Ecclesiastes
Inspired Version (1:1)
The words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:
Hebrew (1:1)
KJV (1:1)
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Inspired Version (1:2)
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
Hebrew (1:2)
KJV (1:2)
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
Inspired Version (1:3)
What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun?
Hebrew (1:3)
מַה־ (What) יִּתְר֖וֹן (gain) לָֽאָדָ֑ם (does a man) בְּכָל־ (from all) עֲמָל֔וֹ (his labor), שֶֽׁיַּעֲמֹ֖ל (at which he toils) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun)?
KJV (1:3)
What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun?
Inspired Version (1:4)
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever.
Hebrew (1:4)
KJV (1:4)
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
Inspired Version (1:5)
The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down and hasteth to his place where he arose.
Hebrew (1:5)
וְזָרַ֥ח (rises) הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ (The sun) וּבָ֣א (sets); הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (and the sun) וְאֶ֨ל־ (. . .) מְקוֹמ֔וֹ (to) שׁוֹאֵ֛ף (it hurries back) זוֹרֵ֥חַֽ (rises). ה֖וּא (it) שָֽׁם׃ (where)
KJV (1:5)
The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
Inspired Version (1:6)
The wind goeth toward the south and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
Hebrew (1:6)
KJV (1:6)
The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
Inspired Version (1:7)
All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
Hebrew (1:7)
כָּל־ (All) הַנְּחָלִים֙ (the rivers) הֹלְכִ֣ים (flow) אֶל־ (into) הַיָּ֔ם (the sea), וְהַיָּ֖ם (yet the sea) אֵינֶ֣נּוּ (is never) מָלֵ֑א (full); אֶל־ (to) מְק֗וֹם (the place) שֶׁ֤הַנְּחָלִים֙ (from which the streams) הֹֽלְכִ֔ים (come), שָׁ֛ם (there) הֵ֥ם (they) שָׁבִ֖ים (again) לָלָֽכֶת׃ (flow).
KJV (1:7)
All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
Inspired Version (1:8)
All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Hebrew (1:8)
כָּל־ (All) הַדְּבָרִ֣ים (things) יְגֵעִ֔ים (are wearisome), לֹא־ (more) יוּכַ֥ל (. . .) אִ֖ישׁ (than one) לְדַבֵּ֑ר (can describe); לֹא־ (is not) תִשְׂבַּ֥ע (satisfied) עַ֙יִן֙ (the eye) לִרְא֔וֹת (with seeing), וְלֹא־ (nor) תִמָּלֵ֥א (content) אֹ֖זֶן (the ear) מִשְּׁמֹֽעַ׃ (with hearing).
KJV (1:8)
All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Inspired Version (1:9)
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun.
Hebrew (1:9)
מַה־ (What) שֶּֽׁהָיָה֙ (has been) ה֣וּא (vvv) שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֔ה (will be again), וּמַה־ (and what) שֶׁנַּֽעֲשָׂ֔ה (has been done) ה֖וּא (-) שֶׁיֵּעָשֶׂ֑ה (will be done again); וְאֵ֥ין (there is nothing) כָּל־ (. . .) חָדָ֖שׁ (new) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (1:9)
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Inspired Version (1:10)
Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.
Hebrew (1:10)
יֵ֥שׁ (Is there [a case]) דָּבָ֛ר (. . .), שֶׁיֹּאמַ֥ר (where one can say) רְאֵה־ (Look), זֶ֖ה (this) חָדָ֣שׁ (is new)”? ה֑וּא (It) כְּבָר֙ (has already) הָיָ֣ה (existed) לְעֹֽלָמִ֔ים (in the ages) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (-) הָיָ֖ה (-) מִלְּפָנֵֽנוּ׃ (before us).
KJV (1:10)
Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
Inspired Version (1:11)
There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Hebrew (1:11)
אֵ֥ין (There is no) זִכְר֖וֹן (remembrance) לָרִאשֹׁנִ֑ים (of those who came before) וְגַ֨ם (. . .), לָאַחֲרֹנִ֜ים (and those yet to come) שֶׁיִּהְי֗וּ (will not be) לֹֽא־ (. . .) יִהְיֶ֤ה (follow) לָהֶם֙ (. . .) זִכָּר֔וֹן (remembered) עִ֥ם (by) שֶׁיִּהְי֖וּ (those who) לָאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃פ (after).
KJV (1:11)
There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Inspired Version (1:12)
I, the preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
Hebrew (1:12)
אֲנִ֣י (I), קֹהֶ֗לֶת (the Teacher), הָיִ֥יתִי (was) מֶ֛לֶךְ (king) עַל־ (over) יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (Israel) בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (in Jerusalem).
KJV (1:12)
I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
Inspired Version (1:13)
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven; this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
Hebrew (1:13)
וְנָתַ֣תִּי (And I set) אֶת־ (-) לִבִּ֗י (my mind) לִדְר֤וֹשׁ (to seek) וְלָתוּר֙ (and explore) בַּֽחָכְמָ֔ה (by wisdom) עַ֛ל (. . .) כָּל־ (all) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (that) נַעֲשָׂ֖ה (is done) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (heaven). ה֣וּא׀ (What) עִנְיַ֣ן (task) רָ֗ע (a miserable) נָתַ֧ן (has laid) אֱלֹהִ֛ים (God) לִבְנֵ֥י (upon the sons) הָאָדָ֖ם (of men) לַעֲנ֥וֹת (to occupy them) בּֽוֹ׃ (. . .)!
KJV (1:13)
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
Inspired Version (1:14)
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Hebrew (1:14)
רָאִ֙יתִי֙ (I have seen) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (all) הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֔ים (the things) שֶֽׁנַּעֲשׂ֖וּ (that are done) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun), וְהִנֵּ֥ה (and have found them) הַכֹּ֛ל (all) הֶ֖בֶל (to be futile), וּרְע֥וּת (a pursuit) רֽוּחַ׃ (of the wind).
KJV (1:14)
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Inspired Version (1:15)
That which is crooked cannot be made straight; and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
Hebrew (1:15)
מְעֻוָּ֖ת (What is crooked) לֹא־ (cannot) יוּכַ֣ל (. . .) לִתְקֹ֑ן (be straightened), וְחֶסְר֖וֹן (and what is lacking) לֹא־ (cannot) יוּכַ֥ל (. . .) לְהִמָּנֽוֹת׃ (be counted).
KJV (1:15)
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
Inspired Version (1:16)
I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
Hebrew (1:16)
דִּבַּ֨רְתִּי (said) אֲנִ֤י (I) עִם־ (to) לִבִּי֙ (myself), לֵאמֹ֔ר (. . .) אֲנִ֗י (I) הִנֵּ֨ה (Behold), הִגְדַּ֤לְתִּי (have grown) וְהוֹסַ֙פְתִּי֙ (and increased) חָכְמָ֔ה (in wisdom) עַ֛ל (beyond) כָּל־ (all) אֲשֶׁר־ (those) הָיָ֥ה (who were) לְפָנַ֖י (before me) עַל־ (over) יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (Jerusalem), וְלִבִּ֛י (and my mind) רָאָ֥ה (has observed) הַרְבֵּ֖ה (a wealth) חָכְמָ֥ה (of wisdom) וָדָֽעַת׃ (and knowledge).
KJV (1:16)
I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
Inspired Version (1:17)
And I gave my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
Hebrew (1:17)
וָאֶתְּנָ֤ה (So I set) לִבִּי֙ (my mind) לָדַ֣עַת (to know) חָכְמָ֔ה (wisdom) וְדַ֥עַת ([and]) הוֹלֵל֖וֹת (madness) וְשִׂכְל֑וּת (and folly); יָדַ֕עְתִּי (I learned) שֶׁגַּם־ (too), זֶ֥ה (that) ה֖וּא (this), רַעְי֥וֹן (is a pursuit) רֽוּחַ׃ (of the wind).
KJV (1:17)
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
Inspired Version (1:18)
For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Hebrew (1:18)
כִּ֛י (For) בְּרֹ֥ב (with much) חָכְמָ֖ה (wisdom) רָב־ (comes much) כָּ֑עַס (sorrow), וְיוֹסִ֥יף (grows), דַּ֖עַת (and as knowledge) יוֹסִ֥יף (increases). מַכְאֽוֹב׃ (grief)
KJV (1:18)
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Inspired Version (2:1)
I said in mine heart, Go to now; I will prove thee with mirth; therefore, enjoy pleasure; and behold, this also is vanity.
Hebrew (2:1)
אָמַ֤רְתִּֽי (said) אֲנִי֙ (I) בְּלִבִּ֔י (to myself), לְכָה־ (Come) נָּ֛א (now), אֲנַסְּכָ֛ה (I will test) בְשִׂמְחָ֖ה (you with pleasure); וּרְאֵ֣ה (enjoy) בְט֑וֹב (what is good)! וְהִנֵּ֥ה (proved) גַם־ (. . .) ה֖וּא (But it) הָֽבֶל׃ (to be futile).
KJV (2:1)
I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
Inspired Version (2:2)
I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it?
Hebrew (2:2)
לִשְׂח֖וֹק (of laughter), אָמַ֣רְתִּי (I said) מְהוֹלָ֑ל (It is folly), וּלְשִׂמְחָ֖ה (and of pleasure), מַה־ (What) זֹּ֥ה (does it) עֹשָֽׂה׃ (accomplish)?
KJV (2:2)
I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
Inspired Version (2:3)
I 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.
Hebrew (2:3)
תַּ֣רְתִּי (I sought) בְלִבִּ֔י (. . .) לִמְשׁ֥וֹךְ (. . .) בַּיַּ֖יִן (with wine) אֶת־ (-) בְּשָׂרִ֑י (to cheer my body) וְלִבִּ֞י (my mind) נֹהֵ֤ג (still guiding me) בַּֽחָכְמָה֙ (with wisdom)— וְלֶאֱחֹ֣ז (and to embrace) בְּסִכְל֔וּת (folly)— עַ֣ד (until) אֲשֶׁר־ (-) אֶרְאֶ֗ה (I could see) אֵי־ (what) זֶ֨ה ([was]) ט֜וֹב (worthwhile) לִבְנֵ֤י (for men) הָאָדָם֙ (. . .) אֲשֶׁ֤ר (-) יַעֲשׂוּ֙ (to do) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם (heaven) מִסְפַּ֖ר (during the few) יְמֵ֥י (days) חַיֵּיהֶֽם׃ (of their lives).
KJV (2:3)
I 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.
Inspired Version (2:4)
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards;
Hebrew (2:4)
הִגְדַּ֖לְתִּי (I expanded) מַעֲשָׂ֑י (my pursuits). בָּנִ֤יתִי (I built) לִי֙ (-) בָּתִּ֔ים (houses) נָטַ֥עְתִּי (and planted) לִ֖י (for myself). כְּרָמִֽים׃ (vineyards)
KJV (2:4)
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
Inspired Version (2:5)
I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits;
Hebrew (2:5)
עָשִׂ֣יתִי (I made) לִ֔י (for myself), גַּנּ֖וֹת (gardens) וּפַרְדֵּסִ֑ים (and parks) וְנָטַ֥עְתִּי (I planted) בָהֶ֖ם (where) עֵ֥ץ (trees). כָּל־ (all kinds) פֶּֽרִי׃ (of fruit)
KJV (2:5)
I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
Inspired Version (2:6)
I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees.
Hebrew (2:6)
עָשִׂ֥יתִי (I built) לִ֖י (. . .) בְּרֵכ֣וֹת (reservoirs) מָ֑יִם (. . .) לְהַשְׁק֣וֹת (to water) מֵהֶ֔ם (. . .) יַ֖עַר (my groves) צוֹמֵ֥חַ (of flourishing) עֵצִֽים׃ (trees).
KJV (2:6)
I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
Inspired Version (2:7)
I 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.
Hebrew (2:7)
קָנִ֙יתִי֙ (I acquired) עֲבָדִ֣ים (menservants) וּשְׁפָח֔וֹת (and maidservants), וּבְנֵי־ (and servants were born) בַ֖יִת (in my house). הָ֣יָה (owned) לִ֑י () גַּ֣ם (I also) מִקְנֶה֩ (. . .) בָקָ֨ר (herds) וָצֹ֤אן (and flocks) הַרְבֵּה֙ (more) הָ֣יָה (. . .) לִ֔י () מִכֹּ֛ל (than anyone) שֶֽׁהָי֥וּ (. . .) לְפָנַ֖י (before me), בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (in Jerusalem)
KJV (2:7)
I 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:
Inspired Version (2:8)
I 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.
Hebrew (2:8)
כָּנַ֤סְתִּי (accumulated) לִי֙ (for myself) גַּם־ (and I) כֶּ֣סֶף (silver) וְזָהָ֔ב (and gold) וּסְגֻלַּ֥ת (and the treasure) מְלָכִ֖ים (of kings) וְהַמְּדִינ֑וֹת (and provinces). עָשִׂ֨יתִי (I gathered) לִ֜י (to myself) שָׁרִ֣ים (male and) וְשָׁר֗וֹת (female singers), וְתַעֲנוּגֹ֛ת (and the delights) בְּנֵ֥י (of the sons) הָאָדָ֖ם (of men)— שִׁדָּ֥ה (many) וְשִׁדּֽוֹת׃ (concubines).
KJV (2:8)
I 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.
Inspired Version (2:9)
So I was great and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem; also my wisdom remained with me.
Hebrew (2:9)
וְגָדַ֣לְתִּי (So I became great) וְהוֹסַ֔פְתִּי (and surpassed) מִכֹּ֛ל (all) שֶׁהָיָ֥ה (who had preceded me) לְפָנַ֖י (. . .); בִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (in Jerusalem) אַ֥ף (and) חָכְמָתִ֖י (my wisdom) עָ֥מְדָה (remained) לִּֽי׃ (with me).
KJV (2:9)
So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
Inspired Version (2:10)
And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my portion of all my labor.
