: Gladness, delight, or rejoicing. Sense 2: To rejoice, delight, or be glad.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wine

↗

The produce of grapes or other fruit used as a drink.

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

COMBINED MEANING

merry

↗

Glad, cheerful, joyful, festive, pleased, or enlivened in heart, often in connection with eating, drinking, feasting, celebration, or favourable circumstances.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

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

works

↗

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 9:8

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

white

↗

1. Having the light colour of snow or milk; bright or pale. 2. To make white; to whiten.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

head

↗

The upper part of the body; a chief, source, summit, or leading position.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lack

↗

Sense 1: To be without or in need of something. Sense 2: As a noun, want, shortage, or absence.

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

DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 9:9

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

whom

↗

The objective form of who, referring to the person or persons acted upon or related to.

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

vanity

↗

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

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

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

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

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

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

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READ THE PASSAGE

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Suggested context · Ecclesiastes 9:4–10

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

9:4¶ For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Selected passage

9:5For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Selected passage

9:6Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

Selected passage

9:7¶ Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Selected passage

9:8Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

Selected passage

9:9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Selected passage

9:10Whatsoever 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.

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