Hebrew (2:10)
וְכֹל֙ (Anything) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (-) שָֽׁאֲל֣וּ (desired), עֵינַ֔י (my eyes) לֹ֥א (I did not) אָצַ֖לְתִּי (deny myself). מֵהֶ֑ם (. . .) לֹֽא־ (no) מָנַ֨עְתִּי (I refused) אֶת־ (-) לִבִּ֜י (my heart) מִכָּל־ (. . .) שִׂמְחָ֗ה (pleasure). כִּֽי־ (For) לִבִּ֤י (my heart) שָׂמֵ֙חַ֙ (took delight) מִכָּל־ (in all) עֲמָלִ֔י (my work), וְזֶֽה־ (and this) הָיָ֥ה (was) חֶלְקִ֖י (the reward) מִכָּל־ (for all) עֲמָלִֽי׃ (my labor).
KJV (2:10)
And 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.
Inspired Version (2:11)
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought and on the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
Hebrew (2:11)
וּפָנִ֣יתִֽי (considered) אֲנִ֗י (Yet when I) בְּכָל־ (all) מַעֲשַׂי֙ (the works) שֶֽׁעָשׂ֣וּ (had accomplished) יָדַ֔י (that my hands) וּבֶֽעָמָ֖ל (and [what]) שֶׁעָמַ֣לְתִּי (I had toiled) לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת (to achieve), וְהִנֵּ֨ה (I found) הַכֹּ֥ל (everything) הֶ֙בֶל֙ (to be futile), וּרְע֣וּת (a pursuit) ר֔וּחַ (of the wind); וְאֵ֥ין (there was nothing) יִתְר֖וֹן (to be gained) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (2:11)
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
Inspired Version (2:12)
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly. For what can the man do that cometh after the king? Even that which hath been already done.
Hebrew (2:12)
וּפָנִ֤יתִֽי (turned) אֲנִי֙ (Then I) לִרְא֣וֹת (to consider) חָכְמָ֔ה (wisdom) וְהוֹלֵל֖וֹת (and madness) וְסִכְל֑וּת (and folly); כִּ֣י׀ (for) מֶ֣ה (what [more]) הָאָדָ֗ם (vvv) שֶׁיָּבוֹא֙ (successor) אַחֲרֵ֣י (. . .) הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (can the king’s) אֵ֥ת (-) אֲשֶׁר־ (do) כְּבָ֖ר (than what has already) עָשֽׂוּהוּ׃ (been accomplished)?
KJV (2:12)
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
Inspired Version (2:13)
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly as far as light excelleth darkness.
Hebrew (2:13)
וְרָאִ֣יתִי (saw) אָ֔נִי (And I) שֶׁיֵּ֥שׁ (that) יִתְר֛וֹן (exceeds) לַֽחָכְמָ֖ה (wisdom) מִן־ (. . .) הַסִּכְל֑וּת (folly), כִּֽיתְר֥וֹן (exceeds) הָא֖וֹר (just as light) מִן־ (. . .) הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃ (darkness):
KJV (2:13)
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Inspired Version (2:14)
The 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.
Hebrew (2:14)
הֶֽחָכָם֙ (The wise) עֵינָ֣יו (man has eyes) בְּרֹאשׁ֔וֹ (in his head), וְהַכְּסִ֖יל (but the fool) בַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְ (in darkness). הוֹלֵ֑ךְ (walks) וְיָדַ֣עְתִּי (came to realize) גַם־ (also) אָ֔נִי (Yet I) שֶׁמִּקְרֶ֥ה (fate) אֶחָ֖ד (that one) יִקְרֶ֥ה (overcomes) אֶת־ (them) כֻּלָּֽם׃ (both).
KJV (2:14)
The 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.
Inspired Version (2:15)
Then 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.
Hebrew (2:15)
וְאָמַ֨רְתִּֽי (said) אֲנִ֜י (So I) בְּלִבִּ֗י (to myself), כְּמִקְרֵ֤ה (The fate) הַכְּסִיל֙ (of the fool) גַּם־ (will also) אֲנִ֣י (me). יִקְרֵ֔נִי (befall) וְלָ֧מָּה (What) חָכַ֛מְתִּי (by being wise)? אֲנִ֖י (have I) אָ֣ז (then) יוֹתֵ֑ר (gained) וְדִבַּ֣רְתִּי (And I said) בְלִבִּ֔י (to myself) שֶׁגַּם־ (too) זֶ֖ה (that this) הָֽבֶל׃ (is futile).
KJV (2:15)
Then 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.
Inspired Version (2:16)
For 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.
Hebrew (2:16)
כִּי֩ (For) אֵ֨ין (there is no) זִכְר֧וֹן (remembrance) לֶחָכָ֛ם (of the wise), עִֽם־ (just as with) הַכְּסִ֖יל (the fool), לְעוֹלָ֑ם (lasting) בְּשֶׁכְּבָ֞ר (seeing that) הַיָּמִ֤ים (in the days) הַבָּאִים֙ (to come). הַכֹּ֣ל (both) נִשְׁכָּ֔ח (will be forgotten) וְאֵ֛יךְ (Alas), יָמ֥וּת (will die) הֶחָכָ֖ם (the wise man) עִֽם־ (just like) הַכְּסִֽיל׃ (the fool)!
KJV (2:16)
For 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.
Inspired Version (2:17)
Therefore, I hated life because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me; for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Hebrew (2:17)
וְשָׂנֵ֙אתִי֙ (So I hated) אֶת־ (-) הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים (life), כִּ֣י (because) רַ֤ע (was grievous) עָלַי֙ (to me). הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה (the work) שֶׁנַּעֲשָׂ֖ה (that is done) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun) כִּֽי־ (For) הַכֹּ֥ל (everything) הֶ֖בֶל (is futile) וּרְע֥וּת (and a pursuit) רֽוּחַ׃ (of the wind).
KJV (2:17)
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Inspired Version (2:18)
Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
Hebrew (2:18)
וְשָׂנֵ֤אתִֽי (hated) אֲנִי֙ (I) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (all) עֲמָלִ֔י (I had toiled) שֶׁאֲנִ֥י (for which) עָמֵ֖ל (. . .) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun), שֶׁ֣אַנִּיחֶ֔נּוּ (because I must leave it) לָאָדָ֖ם (to the man) שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֥ה (who comes) אַחֲרָֽי׃ (after me).
KJV (2:18)
Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
Inspired Version (2:19)
And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? Yet shall he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
Hebrew (2:19)
וּמִ֣י (And who) יוֹדֵ֗עַ (knows) הֶֽחָכָ֤ם (wise) יִהְיֶה֙ (whether [that man] will be) א֣וֹ (or) סָכָ֔ל (foolish)? וְיִשְׁלַט֙ (Yet he will take) בְּכָל־ (over all) עֲמָלִ֔י (the labor) שֶֽׁעָמַ֥לְתִּי (at which I have worked) וְשֶׁחָכַ֖מְתִּי (skillfully) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun). גַּם־ (too) זֶ֖ה (This) הָֽבֶל׃ (is futile).
KJV (2:19)
And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
Inspired Version (2:20)
Therefore, I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun.
Hebrew (2:20)
וְסַבּ֥וֹתִֽי (began) אֲנִ֖י (So) לְיַאֵ֣שׁ (to despair) אֶת־ (-) לִבִּ֑י (my heart) עַ֚ל (over) כָּל־ (all) הֶ֣עָמָ֔ל (the labor) שֶׁעָמַ֖לְתִּי (that I had done) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (2:20)
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun.
Inspired Version (2:21)
For there is a man whose labor is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not labored therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
Hebrew (2:21)
כִּי־ (When) יֵ֣שׁ (there is) אָדָ֗ם (a man) שֶׁעֲמָל֛וֹ (who has labored) בְּחָכְמָ֥ה (with wisdom), וּבְדַ֖עַת (knowledge), וּבְכִשְׁר֑וֹן (and skill), וּלְאָדָ֞ם (to a man) שֶׁלֹּ֤א (who has not) עָֽמַל־ (worked) בּוֹ֙ (for it), יִתְּנֶ֣נּוּ (and he must give) חֶלְק֔וֹ (his portion) גַּם־ (too) זֶ֥ה (this) הֶ֖בֶל (is futile) וְרָעָ֥ה (evil). רַבָּֽה׃ (and a great)
KJV (2:21)
For there is a man whose labor is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not labored therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
Inspired Version (2:22)
For what hath man of all his labor and of the vexation of his heart wherein he hath labored under the sun?
Hebrew (2:22)
KJV (2:22)
For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath labored under the sun?
Inspired Version (2:23)
For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
Hebrew (2:23)
כִּ֧י (Indeed), כָל־ (all) יָמָ֣יו (his days) מַכְאֹבִ֗ים (are filled with grief), וָכַ֙עַס֙ (is sorrowful); עִנְיָנ֔וֹ (and his task) גַּם־ (even) בַּלַּ֖יְלָה (at night), לֹא־ (does not) שָׁכַ֣ב (rest). לִבּ֑וֹ (his mind) גַּם־ (too) זֶ֖ה (This) הֶ֥בֶל (is futile) הֽוּא׃ (. . .).
KJV (2:23)
For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
Inspired Version (2:24)
There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
Hebrew (2:24)
אֵֽין־ (Nothing) ט֤וֹב ([is] better) בָּאָדָם֙ (for a man) שֶׁיֹּאכַ֣ל (than to eat) וְשָׁתָ֔ה (and drink) וְהֶרְאָ֧ה (and enjoy) אֶת־ (-) נַפְשׁ֛וֹ (-) ט֖וֹב (. . .) בַּעֲמָל֑וֹ (his work). גַּם־ (have also) זֹה֙ (this) רָאִ֣יתִי (seen) אָ֔נִי (I) כִּ֛י (that) מִיַּ֥ד (from the hand) הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (of God). הִֽיא׃ ([is])
KJV (2:24)
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
Inspired Version (2:25)
For who can eat or who else can hasten hereunto more than I?
Hebrew (2:25)
KJV (2:25)
For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
Inspired Version (2:26)
For 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.
Hebrew (2:26)
כִּ֤י (To) לְאָדָם֙ (the man) שֶׁטּ֣וֹב (who is pleasing) לְפָנָ֔יו (in His sight), נָתַ֛ן (He gives) חָכְמָ֥ה (wisdom) וְדַ֖עַת (and knowledge) וְשִׂמְחָ֑ה (and joy), וְלַחוֹטֶא֩ (but to the sinner) נָתַ֨ן (He assigns) עִנְיָ֜ן (the task) לֶאֱס֣וֹף (of gathering) וְלִכְנ֗וֹס (and accumulating [that which]) לָתֵת֙ (he will hand over) לְטוֹב֙ (to one who pleases) לִפְנֵ֣י (. . .) הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (God). גַּם־ (too) זֶ֥ה (This) הֶ֖בֶל (is futile) וּרְע֥וּת (and a pursuit) רֽוּחַ׃ (of the wind).
KJV (2:26)
For 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.
Inspired Version (3:1)
To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven:
Hebrew (3:1)
KJV (3:1)
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Inspired Version (3:2)
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Hebrew (3:2)
KJV (3:2)
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Inspired Version (3:3)
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
Hebrew (3:3)
עֵ֤ת (a time) לַהֲרוֹג֙ (to kill) וְעֵ֣ת (and a time) לִרְפּ֔וֹא (to heal), עֵ֥ת (a time) לִפְר֖וֹץ (to break down) וְעֵ֥ת (and a time) לִבְנֽוֹת׃ (to build),
KJV (3:3)
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
Inspired Version (3:4)
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Hebrew (3:4)
עֵ֤ת (a time) לִבְכּוֹת֙ (to weep) וְעֵ֣ת (and a time) לִשְׂח֔וֹק (to laugh), עֵ֥ת (a time) סְפ֖וֹד (to mourn) וְעֵ֥ת (and a time) רְקֽוֹד׃ (to dance),
KJV (3:4)
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Inspired Version (3:5)
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Hebrew (3:5)
KJV (3:5)
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Inspired Version (3:6)
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Hebrew (3:6)
עֵ֤ת (a time) לְבַקֵּשׁ֙ (to search) וְעֵ֣ת (and a time) לְאַבֵּ֔ד (to count as lost), עֵ֥ת (a time) לִשְׁמ֖וֹר (to keep) וְעֵ֥ת (and a time) לְהַשְׁלִֽיךְ׃ (to discard),
KJV (3:6)
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Inspired Version (3:7)
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Hebrew (3:7)
עֵ֤ת (a time) לִקְר֙וֹעַ֙ (to tear) וְעֵ֣ת (and a time) לִתְפּ֔וֹר (to mend), עֵ֥ת (a time) לַחֲשׁ֖וֹת (to be silent) וְעֵ֥ת (and a time) לְדַבֵּֽר׃ (to speak),
KJV (3:7)
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Inspired Version (3:8)
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Hebrew (3:8)
עֵ֤ת (a time) לֶֽאֱהֹב֙ (to love) וְעֵ֣ת (and a time) לִשְׂנֹ֔א (to hate), עֵ֥ת (a time) מִלְחָמָ֖ה (for war) וְעֵ֥ת (and a time) שָׁלֽוֹם׃ס (for peace).
KJV (3:8)
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Inspired Version (3:9)
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth?
Hebrew (3:9)
מַה־ (What) יִּתְרוֹן֙ (gain) הָֽעוֹשֶׂ֔ה (does the worker) בַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר (-) ה֥וּא (from his) עָמֵֽל׃ (toil)?
KJV (3:9)
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth?
Inspired Version (3:10)
I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men, to be exercised in it.
Hebrew (3:10)
KJV (3:10)
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
Inspired Version (3:11)
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time; also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
Hebrew (3:11)
אֶת־ (-) הַכֹּ֥ל (everything) עָשָׂ֖ה (He has made) יָפֶ֣ה (beautiful) בְעִתּ֑וֹ (in its time). גַּ֤ם (He has also) אֶת־ (-) הָעֹלָם֙ (eternity) נָתַ֣ן (set) בְּלִבָּ֔ם (in the hearts [of men]), מִבְּלִ֞י (yet) אֲשֶׁ֧ר (-) לֹא־ (cannot) יִמְצָ֣א (fathom) הָאָדָ֗ם ([they]) אֶת־ (-) הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֛ה (the work) אֲשֶׁר־ (that) עָשָׂ֥ה (has done) הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (God) מֵרֹ֥אשׁ (from beginning) וְעַד־ (to) סֽוֹף׃ (end).
KJV (3:11)
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
Inspired Version (3:12)
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice and to do good in his life,
Hebrew (3:12)
יָדַ֕עְתִּי (I know) כִּ֛י (that) אֵ֥ין (there is nothing) ט֖וֹב (better) בָּ֑ם (for them) כִּ֣י (than) אִם־ (. . .) לִשְׂמ֔וֹחַ (to rejoice) וְלַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (and do) ט֖וֹב (good) בְּחַיָּֽיו׃ (while they live),
KJV (3:12)
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
Inspired Version (3:13)
And also that every man should eat, and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor; it is the gift of God.
Hebrew (3:13)
KJV (3:13)
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.
Inspired Version (3:14)
I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it nor any thing taken from it; and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
Hebrew (3:14)
יָדַ֗עְתִּי (I know) כִּ֠י (that) כָּל־ (everything) אֲשֶׁ֨ר (-) יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה (does) הָאֱלֹהִים֙ (God) ה֚וּא (. . .) יִהְיֶ֣ה (endures forever) לְעוֹלָ֔ם (. . .); עָלָיו֙ (to it) אֵ֣ין (nothing) לְהוֹסִ֔יף (can be added) וּמִמֶּ֖נּוּ (from it). אֵ֣ין (. . .) לִגְרֹ֑עַ (or taken) וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים (God) עָשָׂ֔ה (does [it]) שֶׁיִּֽרְא֖וּ (so that they should fear) מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃ (Him).
KJV (3:14)
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
Inspired Version (3:15)
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
Hebrew (3:15)
מַה־ (What exists) שֶּֽׁהָיָה֙ (been), כְּבָ֣ר (has already) ה֔וּא (. . .) וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (and what) לִהְי֖וֹת (will be) כְּבָ֣ר (has already) הָיָ֑ה (been), וְהָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (for God) יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ (will call to account) אֶת־ (-) נִרְדָּֽף׃ (what has passed).
KJV (3:15)
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
Inspired Version (3:16)
And, moreover, I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
Hebrew (3:16)
וְע֥וֹד (Furthermore), רָאִ֖יתִי (I saw) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun) מְק֤וֹם (that in the place) הַמִּשְׁפָּט֙ (of judgment) שָׁ֣מָּה (there is) הָרֶ֔שַׁע (wickedness), וּמְק֥וֹם (and in the place) הַצֶּ֖דֶק (of righteousness) שָׁ֥מָּה (there is) הָרָֽשַׁע׃ (wickedness).
KJV (3:16)
And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
Inspired Version (3:17)
I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
Hebrew (3:17)
אָמַ֤רְתִּֽי (said) אֲנִי֙ (I) בְּלִבִּ֔י (in my heart), אֶת־ (-) הַצַּדִּיק֙ (the righteous) וְאֶת־ (and) הָ֣רָשָׁ֔ע (the wicked), יִשְׁפֹּ֖ט (will judge) הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (God) כִּי־ (since) עֵ֣ת (there is a time) לְכָל־ (for every) חֵ֔פֶץ (activity) וְעַ֥ל (. . .) כָּל־ (and every) הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה (deed) שָֽׁם׃ (. . .).
KJV (3:17)
I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
Inspired Version (3:18)
I said in mine heart, concerning the estates of the sons of men, that God might manifest them and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
Hebrew (3:18)
אָמַ֤רְתִּֽי (said) אֲנִי֙ (I) בְּלִבִּ֔י (to myself), עַל־ (As for) דִּבְרַת֙ (. . .) בְּנֵ֣י (the sons) הָאָדָ֔ם (of men), לְבָרָ֖ם (tests them) הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (God) וְלִרְא֕וֹת (so that they may see) שְׁהֶם־ (for themselves) בְּהֵמָ֥ה (are but beasts). הֵ֖מָּה (that they) לָהֶֽם׃ (. . .)
KJV (3:18)
I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
Inspired Version (3:19)
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them; as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath so that a man hath no pre-eminence above a beast; for all is vanity.
Hebrew (3:19)
כִּי֩ (For) מִקְרֶ֨ה (the fates) בְֽנֵי־ (vvv) הָאָדָ֜ם (of [both] men) וּמִקְרֶ֣ה ([and]) הַבְּהֵמָ֗ה (beasts) וּמִקְרֶ֤ה (. . .) אֶחָד֙ (are the same) לָהֶ֔ם (): כְּמ֥וֹת (dies), זֶה֙ (As one) כֵּ֣ן (so) מ֣וֹת (dies) זֶ֔ה (the other)— וְר֥וּחַ (breath). אֶחָ֖ד (have the same) לַכֹּ֑ל (they all) וּמוֹתַ֨ר (advantage) הָאָדָ֤ם (Man) מִן־ (over) הַבְּהֵמָה֙ (the animals), אָ֔יִן (has no) כִּ֥י (since) הַכֹּ֖ל (everything) הָֽבֶל׃ (is futile).
KJV (3:19)
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
Inspired Version (3:20)
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Hebrew (3:20)
KJV (3:20)
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Inspired Version (3:21)
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
Hebrew (3:21)
מִ֣י (Who) יוֹדֵ֗עַ (knows) ר֚וּחַ (if the spirit) בְּנֵ֣י (of man) הָאָדָ֔ם (. . .) הָעֹלָ֥ה (rises) הִ֖יא (. . .) לְמָ֑עְלָה (upward) וְר֙וּחַ֙ (and the spirit) הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה (of the animal) הַיֹּרֶ֥דֶת (descends) הִ֖יא (. . .) לְמַ֥טָּה (. . .) לָאָֽרֶץ׃ (into the earth)?
KJV (3:21)
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
Inspired Version (3:22)
Wherefore, I perceive that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his portion. For who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Hebrew (3:22)
וְרָאִ֗יתִי (I have seen) כִּ֣י (that) אֵ֥ין (there is nothing) טוֹב֙ (better) מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר (than) יִשְׂמַ֤ח (to enjoy) הָאָדָם֙ (for a man) בְּֽמַעֲשָׂ֔יו (his work), כִּי־ (because) ה֖וּא (that) חֶלְק֑וֹ (is his lot). כִּ֣י (For) מִ֤י (who) יְבִיאֶ֙נּוּ֙ (can bring him) לִרְא֔וֹת (to see) בְּמֶ֖ה (what) שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֥ה (will come) אַחֲרָֽיו׃ (after him)?
KJV (3:22)
Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Inspired Version (4:1)
So I returned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun; and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power, but they had no comforter.
Hebrew (4:1)
וְשַׁ֣בְתִּֽי (Again [I looked]), אֲנִ֗י (and I) וָאֶרְאֶה֙ (considered) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (all) הָ֣עֲשֻׁקִ֔ים (the oppression) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (-) נַעֲשִׂ֖ים (taking place) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun). וְהִנֵּ֣ה׀ ([I] saw) דִּמְעַ֣ת (the tears) הָעֲשֻׁקִ֗ים (of the oppressed), וְאֵ֤ין (and they had no) לָהֶם֙ () מְנַחֵ֔ם (comforter); וּמִיַּ֤ד (in the hands) עֹֽשְׁקֵיהֶם֙ (of their oppressors), כֹּ֔חַ (the power [lay]) וְאֵ֥ין (and there was no) לָהֶ֖ם () מְנַחֵֽם׃ (comforter).
KJV (4:1)
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Inspired Version (4:2)
Wherefore, I praised the dead, which are already dead, more than the living, which are yet alive.
Hebrew (4:2)
וְשַׁבֵּ֧חַ (admired) אֲנִ֛י (So I) אֶת־ (-) הַמֵּתִ֖ים (the dead), שֶׁכְּבָ֣ר (who had already) מֵ֑תוּ (died), מִן־ (above) הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים (the living), אֲשֶׁ֛ר (who) הֵ֥מָּה (. . .) חַיִּ֖ים (alive). עֲדֶֽנָה׃ (are still)
KJV (4:2)
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
Inspired Version (4:3)
Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Hebrew (4:3)
KJV (4:3)
Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Inspired Version (4:4)
Again, I considered all travail and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Hebrew (4:4)
וְרָאִ֨יתִֽי (saw) אֲנִ֜י (I) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (that all) עָמָ֗ל (labor) וְאֵת֙ (and) כָּל־ (-) כִּשְׁר֣וֹן (success) הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה (. . .) כִּ֛י (spring from) הִ֥יא (. . .) קִנְאַת־ (envy) אִ֖ישׁ (a man’s) מֵרֵעֵ֑הוּ (of his neighbor). גַּם־ (too) זֶ֥ה (This) הֶ֖בֶל (is futile) וּרְע֥וּת (and a pursuit) רֽוּחַ׃ (of the wind).
KJV (4:4)
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Inspired Version (4:5)
The fool foldeth his hands together and eateth his own flesh.
Hebrew (4:5)
הַכְּסִיל֙ (The fool) חֹבֵ֣ק (folds) אֶת־ (-) יָדָ֔יו (his hands) וְאֹכֵ֖ל (and consumes) אֶת־ (-) בְּשָׂרֽוֹ׃ (his own flesh).
KJV (4:5)
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
Inspired Version (4:6)
Better is a handful with quietness than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Hebrew (4:6)
KJV (4:6)
Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Inspired Version (4:7)
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
Hebrew (4:7)
וְשַׁ֧בְתִּי (Again), אֲנִ֛י (I) וָאֶרְאֶ֥ה (saw) הֶ֖בֶל (futility) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (4:7)
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
Inspired Version (4:8)
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches. Neither saith he, For whom do I labor and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity; yea, it is a sore travail.
Hebrew (4:8)
יֵ֣שׁ (There is) אֶחָד֩ (a) וְאֵ֨ין (man all alone) שֵׁנִ֜י (. . .), גַּ֣ם (even) בֵּ֧ן (a son) וָאָ֣ח (or brother). אֵֽין־ (without) ל֗וֹ () וְאֵ֥ין (And though there is no) קֵץ֙ (end) לְכָל־ (-) עֲמָל֔וֹ (to his labor), גַּם־ (are still) עֵינָיו (his eyes) לֹא־ (not) תִשְׂבַּ֣ע (content) עֹ֑שֶׁר (with his wealth): וּלְמִ֣י׀ (For whom) אֲנִ֣י (do I) עָמֵ֗ל (toil) וּמְחַסֵּ֤ר (and bereave) אֶת־ (-) נַפְשִׁי֙ (my soul) מִטּוֹבָ֔ה (of enjoyment)? גַּם־ (too) זֶ֥ה (This) הֶ֛בֶל (is futile)— וְעִנְיַ֥ן (task). רָ֖ע (a miserable) הֽוּא׃ (. . .)
KJV (4:8)
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
Inspired Version (4:9)
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor.
Hebrew (4:9)
טוֹבִ֥ים (are better) הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם (Two) מִן־ (than) הָאֶחָ֑ד (one), אֲשֶׁ֧ר (because) יֵשׁ־ (they have) לָהֶ֛ם (. . .) שָׂכָ֥ר (return) ט֖וֹב (a good) בַּעֲמָלָֽם׃ (for their labor).
KJV (4:9)
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.
Inspired Version (4:10)
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, for he hath not another to help him up.
Hebrew (4:10)
כִּ֣י (For) אִם־ (if) יִפֹּ֔לוּ (falls down), הָאֶחָ֖ד (one) יָקִ֣ים (can lift him up); אֶת־ (-) חֲבֵר֑וֹ (his companion) וְאִ֣יל֗וֹ (but pity) הָֽאֶחָד֙ (the one) שֶׁיִּפּ֔וֹל (who falls) וְאֵ֥ין (without) שֵׁנִ֖י (another) לַהֲקִימֽוֹ׃ (to help him up)!
KJV (4:10)
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Inspired Version (4:11)
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat. But how can one be warm alone?
Hebrew (4:11)
גַּ֛ם (Again), אִם־ (if) יִשְׁכְּב֥וּ (lie down together), שְׁנַ֖יִם (two) וְחַ֣ם (they will keep warm) לָהֶ֑ם (); וּלְאֶחָ֖ד (can one) אֵ֥יךְ (but how) יֵחָֽם׃ (keep warm {alone})?
KJV (4:11)
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
Inspired Version (4:12)
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Hebrew (4:12)
וְאִֽם־ (And though) יִתְקְפוֹ֙ (may be overpowered), הָאֶחָ֔ד (one) הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם (two) יַעַמְד֣וּ (can resist) נֶגְדּ֑וֹ (-). וְהַחוּט֙ (Moreover, a cord) הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ (of three) לֹ֥א (strands is not) בִמְהֵרָ֖ה (quickly) יִנָּתֵֽק׃ (broken).
KJV (4:12)
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Inspired Version (4:13)
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king who will no more be admonished.
Hebrew (4:13)
KJV (4:13)
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
Inspired Version (4:14)
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
Hebrew (4:14)
כִּֽי־ (For) מִבֵּ֥ית (from the prison) הָסוּרִ֖ים (. . .) יָצָ֣א ([the youth] has come) לִמְלֹ֑ךְ (to the kingship), כִּ֛י (though) גַּ֥ם (. . .) בְּמַלְכוּת֖וֹ (in his own kingdom). נוֹלַ֥ד (he was born) רָֽשׁ׃ (poor)
KJV (4:14)
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
Inspired Version (4:15)
I considered all the living which walk under the sun with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
Hebrew (4:15)
רָאִ֙יתִי֙ (I saw that) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (all) הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים (who lived) הַֽמְהַלְּכִ֖ים (and walked) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun) עִ֚ם (followed) הַיֶּ֣לֶד (the youth) הַשֵּׁנִ֔י (this second one), אֲשֶׁ֥ר (who) יַעֲמֹ֖ד (succeeded) תַּחְתָּֽיו׃ ([the king]).
KJV (4:15)
I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
Inspired Version (4:16)
There 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.
Hebrew (4:16)
אֵֽין־ (There is no) קֵ֣ץ (limit) לְכָל־ (to all) הָעָ֗ם (the people) לְכֹ֤ל (. . .) אֲשֶׁר־ (who) הָיָה֙ (were) לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם (before them). גַּ֥ם (Yet) הָאַחֲרוֹנִ֖ים (by those who come even later). לֹ֣א (will not) יִשְׂמְחוּ־ (be celebrated) ב֑וֹ ([the successor]) כִּֽי־ (too) גַם־ (. . .) זֶ֥ה (This) הֶ֖בֶל (is futile) וְרַעְי֥וֹן (and a pursuit) רֽוּחַ׃ (of the wind).
KJV (4:16)
There 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.
Inspired Version (5:1)
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they consider not that they do evil.
Hebrew (5:1)
שְׁמֹ֣ר (Guard) רַגְלֶיךָ (your steps) כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר (when) תֵּלֵךְ֙ (you go) אֶל־ (to) בֵּ֣ית (the house) הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (of God). וְקָר֣וֹב (Draw near) לִשְׁמֹ֔עַ (to listen) מִתֵּ֥ת (rather than to offer) הַכְּסִילִ֖ים (of fools), זָ֑בַח (the sacrifice) כִּֽי־ (who) אֵינָ֥ם (do not) יוֹדְעִ֖ים (know that) לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (they do) רָֽע׃ (wrong).
KJV (5:1)
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Inspired Version (5:2)
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore, let thy words be few.
Hebrew (5:2)
אַל־ (Do not) תְּבַהֵ֨ל (be quick) עַל־ (to) פִּ֜יךָ (speak), וְלִבְּךָ֧ (in your heart) אַל־ (and do not) יְמַהֵ֛ר (be hasty) לְהוֹצִ֥יא (to utter) דָבָ֖ר (a word) לִפְנֵ֣י (before) הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (God). כִּ֣י (For) הָאֱלֹהִ֤ים (God) בַּשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙ (is in heaven) וְאַתָּ֣ה (and you) עַל־ (are on) הָאָ֔רֶץ (earth). עַֽל־ (So) כֵּ֛ן (. . .) יִהְי֥וּ (be) דְבָרֶ֖יךָ (let your words) מְעַטִּֽים׃ (few).
KJV (5:2)
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Inspired Version (5:3)
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
Hebrew (5:3)
KJV (5:3)
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
Inspired Version (5:4)
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed.
Hebrew (5:4)
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ (When) תִּדֹּ֨ר (you make) נֶ֜דֶר (a vow) לֵֽאלֹהִ֗ים (to God), אַל־ (do not) תְּאַחֵר֙ (delay) לְשַׁלְּמ֔וֹ (in fulfilling it), כִּ֛י (because) אֵ֥ין (He takes no) חֵ֖פֶץ (pleasure) בַּכְּסִילִ֑ים (in fools). אֵ֥ת (-) אֲשֶׁר־ (-) תִּדֹּ֖ר (your vow). שַׁלֵּֽם׃ (Fulfill)
KJV (5:4)
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
Inspired Version (5:5)
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Hebrew (5:5)
ט֖וֹב (It is better) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (-) לֹֽא־ (not) תִדֹּ֑ר (to vow) מִשֶׁתִּדּ֖וֹר (than to make a vow) וְלֹ֥א (and not) תְשַׁלֵּֽם׃ (fulfill it).
KJV (5:5)
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Inspired Version (5:6)
Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel that it was an error. Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice and destroy the work of thine hands?
Hebrew (5:6)
אַל־ (Do not) תִּתֵּ֤ן (let) אֶת־ (-) פִּ֙יךָ֙ (your mouth) לַחֲטִ֣יא (to sin) אֶת־ (-), בְּשָׂרֶ֔ךָ ({cause} your flesh) וְאַל־ (and do not) תֹּאמַר֙ (tell) לִפְנֵ֣י (. . .) הַמַּלְאָ֔ךְ (the messenger) כִּ֥י (that) שְׁגָגָ֖ה (was a mistake). הִ֑יא ([your vow]) לָ֣מָּה (Why) יִקְצֹ֤ף (be angry) הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ (should God) עַל־ (with) קוֹלֶ֔ךָ (your words) וְחִבֵּ֖ל (and destroy) אֶת־ (-) מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה (the work) יָדֶֽיךָ׃ (of your hands)?
KJV (5:6)
Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
Inspired Version (5:7)
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities; but fear thou God.
Hebrew (5:7)
כִּ֣י (For as) בְרֹ֤ב (many) חֲלֹמוֹת֙ (dreams) וַהֲבָלִ֔ים (bring futility), וּדְבָרִ֖ים (words). הַרְבֵּ֑ה (so do many) כִּ֥י (Therefore), אֶת־ (-) הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (God). יְרָֽא׃ (fear)
KJV (5:7)
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Inspired Version (5:8)
If thou seest the oppression of the poor and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter; for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
Hebrew (5:8)
אִם־ (If) עֹ֣שֶׁק (the oppression) רָ֠שׁ (of the poor) וְגֵ֨זֶל (and the denial) מִשְׁפָּ֤ט (of justice) וָצֶ֙דֶק֙ (and righteousness) תִּרְאֶ֣ה (you see) בַמְּדִינָ֔ה (in the province), אַל־ (do not) תִּתְמַ֖הּ (be astonished) עַל־ (at) הַחֵ֑פֶץ (the matter); כִּ֣י (for) גָבֹ֜הַּ (one official) מֵעַ֤ל (. . .) גָּבֹ֙הַ֙ (a superior), שֹׁמֵ֔ר (is watched by) וּגְבֹהִ֖ים (and others higher still) עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (are over them).
KJV (5:8)
If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
Inspired Version (5:9)
Moreover, the profit of the earth is for all; the king himself is served by the field.
Hebrew (5:9)
KJV (5:9)
Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
Inspired Version (5:10)
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase. This is also vanity.
Hebrew (5:10)
KJV (5:10)
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
Inspired Version (5:11)
When 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?
Hebrew (5:11)
בִּרְבוֹת֙ (increase), הַטּוֹבָ֔ה (When good things) רַבּ֖וּ (so do) אוֹכְלֶ֑יהָ (those who consume them); וּמַה־ (what then) כִּשְׁרוֹן֙ (is the profit) לִבְעָלֶ֔יהָ (to the owner), כִּ֖י (except) אִם־ (. . .) רְאִיַּת (to behold them) עֵינָֽיו׃ (with his eyes)?
KJV (5:11)
When 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?
Inspired Version (5:12)
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
Hebrew (5:12)
מְתוּקָה֙ (is sweet), שְׁנַ֣ת (The sleep) הָעֹבֵ֔ד (of the worker) אִם־ (whether) מְעַ֥ט (little) וְאִם־ (or) הַרְבֵּ֖ה (much), יֹאכֵ֑ל (he eats) וְהַשָּׂבָע֙ (but the abundance) לֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר (of the rich man) אֵינֶ֛נּוּ (no) מַנִּ֥יחַֽ (permits) ל֖וֹ (him) לִישֽׁוֹן׃ (sleep).
KJV (5:12)
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
Inspired Version (5:13)
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Hebrew (5:13)
יֵ֚שׁ (There is) רָעָ֣ה (evil) חוֹלָ֔ה (a grievous) רָאִ֖יתִי (I have seen) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun): עֹ֛שֶׁר (wealth) שָׁמ֥וּר (hoarded) לִבְעָלָ֖יו (of its owner), לְרָעָתֽוֹ׃ (to the harm)
KJV (5:13)
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Inspired Version (5:14)
But those riches perish by evil travail; and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
Hebrew (5:14)
וְאָבַ֛ד (lost) הָעֹ֥שֶׁר (wealth) הַה֖וּא (or) בְּעִנְיַ֣ן (venture), רָ֑ע (in a failed) וְהוֹלִ֣יד (so when [that man] has) בֵּ֔ן (a son) וְאֵ֥ין (there is nothing) בְּיָד֖וֹ (to pass on) מְאֽוּמָה׃ (. . .).
KJV (5:14)
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
Inspired Version (5:15)
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
Hebrew (5:15)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר (As) יָצָא֙ ([a man] came) מִבֶּ֣טֶן (womb), אִמּ֔וֹ (from his mother’s) עָר֛וֹם (naked) יָשׁ֥וּב (again), לָלֶ֖כֶת (so he will depart) כְּשֶׁבָּ֑א (as he arrived). וּמְא֙וּמָה֙ (nothing) לֹא־ (. . .) יִשָּׂ֣א (He takes) בַעֲמָל֔וֹ (for his labor) שֶׁיֹּלֵ֖ךְ (to carry) בְּיָדֽוֹ׃ (in his hands).
KJV (5:15)
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
Inspired Version (5:16)
And this also is a sore evil--that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit hath he that hath labored for the wind?
Hebrew (5:16)
KJV (5:16)
And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath labored for the wind?
Inspired Version (5:17)
All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
Hebrew (5:17)
גַּ֥ם (Moreover), כָּל־ (all) יָמָ֖יו (his days) בַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְ (in darkness), יֹאכֵ֑ל (he eats) וְכָעַ֥ס (sorrow), הַרְבֵּ֖ה (with much) וְחָלְי֥וֹ (sickness), וָקָֽצֶף׃ (and anger).
KJV (5:17)
All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
Inspired Version (5:18)
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 labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him; for it is his portion.
Hebrew (5:18)
הִנֵּ֞ה (Here) אֲשֶׁר־ (is what) רָאִ֣יתִי (have seen) אָ֗נִי (I) ט֣וֹב (to be good) אֲשֶׁר־ (-) יָפֶ֣ה (and fitting): לֶֽאֶכוֹל־ (to eat) וְ֠לִשְׁתּוֹת (and drink), וְלִרְא֨וֹת (and to find) טוֹבָ֜ה (satisfaction) בְּכָל־ (in all) עֲמָל֣וֹ׀ (the labor) שֶׁיַּעֲמֹ֣ל (one does) תַּֽחַת־ (under) הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ (the sun) מִסְפַּ֧ר (during the few) יְמֵי־ (days) חַיָּו (of life) אֲשֶׁר־ (that) נָֽתַן־ (has given) ל֥וֹ (him)— הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (God) כִּי־ (for) ה֥וּא (this) חֶלְקֽוֹ׃ (is his lot).
KJV (5:18)
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 labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
Inspired Version (5:19)
Every 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 labor--this is the gift of God.
Hebrew (5:19)
גַּ֣ם (Furthermore), כָּֽל־ (every) הָאָדָ֡ם (man) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (-), נָֽתַן־ (has given) ל֣וֹ (to) הָאֱלֹהִים֩ (God) עֹ֨שֶׁר (riches) וּנְכָסִ֜ים (and wealth) וְהִשְׁלִיט֨וֹ (and He has enabled him) לֶאֱכֹ֤ל (to enjoy them), מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ (. . .) וְלָשֵׂ֣את (to accept) אֶת־ (-) חֶלְק֔וֹ (his lot), וְלִשְׂמֹ֖חַ (and to rejoice) בַּעֲמָל֑וֹ (in his labor). זֹ֕ה (This) מַתַּ֥ת (is a gift) אֱלֹהִ֖ים (from God). הִֽיא׃ (. . .)
KJV (5:19)
Every 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 labor; this is the gift of God.
Inspired Version (5:20)
For he shall not much remember the days of his life because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
Hebrew (5:20)
KJV (5:20)
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
Inspired Version (6:1)
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
Hebrew (6:1)
KJV (6:1)
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
Inspired Version (6:2)
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honor, 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.
Hebrew (6:2)
אִ֣ישׁ (a man) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (-) יִתֶּן־ (gives) ל֣וֹ () הָאֱלֹהִ֡ים (God) עֹשֶׁר֩ (riches), וּנְכָסִ֨ים (wealth), וְכָב֜וֹד (and honor), וְֽאֵינֶ֨נּוּ (nothing) חָסֵ֥ר (so that he lacks) לְנַפְשׁ֣וֹ׀ (his heart) מִכֹּ֣ל (-) אֲשֶׁר־ (-) יִתְאַוֶּ֗ה (desires); וְלֹֽא־ (does not) יַשְׁלִיטֶ֤נּוּ (allow him) הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ (but God) לֶאֱכֹ֣ל (to enjoy them) מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (-). כִּ֛י (Instead), אִ֥ישׁ (a stranger) נָכְרִ֖י (. . .) יֹֽאכֲלֶ֑נּוּ (will enjoy them). זֶ֥ה (This) הֶ֛בֶל (is futile) וָחֳלִ֥י (and a grievous) רָ֖ע (affliction). הֽוּא׃ (. . .)
KJV (6:2)
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honor, 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.
Inspired Version (6:3)
If a man beget a 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.
Hebrew (6:3)
אִם־ (-) יוֹלִ֣יד (may father) אִ֣ישׁ (A man) מֵאָ֡ה (a hundred [children]) וְשָׁנִים֩ (years); רַבּ֨וֹת (for many) יִֽחְיֶ֜ה (and live) וְרַ֣ב׀ (yet no matter how long) שֶׁיִּהְי֣וּ (-) יְמֵֽי־ (he lives) שָׁנָ֗יו (. . .), וְנַפְשׁוֹ֙ (if he) לֹא־ (vvv) תִשְׂבַּ֣ע (is unsatisfied) מִן־ (with) הַטּוֹבָ֔ה (his prosperity) וְגַם־ (even) קְבוּרָ֖ה (receive a proper burial), לֹא־ (and does not) הָ֣יְתָה (. . .) לּ֑וֹ () אָמַ֕רְתִּי (I say) ט֥וֹב (is better off) מִמֶּ֖נּוּ (than he). הַנָּֽפֶל׃ (that a stillborn child)
KJV (6:3)
If a man beget a 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.
Inspired Version (6:4)
For he cometh in with vanity and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
Hebrew (6:4)
כִּֽי־ (For) בַהֶ֥בֶל (in futility) בָּ֖א ([a stillborn child] enters) וּבַחֹ֣שֶׁךְ (in darkness), יֵלֵ֑ךְ (and departs) וּבַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ (in obscurity). שְׁמ֥וֹ (and his name) יְכֻסֶּֽה׃ (is shrouded)
KJV (6:4)
For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
Inspired Version (6:5)
Moreover, he hath not seen the sun nor known any thing; this hath more rest than the other.
Hebrew (6:5)
KJV (6:5)
Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
Inspired Version (6:6)
Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good. Do not all go to one place?
Hebrew (6:6)
KJV (6:6)
Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
Inspired Version (6:7)
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
Hebrew (6:7)
כָּל־ (All) עֲמַ֥ל (labor) הָאָדָ֖ם (a man’s) לְפִ֑יהוּ ([is] for his mouth), וְגַם־ (yet) הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ (his appetite) לֹ֥א (is never) תִמָּלֵֽא׃ (satisfied).
KJV (6:7)
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
Inspired Version (6:8)
For what hath the wise more than the fool? What hath the poor that knoweth to walk before the living?
Hebrew (6:8)
KJV (6:8)
For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
Inspired Version (6:9)
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire; this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Hebrew (6:9)
KJV (6:9)
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Inspired Version (6:10)
That 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.
Hebrew (6:10)
מַה־ (Whatever) שֶּֽׁהָיָ֗ה (exists) כְּבָר֙ (long ago), נִקְרָ֣א (was named) שְׁמ֔וֹ (. . .) וְנוֹדָ֖ע (and it is known) אֲשֶׁר־ (what) ה֣וּא (but he) אָדָ֑ם (man [is]); וְלֹא־ (cannot) יוּכַ֣ל (. . .) לָדִ֔ין (contend) עִ֥ם (with) שֶׁהַתְקִיף (one stronger) מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (than he).
KJV (6:10)
That 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.
Inspired Version (6:11)
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
Hebrew (6:11)
כִּ֛י (For) יֵשׁ־ (vvv) דְּבָרִ֥ים (words), הַרְבֵּ֖ה (the more) מַרְבִּ֣ים (the more) הָ֑בֶל (futility)— מַה־ (and how) יֹּתֵ֖ר (does that profit) לָאָדָֽם׃ (anyone)?
KJV (6:11)
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
Inspired Version (6:12)
For 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?
Hebrew (6:12)
כִּ֣י (For) מִֽי־ (who) יוֹדֵעַ֩ (knows) מַה־ (what) טּ֨וֹב (is good) לָֽאָדָ֜ם (for a man) בַּֽחַיִּ֗ים (-) מִסְפַּ֛ר (during the few) יְמֵי־ (days [in which]) חַיֵּ֥י (life) הֶבְל֖וֹ (his fleeting) וְיַעֲשֵׂ֣ם (he passes through) כַּצֵּ֑ל (like a shadow)? אֲשֶׁר֙ (-) מִֽי־ (Who) יַגִּ֣יד (can tell) לָֽאָדָ֔ם (a man) מַה־ (what) יִּהְיֶ֥ה (will come) אַחֲרָ֖יו (after him) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun)?
KJV (6:12)
For 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?
Inspired Version (7:1)
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Hebrew (7:1)
ט֥וֹב (is better) שֵׁ֖ם (A good name) מִשֶּׁ֣מֶן (perfume), ט֑וֹב (than fine) וְי֣וֹם (and one’s day) הַמָּ֔וֶת (of death) מִיּ֖וֹם ([is better] than his day) הִוָּלְדֽוֹ׃ (of birth).
KJV (7:1)
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Inspired Version (7:2)
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
Hebrew (7:2)
ט֞וֹב (It is better) לָלֶ֣כֶת (to enter) אֶל־ (. . .) בֵּֽית־ (a house) אֵ֗בֶל (of mourning) מִלֶּ֙כֶת֙ (than) אֶל־ (-) בֵּ֣ית (a house) מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה (of feasting), בַּאֲשֶׁ֕ר (since) ה֖וּא ([death]) ס֣וֹף ([is] the end) כָּל־ (of every) הָאָדָ֑ם (man), וְהַחַ֖י (and the living) יִתֵּ֥ן (should take [this]) אֶל־ (to) לִבּֽוֹ׃ (heart).
KJV (7:2)
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
Inspired Version (7:3)
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Hebrew (7:3)
KJV (7:3)
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Inspired Version (7:4)
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Hebrew (7:4)
לֵ֤ב (The heart) חֲכָמִים֙ (of the wise) בְּבֵ֣ית ([is] in the house) אֵ֔בֶל (of mourning), וְלֵ֥ב (but the heart) כְּסִילִ֖ים (of fools) בְּבֵ֥ית (is in the house) שִׂמְחָֽה׃ (of pleasure).
KJV (7:4)
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Inspired Version (7:5)
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools;
Hebrew (7:5)
ט֕וֹב (It is better) לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ (to heed) גַּעֲרַ֣ת (rebuke) חָכָ֑ם (a wise man’s) מֵאִ֕ישׁ (than) שֹׁמֵ֖עַ (to listen) שִׁ֥יר (to the song) כְּסִילִֽים׃ (of fools).
KJV (7:5)
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Inspired Version (7:6)
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this also is vanity.
Hebrew (7:6)
KJV (7:6)
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
Inspired Version (7:7)
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
Hebrew (7:7)
כִּ֥י (Surely) הָעֹ֖שֶׁק (extortion) יְהוֹלֵ֣ל (into a fool), חָכָ֑ם (turns a wise man) וִֽיאַבֵּ֥ד (corrupts) אֶת־ () לֵ֖ב (the heart). מַתָּנָֽה׃ (and a bribe)
KJV (7:7)
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
Inspired Version (7:8)
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Hebrew (7:8)
ט֛וֹב (is better) אַחֲרִ֥ית (The end) דָּבָ֖ר (of a matter) מֵֽרֵאשִׁית֑וֹ (than the beginning), ט֥וֹב (is better) אֶֽרֶךְ־ ([and] a patient) ר֖וּחַ (spirit) מִגְּבַהּ־ (than a proud) רֽוּחַ׃ ([one]).
KJV (7:8)
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Inspired Version (7:9)
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Hebrew (7:9)
אַל־ (Do not) תְּבַהֵ֥ל (be quickly) בְּרֽוּחֲךָ֖ (in your spirit), לִכְע֑וֹס (provoked) כִּ֣י (for) כַ֔עַס (anger) בְּחֵ֥יק (in the lap) כְּסִילִ֖ים (of a fool). יָנֽוּחַ׃ (settles)
KJV (7:9)
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Inspired Version (7:10)
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? For thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Hebrew (7:10)
אַל־ (Do not) תֹּאמַר֙ (say), מֶ֣ה (Why) הָיָ֔ה (were) שֶׁ֤הַיָּמִים֙ (days) הָרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים (the old) הָי֥וּ (. . .) טוֹבִ֖ים (better) מֵאֵ֑לֶּה (than these)? כִּ֛י (For) לֹ֥א (vvv) מֵחָכְמָ֖ה (it is unwise) שָׁאַ֥לְתָּ (of you to ask) עַל־ (about) זֶֽה׃ (this).
KJV (7:10)
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Inspired Version (7:11)
Wisdom is good with an inheritance; and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
Hebrew (7:11)
KJV (7:11)
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
Inspired Version (7:12)
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Hebrew (7:12)
כִּ֛י (For) בְּצֵ֥ל (-), הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה (wisdom) בְּצֵ֣ל ([is] a shelter), הַכָּ֑סֶף (like money), וְיִתְר֣וֹן (and the advantage) דַּ֔עַת (of knowledge) הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה (is that wisdom) תְּחַיֶּ֥ה (preserves the life) בְעָלֶֽיהָ׃ (of its owner).
KJV (7:12)
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Inspired Version (7:13)
Consider the work of God. For who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
Hebrew (7:13)
KJV (7:13)
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
Inspired Version (7:14)
In 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.
Hebrew (7:14)
בְּי֤וֹם (In the day) טוֹבָה֙ (of prosperity), הֱיֵ֣ה (be) בְט֔וֹב (joyful), וּבְי֥וֹם (but in the day) רָעָ֖ה (of adversity), רְאֵ֑ה (consider this) גַּ֣ם (. . .) אֶת־ (-): זֶ֤ה (one [of these]) לְעֻמַּת־ (along with) זֶה֙ (the other), עָשָׂ֣ה (has made) הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (God) עַל־ (so that) דִּבְרַ֗ת (. . .) שֶׁלֹּ֨א (cannot) יִמְצָ֧א (discover) הָֽאָדָ֛ם (a man) אַחֲרָ֖יו (that will come after him). מְאֽוּמָה׃ (anything)
KJV (7:14)
In 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.
Inspired Version (7:15)
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity; there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
Hebrew (7:15)
אֶת־ (-) הַכֹּ֥ל (both of these): רָאִ֖יתִי (I have seen) בִּימֵ֣י (life) הֶבְלִ֑י (In my futile) יֵ֤שׁ (-) צַדִּיק֙ (A righteous man) אֹבֵ֣ד (perishing) בְּצִדְק֔וֹ (in his righteousness), וְיֵ֣שׁ ([and]) רָשָׁ֔ע (a wicked man) מַאֲרִ֖יךְ (living long) בְּרָעָתֽוֹ׃ (in his wickedness).
KJV (7:15)
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
Inspired Version (7:16)
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise. Why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
Hebrew (7:16)
אַל־ (Do not) תְּהִ֤י (be) צַדִּיק֙ (righteous), הַרְבֵּ֔ה (overly) וְאַל־ (and do not) תִּתְחַכַּ֖ם (wise). יוֹתֵ֑ר (make yourself too) לָ֖מָּה (Why) תִּשּׁוֹמֵֽם׃ (should you destroy yourself?)
KJV (7:16)
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
Inspired Version (7:17)
Be not over much wicked; neither be thou foolish. Why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Hebrew (7:17)
KJV (7:17)
Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Inspired Version (7:18)
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand; for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
Hebrew (7:18)
KJV (7:18)
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
Inspired Version (7:19)
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
Hebrew (7:19)
הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה (Wisdom) תָּעֹ֣ז (stronger than) לֶחָכָ֑ם (makes the wise man) מֵֽעֲשָׂרָה֙ (ten) שַׁלִּיטִ֔ים (rulers) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (-) הָי֖וּ (-) בָּעִֽיר׃ (in a city).
KJV (7:19)
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
Inspired Version (7:20)
For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not.
Hebrew (7:20)
KJV (7:20)
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Inspired Version (7:21)
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee;
Hebrew (7:21)
גַּ֤ם (-) לְכָל־ (to every) הַדְּבָרִים֙ (word) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (that) יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ (is spoken), אַל־ (Do not) תִּתֵּ֖ן (pay) לִבֶּ֑ךָ (attention) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (-) לֹֽא־ (or) תִשְׁמַ֥ע (you may hear) אֶֽת־ (-) עַבְדְּךָ֖ (your servant) מְקַלְלֶֽךָ׃ (cursing you).
KJV (7:21)
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
Inspired Version (7:22)
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Hebrew (7:22)
כִּ֛י (For) גַּם־ (. . .) פְּעָמִ֥ים (times) רַבּ֖וֹת (many) יָדַ֣ע (you know) לִבֶּ֑ךָ (in your heart) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (that) גַּם־ (. . .) אַתְּ (you yourself) קִלַּ֥לְתָּ (have cursed) אֲחֵרִֽים׃ (others).
KJV (7:22)
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Inspired Version (7:23)
All this have I proved by wisdom; I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
Hebrew (7:23)
כָּל־ (All) זֹ֖ה (this) נִסִּ֣יתִי (I tested) בַֽחָכְמָ֑ה (by wisdom, [saying]), אָמַ֣רְתִּי (I resolve) אֶחְכָּ֔מָה (to be wise). וְהִ֖יא (But it) רְחוֹקָ֥ה (was beyond) מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (me).
KJV (7:23)
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
Inspired Version (7:24)
That which is far off and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
Hebrew (7:24)
רָח֖וֹק (is out of reach) מַה־ (What) שֶּׁהָיָ֑ה (exists) וְעָמֹ֥ק׀ (and very deep) עָמֹ֖ק (. . .). מִ֥י (Who) יִמְצָאֶֽנּוּ׃ (can fathom it)?
KJV (7:24)
That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
Inspired Version (7:25)
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness;
Hebrew (7:25)
סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי (directed) אֲנִ֤י (I) וְלִבִּי֙ (my mind) לָדַ֣עַת (to understand), וְלָת֔וּר (to explore), וּבַקֵּ֥שׁ (to search out) חָכְמָ֖ה (wisdom) וְחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן (and explanations), וְלָדַ֙עַת֙ (and to understand) רֶ֣שַׁע (of wickedness) כֶּ֔סֶל (the stupidity) וְהַסִּכְל֖וּת (and the folly) הוֹלֵלֽוֹת׃ (of madness).
KJV (7:25)
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
Inspired Version (7:26)
And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets and her hands as bands; whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
Hebrew (7:26)
וּמוֹצֶ֨א (find) אֲנִ֜י (And I) מַ֣ר (more bitter) מִמָּ֗וֶת (than death) אֶת־ (-) הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ (the woman) אֲשֶׁר־ (who) הִ֨יא (. . .) מְצוֹדִ֧ים ([is] a snare), וַחֲרָמִ֛ים ([is] a net), לִבָּ֖הּ (whose heart) אֲסוּרִ֣ים ([are] chains). יָדֶ֑יהָ (and whose hands) ט֞וֹב (The man who pleases) לִפְנֵ֤י (. . .) הָאֱלֹהִים֙ (God) יִמָּלֵ֣ט (escapes) מִמֶּ֔נָּה (her), וְחוֹטֵ֖א (but the sinner) יִלָּ֥כֶד (is ensnared) בָּֽהּ׃ ().
KJV (7:26)
And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
Inspired Version (7:27)
Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one to find out the account,
Hebrew (7:27)
KJV (7:27)
Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
Inspired Version (7:28)
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not. One man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
Hebrew (7:28)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר (While) עוֹד־ (was still) בִּקְשָׁ֥ה (searching) נַפְשִׁ֖י (my soul) וְלֹ֣א (but not) מָצָ֑אתִי (finding), אָדָ֞ם ([upright] man), אֶחָ֤ד (one) מֵאֶ֙לֶף֙ (among a thousand) מָצָ֔אתִי (I have found) וְאִשָּׁ֥ה ([one such] woman). בְכָל־ (but among all) אֵ֖לֶּה (these) לֹ֥א (I have not) מָצָֽאתִי׃ (found)
KJV (7:28)
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
Inspired Version (7:29)
Lo, this only have I found: that God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.
Hebrew (7:29)
KJV (7:29)
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Inspired Version (8:1)
Who is as the wise man? And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
Hebrew (8:1)
KJV (8:1)
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
Inspired Version (8:2)
I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Hebrew (8:2)
אֲנִי֙ (I say), פִּי־ (command), מֶ֣לֶךְ (the king’s) שְׁמ֔וֹר (Keep) וְעַ֕ל (because of) דִּבְרַ֖ת (. . .) שְׁבוּעַ֥ת (your oath) אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (before God).
KJV (8:2)
I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Inspired Version (8:3)
Be not hasty to go out of his sight; stand not in an evil thing, for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
Hebrew (8:3)
אַל־ (Do not) תִּבָּהֵ֤ל (hasten) מִפָּנָיו֙ (his presence), תֵּלֵ֔ךְ (to leave) אַֽל־ (and do not) תַּעֲמֹ֖ד (persist) בְּדָבָ֣ר (cause), רָ֑ע (in a bad) כִּ֛י (for) כָּל־ (whatever) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (-) יַחְפֹּ֖ץ (he pleases). יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (he will do)
KJV (8:3)
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
Inspired Version (8:4)
Where the word of a king is, there is power. And who may say unto him, What doest thou?
Hebrew (8:4)
בַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (For) דְּבַר־ (word) מֶ֖לֶךְ (the king’s) שִׁלְט֑וֹן (is supreme), וּמִ֥י (and who) יֹֽאמַר־ (can say) ל֖וֹ (to him), מַֽה־ (What) תַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (are you doing)?
KJV (8:4)
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
Inspired Version (8:5)
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.
Hebrew (8:5)
KJV (8:5)
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.
Inspired Version (8:6)
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment; therefore, the misery of man is great upon him.
Hebrew (8:6)
KJV (8:6)
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.
Inspired Version (8:7)
For he knoweth not that which shall be. For who can tell him when it shall be?
Hebrew (8:7)
כִּֽי־ (Since) אֵינֶ֥נּוּ (no one) יֹדֵ֖עַ (knows) מַה־ (what) שֶּׁיִּֽהְיֶ֑ה (will happen), כִּ֚י (-) כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר (what) יִֽהְיֶ֔ה (is to come)? מִ֖י (who) יַגִּ֥יד (can tell) לֽוֹ׃ (him)
KJV (8:7)
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Inspired Version (8:8)
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death; and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
Hebrew (8:8)
אֵ֣ין (As no) אָדָ֞ם (man) שַׁלִּ֤יט (has power) בָּר֙וּחַ֙ (over the wind) לִכְל֣וֹא (to contain) אֶת־ (-) הָר֔וּחַ ([it]), וְאֵ֤ין (so no one) שִׁלְטוֹן֙ (has authority) בְּי֣וֹם (over [his] day) הַמָּ֔וֶת (of death). וְאֵ֥ין (As no one) מִשְׁלַ֖חַת (can be discharged) בַּמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (in wartime), וְלֹֽא־ (will not) יְמַלֵּ֥ט (release) רֶ֖שַׁע (so wickedness) אֶת־ (-) בְּעָלָֽיו׃ (those who practice it).
KJV (8:8)
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
Inspired Version (8:9)
All this have I seen and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun; there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.
Hebrew (8:9)
אֶת־ (). כָּל־ (All) זֶ֤ה (this) רָאִ֙יתִי֙ (I have seen), וְנָת֣וֹן (applying) אֶת־ (-) לִבִּ֔י (my mind) לְכָֽל־ (to every) מַעֲשֶׂ֔ה (deed) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (that) נַעֲשָׂ֖ה (is done) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun); עֵ֗ת ([there is] a time) אֲשֶׁ֨ר (when) שָׁלַ֧ט (lords it) הָאָדָ֛ם (one man) בְּאָדָ֖ם (over another) לְרַ֥ע (to his own detriment) לֽוֹ׃ ()
KJV (8:9)
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.
Inspired Version (8:10)
And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy; and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done; this is also vanity.
Hebrew (8:10)
וּבְכֵ֡ן (Then too), רָאִיתִי֩ (I saw) רְשָׁעִ֨ים (of the wicked) קְבֻרִ֜ים (the burial) וָבָ֗אוּ (who used to go in) וּמִמְּק֤וֹם (place), קָדוֹשׁ֙ (of the holy) יְהַלֵּ֔כוּ (and out) וְיִֽשְׁתַּכְּח֥וּ (and they were praised) בָעִ֖יר (in the city) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (where) כֵּן־ (so). עָשׂ֑וּ (they had done) גַּם־ (too) זֶ֖ה (This) הָֽבֶל׃ (is futile).
KJV (8:10)
And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.
Inspired Version (8:11)
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore, the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Hebrew (8:11)
KJV (8:11)
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Inspired Version (8:12)
Though a sinner do evil a 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;
Hebrew (8:12)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (Although) חֹטֶ֗א (a sinner) עֹשֶׂ֥ה (does) רָ֛ע (evil) מְאַ֖ת (a hundred [times]) וּמַאֲרִ֣יךְ (and still lives long) ל֑וֹ (), כִּ֚י (yet) גַּם־ (also) יוֹדֵ֣עַ (know) אָ֔נִי (I) אֲשֶׁ֤ר (that) יִהְיֶה־ (it will go) טּוֹב֙ (well) לְיִרְאֵ֣י (who are reverent) הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (God), אֲשֶׁ֥ר (with those who) יִֽירְא֖וּ (fear) מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃ (in His presence).
KJV (8:12)
Though a sinner do evil a 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:
Inspired Version (8:13)
But it shall not be well with the wicked; neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he feareth not before God.
Hebrew (8:13)
וְטוֹב֙ (well) לֹֽא־ (it will not) יִהְיֶ֣ה (go) לָֽרָשָׁ֔ע (with [them]), וְלֹֽא־ (will not) יַאֲרִ֥יךְ (lengthen) יָמִ֖ים (and their days) כַּצֵּ֑ל (like a shadow). אֲשֶׁ֛ר (Yet because) אֵינֶ֥נּוּ ([the wicked] do not) יָרֵ֖א (fear) מִלִּפְנֵ֥י (. . .) אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (God),
KJV (8:13)
But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
Inspired Version (8:14)
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth--that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous; I said that this also is vanity.
Hebrew (8:14)
יֶשׁ־ (There is) הֶבֶל֮ (a futility) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (that) נַעֲשָׂ֣ה (is done) עַל־ (on) הָאָרֶץ֒ (the earth): אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀ (who) יֵ֣שׁ (There are) צַדִּיקִ֗ים (righteous [men]) אֲשֶׁ֨ר (-) מַגִּ֤יעַ (get) אֲלֵהֶם֙ (. . .) כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (what the actions) הָרְשָׁעִ֔ים (of the wicked [deserve]), וְיֵ֣שׁ (and there are) רְשָׁעִ֔ים (wicked [men]) שֶׁמַּגִּ֥יעַ (get) אֲלֵהֶ֖ם (who) כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (what the actions) הַצַּדִּיקִ֑ים (of the righteous deserve). אָמַ֕רְתִּי (I say) שֶׁגַּם־ (too) זֶ֖ה (that this) הָֽבֶל׃ (is futile).
KJV (8:14)
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
Inspired Version (8:15)
Then 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 labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Hebrew (8:15)
וְשִׁבַּ֤חְתִּֽי (commended) אֲנִי֙ (So I) אֶת־ (-) הַשִּׂמְחָ֔ה (the enjoyment of life), אֲשֶׁ֨ר (because) אֵֽין־ (there is nothing) ט֤וֹב (better) לָֽאָדָם֙ (for a man) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (the sun) כִּ֛י (than) אִם־ (. . .) לֶאֱכ֥וֹל (to eat) וְלִשְׁתּ֖וֹת (and drink) וְלִשְׂמ֑וֹחַ (and be merry). וְה֞וּא (For this [joy]) יִלְוֶ֣נּוּ (will accompany him) בַעֲמָל֗וֹ (in his labor) יְמֵ֥י (during the days) חַיָּ֛יו (of his life) אֲשֶׁר־ (that) נָֽתַן־ (gives) ל֥וֹ (him) הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (God) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (8:15)
Then 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 labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Inspired Version (8:16)
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom and to see the business that is done upon the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes),
Hebrew (8:16)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר (When) נָתַ֤תִּי (I applied) אֶת־ (-) לִבִּי֙ (my mind) לָדַ֣עַת (to know) חָכְמָ֔ה (wisdom) וְלִרְאוֹת֙ (and to observe) אֶת־ (-) הָ֣עִנְיָ֔ן (the task) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (that) נַעֲשָׂ֖ה (one performs) עַל־ (on) הָאָ֑רֶץ (the earth)— כִּ֣י (though) גַ֤ם (. . .) בַּיּוֹם֙ (in the day) וּבַלַּ֔יְלָה (or even in the night)— שֵׁנָ֕ה (sleep) בְּעֵינָ֖יו (his eyes) אֵינֶ֥נּוּ (do not) רֹאֶֽה׃ (see)
KJV (8:16)
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)
Inspired Version (8:17)
Then 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 labor 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.
Hebrew (8:17)
וְרָאִיתִי֮ (I saw) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (every) מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (work) הָאֱלֹהִים֒ (of God), כִּי֩ (and that) לֹ֨א (is unable) יוּכַ֜ל (. . .) הָאָדָ֗ם (a man) לִמְצוֹא֙ (to comprehend) אֶת־ (-) הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂה֙ (the work) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (that) נַעֲשָׂ֣ה (is done) תַֽחַת־ (under) הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (the sun). בְּ֠שֶׁל (Despite) אֲשֶׁ֨ר (-) יַעֲמֹ֧ל (efforts) הָאָדָ֛ם ([his]) לְבַקֵּ֖שׁ (to search it out), וְלֹ֣א (he cannot) יִמְצָ֑א (find [its meaning]); וְגַ֨ם (even) אִם־ (if) יֹאמַ֤ר (man claims) הֶֽחָכָם֙ (the wise) לָדַ֔עַת (to know), לֹ֥א (he is unable) יוּכַ֖ל (. . .) לִמְצֹֽא׃ (to comprehend).
KJV (8:17)
Then 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 labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
Inspired Version (9:1)
For 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.
Hebrew (9:1)
כִּ֣י (So) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (all) זֶ֞ה (this) נָתַ֤תִּי (I took) אֶל־ (to) לִבִּי֙ (heart) וְלָב֣וּר (and concluded) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (-) זֶ֔ה (. . .) אֲשֶׁ֨ר (that) הַצַּדִּיקִ֧ים (the righteous) וְהַחֲכָמִ֛ים (and the wise), וַעֲבָדֵיהֶ֖ם (as well as their deeds), בְּיַ֣ד (hands). הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (are in God’s) גַּֽם־ (whether) אַהֲבָ֣ה (love) גַם־ (or) שִׂנְאָ֗ה (hate). אֵ֤ין (does not) יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙ (know) הָֽאָדָ֔ם (Man) הַכֹּ֖ל (what) לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃ (lies ahead),
KJV (9:1)
For 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.
Inspired Version (9:2)
All things come alike to all; there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked, to the good and to the clean and to the unclean, to him that sacrificeth and to him that sacrificeth not; as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
Hebrew (9:2)
הַכֹּ֞ל (vvv) כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר (It is the same) לַכֹּ֗ל (for all): מִקְרֶ֨ה (fate) אֶחָ֜ד (There is a common) לַצַּדִּ֤יק (for the righteous) וְלָרָשָׁע֙ (and the wicked), לַטּוֹב֙ (for the good [and the bad]), וְלַטָּה֣וֹר (for the clean) וְלַטָּמֵ֔א (and the unclean), וְלַזֹּבֵ֔חַ (for the one who sacrifices) וְלַאֲשֶׁ֖ר (and the one) אֵינֶ֣נּוּ (who does not) זֹבֵ֑חַ (-). כַּטּוֹב֙ (As it is for the good), כַּֽחֹטֶ֔א (so it is for the sinner); הַנִּשְׁבָּ֕ע (as it is for the one who makes a vow), כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר (so [it is]) שְׁבוּעָ֥ה (to take a vow). יָרֵֽא׃ (for the one who refuses)
KJV (9:2)
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
Inspired Version (9:3)
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun--that there is one event unto all; yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
Hebrew (9:3)
זֶ֣ה׀ (This) רָ֗ע (is an evil) בְּכֹ֤ל (in everything) אֲשֶֽׁר־ (that) נַעֲשָׂה֙ (is done) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (the sun): כִּֽי־ (. . .) מִקְרֶ֥ה (fate) אֶחָ֖ד (There is one) לַכֹּ֑ל (for everyone). וְגַ֣ם (Furthermore), לֵ֣ב (the hearts) בְּֽנֵי־ (of men) הָ֠אָדָם (. . .) מָלֵא־ (are full of) רָ֨ע (evil) וְהוֹלֵל֤וֹת (and madness) בִּלְבָבָם֙ (-) בְּחַיֵּיהֶ֔ם (while they are alive), וְאַחֲרָ֖יו (and afterward) אֶל־ (they [join]) הַמֵּתִֽים׃ (the dead).
KJV (9:3)
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
Inspired Version (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.
Hebrew (9:4)
KJV (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.
Inspired Version (9:5)
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.
Hebrew (9:5)
כִּ֧י (For) הַֽחַיִּ֛ים (the living) יוֹדְעִ֖ים (know) שֶׁיָּמֻ֑תוּ (that they will die), וְהַמֵּתִ֞ים (but the dead) אֵינָ֧ם (vvv) יוֹדְעִ֣ים (know) מְא֗וּמָה (nothing). וְאֵֽין־ (They have no) ע֤וֹד (further) לָהֶם֙ () שָׂכָ֔ר (reward), כִּ֥י (because) נִשְׁכַּ֖ח (of them is forgotten). זִכְרָֽם׃ (the memory)
KJV (9:5)
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.
Inspired Version (9:6)
Also, their love, and their hatred, and their envy is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun.
Hebrew (9:6)
גַּ֣ם (and) אַהֲבָתָ֧ם (Their love), גַּם־ (. . .) שִׂנְאָתָ֛ם (their hate), גַּם־ (. . .) קִנְאָתָ֖ם (their envy) כְּבָ֣ר (have already) אָבָ֑דָה (vanished), וְחֵ֨לֶק (a share) אֵין־ (and they will never again have) לָהֶ֥ם (. . .) עוֹד֙ (. . .) לְעוֹלָ֔ם (. . .) בְּכֹ֥ל (in all) אֲשֶֽׁר־ (that) נַעֲשָׂ֖ה (is done) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (9:6)
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.
Inspired Version (9:7)
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Hebrew (9:7)
לֵ֣ךְ (Go), אֱכֹ֤ל (eat) בְּשִׂמְחָה֙ (with joy), לַחְמֶ֔ךָ (your bread) וּֽשֲׁתֵ֥ה (and drink) בְלֶב־ (heart), ט֖וֹב (with a cheerful) יֵינֶ֑ךָ (your wine) כִּ֣י (for) כְבָ֔ר (has already) רָצָ֥ה (approved) הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (God) אֶֽת־ (-) מַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ׃ (your works):
KJV (9:7)
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Inspired Version (9:8)
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
Hebrew (9:8)
KJV (9:8)
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
Inspired Version (9:9)
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 labor which thou takest under the sun.
Hebrew (9:9)
רְאֵ֨ה (Enjoy) חַיִּ֜ים (life) עִם־ (with) אִשָּׁ֣ה (wife) אֲשֶׁר־ () אָהַ֗בְתָּ (your beloved) כָּל־ (all) יְמֵי֙ (the days) חַיֵּ֣י (life) הֶבְלֶ֔ךָ (of the fleeting) אֲשֶׁ֤ר (that) נָֽתַן־ ([God] has given) לְךָ֙ (you) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (the sun)— כֹּ֖ל (all) יְמֵ֣י (days). הֶבְלֶ֑ךָ (your fleeting) כִּ֣י (For) ה֤וּא (this) חֶלְקְךָ֙ (is your portion) בַּֽחַיִּ֔ים (in life) וּבַעֲמָ֣לְךָ֔ (and in your labor) אֲשֶׁר־ (-) אַתָּ֥ה (-) עָמֵ֖ל (. . .) תַּ֥חַת (under) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (9:9)
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 labor which thou takest under the sun.
Inspired Version (9:10)
Whatsoever 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.
Hebrew (9:10)
כֹּ֠ל (Whatever) אֲשֶׁ֨ר (-) תִּמְצָ֧א (you find) יָֽדְךָ֛ (with your hands), לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (to do) בְּכֹחֲךָ֖ (with all your might), עֲשֵׂ֑ה (do [it]) כִּי֩ (for) אֵ֨ין (no) מַעֲשֶׂ֤ה (work) וְחֶשְׁבּוֹן֙ (or planning) וְדַ֣עַת (or knowledge) וְחָכְמָ֔ה (or wisdom). בִּשְׁא֕וֹל (in Sheol), אֲשֶׁ֥ר (where) אַתָּ֖ה (you) הֹלֵ֥ךְ (are going), שָֽׁמָּה׃ס (there is)
KJV (9:10)
Whatsoever 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.
Inspired Version (9:11)
I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Hebrew (9:11)
שַׁ֜בְתִּי (something else) וְרָאֹ֣ה (I saw) תַֽחַת־ (under) הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ (the sun) כִּ֣י (-): לֹא֩ (is not) לַקַּלִּ֨ים (to the swift), הַמֵּר֜וֹץ (The race) וְלֹ֧א (. . .) לַגִּבּוֹרִ֣ים (to the strong); הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה (nor the battle) וְ֠גַם (-) לֹ֣א (neither [is]) לַחֲכָמִ֥ים (to the wise), לֶ֙חֶם֙ (the bread) וְגַ֨ם (nor) לֹ֤א (. . .) לַנְּבֹנִים֙ (to the intelligent), עֹ֔שֶׁר (the wealth) וְגַ֛ם (nor) לֹ֥א (. . .) לַיֹּדְעִ֖ים (to the skillful). חֵ֑ן (the favor) כִּי־ (For) עֵ֥ת (time) וָפֶ֖גַע (and chance) יִקְרֶ֥ה (happen) אֶת־ (-) כֻּלָּֽם׃ (to all).
KJV (9:11)
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Inspired Version (9:12)
For man also knoweth not his time; as the fishes that are taken in an evil net and as the birds that are caught in the snare, so are the sons of men snared in an evil time when it falleth suddenly upon them.
Hebrew (9:12)
כִּ֡י (For) גַּם֩ (surely) לֹֽא־ (no) יֵדַ֨ע (knows) הָאָדָ֜ם (man) אֶת־ (-) עִתּ֗וֹ (his time): כַּדָּגִים֙ (Like fish) שֶׁנֶּֽאֱחָזִים֙ (caught) בִּמְצוֹדָ֣ה (net) רָעָ֔ה (in a cruel) וְכַ֨צִּפֳּרִ֔ים (or birds) הָאֲחֻז֖וֹת (trapped) בַּפָּ֑ח (in a snare), כָּהֵ֗ם (. . .) יֽוּקָשִׁים֙ (are ensnared) בְּנֵ֣י (so men) הָֽאָדָ֔ם (. . .) לְעֵ֣ת (time) רָעָ֔ה (in an evil) כְּשֶׁתִּפּ֥וֹל (falls) עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (upon them). פִּתְאֹֽם׃ (that suddenly)
KJV (9:12)
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
Inspired Version (9:13)
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me.
Hebrew (9:13)
גַּם־ (. . .) זֹ֛ה (this) רָאִ֥יתִי (I have also seen) חָכְמָ֖ה (wisdom) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun), וּגְדוֹלָ֥ה ([was] great) הִ֖יא (and it) אֵלָֽי׃ (to me):
KJV (9:13)
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
Inspired Version (9:14)
There was a little city and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.
Hebrew (9:14)
עִ֣יר (city) קְטַנָּ֔ה (There was a small) וַאֲנָשִׁ֥ים (men). בָּ֖הּ () מְעָ֑ט (with few) וּבָֽא־ (came) אֵלֶ֜יהָ (against it), מֶ֤לֶךְ (king) גָּדוֹל֙ (A mighty) וְסָבַ֣ב (surrounded it), אֹתָ֔הּ (-) וּבָנָ֥ה (and built) עָלֶ֖יהָ (against it). מְצוֹדִ֥ים (siege ramps) גְּדֹלִֽים׃ (large)
KJV (9:14)
There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
Inspired Version (9:15)
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
Hebrew (9:15)
KJV (9:15)
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
Inspired Version (9:16)
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength; nevertheless, the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Hebrew (9:16)
וְאָמַ֣רְתִּי (said), אָ֔נִי (And I) טוֹבָ֥ה (is better) חָכְמָ֖ה (Wisdom) מִגְּבוּרָ֑ה (than strength), וְחָכְמַ֤ת (but the wisdom) הַמִּסְכֵּן֙ (of the poor) בְּזוּיָ֔ה (man is despised), וּדְבָרָ֖יו (and his words) אֵינָ֥ם (are not) נִשְׁמָעִֽים׃ (heeded).
KJV (9:16)
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Inspired Version (9:17)
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
Hebrew (9:17)
דִּבְרֵ֣י (words) חֲכָמִ֔ים (of the wise) בְּנַ֖חַת (The calm) נִשְׁמָעִ֑ים (are heeded) מִזַּעֲקַ֥ת (over the shouts) מוֹשֵׁ֖ל (of a ruler) בַּכְּסִילִֽים׃ (among fools).
KJV (9:17)
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
Inspired Version (9:18)
Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.
Hebrew (9:18)
KJV (9:18)
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
Inspired Version (10:1)
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor; so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.
Hebrew (10:1)
זְב֣וּבֵי (flies) מָ֔וֶת (As dead) יַבְאִ֥ישׁ (a stench) יַבִּ֖יעַ (bring) שֶׁ֣מֶן (oil), רוֹקֵ֑חַ (to the perfumer’s) יָקָ֛ר (outweighs) מֵחָכְמָ֥ה (wisdom) מִכָּב֖וֹד (and honor). סִכְל֥וּת (folly) מְעָֽט׃ (so a little)
KJV (10:1)
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.
Inspired Version (10:2)
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
Hebrew (10:2)
לֵ֤ב (heart) חָכָם֙ (A wise man’s) לִֽימִינ֔וֹ (inclines to the right), וְלֵ֥ב (but the heart) כְּסִ֖יל (of a fool) לִשְׂמֹאלֽוֹ׃ (to the left).
KJV (10:2)
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
Inspired Version (10:3)
Yea, also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
Hebrew (10:3)
וְגַם־ (Even) בַּדֶּ֛רֶךְ (along the road), כְּשֶׁהַסָּכָל (as the fool) הֹלֵ֖ךְ (walks) לִבּ֣וֹ (his sense) חָסֵ֑ר (is lacking), וְאָמַ֥ר (and he shows) לַכֹּ֖ל (everyone) סָכָ֥ל (is a fool). הֽוּא׃ (that he)
KJV (10:3)
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
Inspired Version (10:4)
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Hebrew (10:4)
אִם־ (If) ר֤וּחַ (temper) הַמּוֹשֵׁל֙ (the ruler’s) תַּעֲלֶ֣ה (flares) עָלֶ֔יךָ (against you), מְקוֹמְךָ֖ (your post), אַל־ (do not) תַּנַּ֑ח (abandon) כִּ֣י (for) מַרְפֵּ֔א (calmness) יַנִּ֖יחַ (to rest). חֲטָאִ֥ים (offenses) גְּדוֹלִֽים׃ ({lays} great)
KJV (10:4)
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Inspired Version (10:5)
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
Hebrew (10:5)
יֵ֣שׁ (There is) רָעָ֔ה (an evil) רָאִ֖יתִי (I have seen) תַּ֣חַת (under) הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (the sun)— כִּשְׁגָגָ֕ה (an error) שֶׁיֹּצָ֖א (that proceeds) מִלִּפְנֵ֥י (from) הַשַּׁלִּֽיט׃ (the ruler):
KJV (10:5)
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
Inspired Version (10:6)
Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
Hebrew (10:6)
נִתַּ֣ן (is appointed) הַסֶּ֔כֶל (Folly) בַּמְּרוֹמִ֖ים (heights), רַבִּ֑ים (to great) וַעֲשִׁירִ֖ים (but the rich) בַּשֵּׁ֥פֶל (in lowly positions). יֵשֵֽׁבוּ׃ (sit)
KJV (10:6)
Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
Inspired Version (10:7)
I have seen servants upon horses and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
Hebrew (10:7)
רָאִ֥יתִי (I have seen) עֲבָדִ֖ים (slaves) עַל־ (on) סוּסִ֑ים (horseback), וְשָׂרִ֛ים (while princes) הֹלְכִ֥ים (go) כַּעֲבָדִ֖ים (like slaves). עַל־ (on) הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (foot)
KJV (10:7)
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
Inspired Version (10:8)
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
Hebrew (10:8)
KJV (10:8)
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
Inspired Version (10:9)
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
Hebrew (10:9)
KJV (10:9)
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
Inspired Version (10:10)
If the iron be blunt and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength; but wisdom is profitable to direct.
Hebrew (10:10)
אִם־ (If) קֵהָ֣ה (is dull) הַבַּרְזֶ֗ל (the axe) וְהוּא֙ (and) לֹא־ (vvv) פָנִ֣ים (the blade) קִלְקַ֔ל (unsharpened), וַחֲיָלִ֖ים (more strength) יְגַבֵּ֑ר (must be exerted), וְיִתְר֥וֹן (produces) הַכְשֵׁ֖יר (success). חָכְמָֽה׃ (but skill)
KJV (10:10)
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
Inspired Version (10:11)
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
Hebrew (10:11)
אִם־ (If) יִשֹּׁ֥ךְ (bites) הַנָּחָ֖שׁ (the snake) בְּלוֹא־ (before) לָ֑חַשׁ (it is charmed), וְאֵ֣ין (there is no) יִתְר֔וֹן (profit) לְבַ֖עַל (for the charmer) הַלָּשֽׁוֹן׃ (. . .).
KJV (10:11)
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
Inspired Version (10:12)
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Hebrew (10:12)
דִּבְרֵ֥י (The words) פִי־ (mouth) חָכָ֖ם (of a wise man’s) חֵ֑ן (are gracious), וְשִׂפְת֥וֹת (but the lips) כְּסִ֖יל (of a fool) תְּבַלְּעֶֽנּוּ׃ (consume him).
KJV (10:12)
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Inspired Version (10:13)
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
Hebrew (10:13)
תְּחִלַּ֥ת (The beginning) דִּבְרֵי־ (of his talk) פִ֖יהוּ (. . .) סִכְל֑וּת (is folly), וְאַחֲרִ֣ית (and the end) פִּ֔יהוּ (of his speech) הוֹלֵל֖וּת (madness). רָעָֽה׃ (is evil)
KJV (10:13)
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
Inspired Version (10:14)
A fool also is full of words; a man cannot tell what shall be. And what shall be after him, who can tell him?
Hebrew (10:14)
וְהַסָּכָ֖ל (Yet the fool) יַרְבֶּ֣ה (multiplies) דְבָרִ֑ים (words). לֹא־ (No) יֵדַ֤ע (knows) הָאָדָם֙ (one) מַה־ (what) שֶׁיִּֽהְיֶ֔ה (is coming), וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר (what) יִֽהְיֶה֙ (will come) מֵֽאַחֲרָ֔יו (after him)? מִ֖י (and who) יַגִּ֥יד (can tell) לֽוֹ׃ (him)
KJV (10:14)
A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
Inspired Version (10:15)
The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
Hebrew (10:15)
עֲמַ֥ל (The toil) הַכְּסִילִ֖ים (of a fool) תְּיַגְּעֶ֑נּוּ (wearies him), אֲשֶׁ֥ר (for) לֹֽא־ (he does not) יָדַ֖ע (know) לָלֶ֥כֶת (the way) אֶל־ (to) עִֽיר׃ (the city).
KJV (10:15)
The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
Inspired Version (10:16)
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child and thy princes eat in the morning!
Hebrew (10:16)
אִֽי־ (Woe) לָ֣ךְ (to you), אֶ֔רֶץ (O land) שֶׁמַּלְכֵּ֖ךְ (whose king) נָ֑עַר (is a youth), וְשָׂרַ֖יִךְ (and whose princes) בַּבֹּ֥קֶר (in the morning). יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃ (feast)
KJV (10:16)
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
Inspired Version (10:17)
Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles and thy princes eat in due season for strength and not for drunkenness!
Hebrew (10:17)
אַשְׁרֵ֣יךְ (Blessed are you), אֶ֔רֶץ (O land) שֶׁמַּלְכֵּ֖ךְ (whose king) בֶּן־ (is a son) חוֹרִ֑ים (of nobles), וְשָׂרַ֙יִךְ֙ (and whose princes) בָּעֵ֣ת (at the proper time)— יֹאכֵ֔לוּ (feast) בִּגְבוּרָ֖ה (for strength) וְלֹ֥א (and not) בַשְּׁתִֽי׃ (for drunkenness).
KJV (10:17)
Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
Inspired Version (10:18)
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
Hebrew (10:18)
בַּעֲצַלְתַּ֖יִם (Through laziness) יִמַּ֣ךְ (caves in), הַמְּקָרֶ֑ה (the roof) וּבְשִׁפְל֥וּת (of the idle), יָדַ֖יִם (and in the hands) יִדְלֹ֥ף (leaks). הַבָּֽיִת׃ (the house)
KJV (10:18)
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
Inspired Version (10:19)
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry; but money answereth all things.
Hebrew (10:19)
לִשְׂחוֹק֙ (for laughter), עֹשִׂ֣ים (is prepared) לֶ֔חֶם (A feast) וְיַ֖יִן (and wine) יְשַׂמַּ֣ח (merry), חַיִּ֑ים (makes life) וְהַכֶּ֖סֶף (but money) יַעֲנֶ֥ה (is the answer) אֶת־ (-) הַכֹּֽל׃ (for everything).
KJV (10:19)
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
Inspired Version (10:20)
Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber; for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
Hebrew (10:20)
גַּ֣ם (even) בְּמַדָּֽעֲךָ֗ (in your thoughts), מֶ֚לֶךְ (the king) אַל־ (Do not) תְּקַלֵּ֔ל (curse) וּבְחַדְרֵי֙ (even in your bedroom) מִשְׁכָּ֣בְךָ֔ (. . .), אַל־ ([or]) תְּקַלֵּ֖ל (curse) עָשִׁ֑יר (the rich) כִּ֣י (for) ע֤וֹף (a bird) הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙ (of the air) יוֹלִ֣יךְ (may carry) אֶת־ (-) הַקּ֔וֹל (your words), וּבַ֥עַל (and a winged creature) הַכְּנָפַיִם (. . .) יַגֵּ֥יד (may report) דָּבָֽר׃ (your speech).
KJV (10:20)
Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
Inspired Version (11:1)
Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.
Hebrew (11:1)
שַׁלַּ֥ח (Cast) לַחְמְךָ֖ (your bread) עַל־ (upon) פְּנֵ֣י (. . .) הַמָּ֑יִם (the waters), כִּֽי־ (for) בְרֹ֥ב (after many) הַיָּמִ֖ים (days) תִּמְצָאֶֽנּוּ׃ (you will find it [again]).
KJV (11:1)
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
Inspired Version (11:2)
Give a portion to seven and also to eight, for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Hebrew (11:2)
KJV (11:2)
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Inspired Version (11:3)
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.
Hebrew (11:3)
אִם־ (If) יִמָּלְא֨וּ (are full), הֶעָבִ֥ים (the clouds) גֶּ֙שֶׁם֙ (rain) עַל־ (upon) הָאָ֣רֶץ (the earth); יָרִ֔יקוּ (they will pour out) וְאִם־ (whether) יִפּ֥וֹל (falls) עֵ֛ץ (a tree) בַּדָּר֖וֹם (to the south) וְאִ֣ם (or) בַּצָּפ֑וֹן (to the north), מְק֛וֹם (in the place) שֶׁיִּפּ֥וֹל (falls), הָעֵ֖ץ (where [it]) שָׁ֥ם (there) יְהֽוּא׃ (it will lie).
KJV (11:3)
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.
Inspired Version (11:4)
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
Hebrew (11:4)
KJV (11:4)
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
Inspired Version (11:5)
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.
Hebrew (11:5)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר (As) אֵֽינְךָ֤ (you do not) יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙ (know) מַה־ (. . .) דֶּ֣רֶךְ (the path) הָר֔וּחַ (of the wind), כַּעֲצָמִ֖ים (or how the bones [are formed]) בְּבֶ֣טֶן (womb), הַמְּלֵאָ֑ה (in a mother’s) כָּ֗כָה (so) לֹ֤א (you cannot) תֵדַע֙ (understand) אֶת־ (-) מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (the work) הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (of God), אֲשֶׁ֥ר (vvv) יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה (the Maker) אֶת־ (-) הַכֹּֽל׃ (of all things).
KJV (11:5)
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.
Inspired Version (11:6)
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.
Hebrew (11:6)
בַּבֹּ֙קֶר֙ (in the morning), זְרַ֣ע (Sow) אֶת־ (-) זַרְעֶ֔ךָ (your seed) וְלָעֶ֖רֶב (in the evening), אַל־ (and do not) תַּנַּ֣ח (rest) יָדֶ֑ךָ (your hands) כִּי֩ (for) אֵֽינְךָ֨ (you do not) יוֹדֵ֜ע (know) אֵ֣י (which) זֶ֤ה (. . .) יִכְשָׁר֙ (will succeed), הֲזֶ֣ה (whether this) אוֹ־ (or) זֶ֔ה (that), וְאִם־ (or if) שְׁנֵיהֶ֥ם (both) כְּאֶחָ֖ד (will equally) טוֹבִֽים׃ (prosper).
KJV (11:6)
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.
Inspired Version (11:7)
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun;
Hebrew (11:7)
וּמָת֖וֹק (is sweet), הָא֑וֹר (Light) וְט֥וֹב (and it pleases) לַֽעֵינַ֖יִם (the eyes) לִרְא֥וֹת (to see) אֶת־ (-) הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (the sun).
KJV (11:7)
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
Inspired Version (11:8)
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.
Hebrew (11:8)
כִּ֣י (So) אִם־ (if) שָׁנִ֥ים (years), הַרְבֵּ֛ה (many) יִחְיֶ֥ה (lives) הָאָדָ֖ם (a man) בְּכֻלָּ֣ם (in them all). יִשְׂמָ֑ח (let him rejoice) וְיִזְכֹּר֙ (But let him remember) אֶת־ (-) יְמֵ֣י (the days) הַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ (of darkness), כִּֽי־ (for) הַרְבֵּ֥ה (many). יִהְי֖וּ (they will be) כָּל־ (Everything) שֶׁבָּ֥א (to come) הָֽבֶל׃ (is futile).
KJV (11:8)
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.
Inspired Version (11:9)
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.
Hebrew (11:9)
שְׂמַ֧ח (Rejoice), בָּח֣וּר (O young man), בְּיַלְדוּתֶ֗יךָ (while you are young), וִֽיטִֽיבְךָ֤ (be glad) לִבְּךָ֙ (and let your heart) בִּימֵ֣י (in the days) בְחוּרוֹתֶ֔ךָ (of your youth). וְהַלֵּךְ֙ (Walk) בְּדַרְכֵ֣י (in the ways) לִבְּךָ֔ (of your heart) וּבְמַרְאֵ֖י (and in the sight) עֵינֶ֑יךָ (of your eyes), וְדָ֕ע (but know) כִּ֧י (that) עַל־ (for) כָּל־ (all) אֵ֛לֶּה (these [things]) יְבִֽיאֲךָ֥ (will bring you) הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (God) בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ (to judgment).
KJV (11:9)
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.
Inspired Version (11:10)
Therefore, remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for childhood and youth are vanity.
Hebrew (11:10)
וְהָסֵ֥ר (So banish) כַּ֙עַס֙ (sorrow) מִלִּבֶּ֔ךָ (from your heart), וְהַעֲבֵ֥ר (and cast off) רָעָ֖ה (pain) מִבְּשָׂרֶ֑ךָ (from your body), כִּֽי־ (for) הַיַּלְד֥וּת (youth) וְהַֽשַּׁחֲר֖וּת (and vigor) הָֽבֶל׃ (are fleeting).
KJV (11:10)
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
Inspired Version (12:1)
Remember 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;
Hebrew (12:1)
וּזְכֹר֙ (Remember) אֶת־ (-) בּ֣וֹרְאֶ֔יךָ (your Creator) בִּימֵ֖י (in the days) בְּחוּרֹתֶ֑יךָ (of your youth), עַ֣ד (before) אֲשֶׁ֤ר (-) לֹא־ (-) יָבֹ֙אוּ֙ (come) יְמֵ֣י (the days) הָֽרָעָ֔ה (of adversity) וְהִגִּ֣יעוּ (approach) שָׁנִ֔ים (and the years) אֲשֶׁ֣ר (of which) תֹּאמַ֔ר (you will say), אֵֽין־ (I find no) לִ֥י () בָהֶ֖ם (in them),” חֵֽפֶץ׃ (pleasure)
KJV (12:1)
Remember 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;
Inspired Version (12:2)
While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain;
Hebrew (12:2)
עַ֠ד (before) אֲשֶׁ֨ר (-) לֹֽא־ (-) תֶחְשַׁ֤ךְ (is darkened), הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙ (of the sun), וְהָא֔וֹר (the light) וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַ (moon), וְהַכּוֹכָבִ֑ים (and stars) וְשָׁ֥בוּ (return) הֶעָבִ֖ים (and the clouds) אַחַ֥ר (after) הַגָּֽשֶׁם׃ (the rain),
KJV (12:2)
While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
Inspired Version (12:3)
In 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;
Hebrew (12:3)
בַּיּ֗וֹם (on the day) שֶׁיָּזֻ֙עוּ֙ (tremble) שֹׁמְרֵ֣י (the keepers) הַבַּ֔יִת (of the house) וְהִֽתְעַוְּת֖וּ (stoop), אַנְשֵׁ֣י (men) הֶחָ֑יִל (and the strong) וּבָטְל֤וּ (cease) הַטֹּֽחֲנוֹת֙ (when those grinding) כִּ֣י (because) מִעֵ֔טוּ (they are few) וְחָשְׁכ֥וּ (see dimly), הָרֹא֖וֹת (and those watching) בָּאֲרֻבּֽוֹת׃ (through windows)
KJV (12:3)
In 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,
Inspired Version (12:4)
And 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 music shall be brought low;
Hebrew (12:4)
וְסֻגְּר֤וּ (are shut) דְלָתַ֙יִם֙ (when the doors) בַּשּׁ֔וּק (to the street) בִּשְׁפַ֖ל (fades away), ק֣וֹל (and the sound) הַֽטַּחֲנָ֑ה (of the mill) וְיָקוּם֙ (when one rises) לְק֣וֹל (at the sound) הַצִּפּ֔וֹר (of a bird) וְיִשַּׁ֖חוּ (grow faint), כָּל־ (and all) בְּנ֥וֹת (the daughters) הַשִּֽׁיר׃ (of song)
KJV (12:4)
And 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 music shall be brought low;
Inspired Version (12:5)
Also 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;
Hebrew (12:5)
גַּ֣ם ([when]) מִגָּבֹ֤הַּ (the heights) יִרָ֙אוּ֙ ([men] fear) וְחַתְחַתִּ֣ים (and dangers) בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ (of the road), וְיָנֵ֤אץ (blossoms), הַשָּׁקֵד֙ (when the almond tree) וְיִסְתַּבֵּ֣ל (loses its spring), הֶֽחָגָ֔ב (the grasshopper) וְתָפֵ֖ר (shrivels)— הָֽאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑ה (and the caper berry) כִּֽי־ (for then) הֹלֵ֤ךְ (goes) הָאָדָם֙ (man) אֶל־ (to) בֵּ֣ית (home) עוֹלָמ֔וֹ (his eternal) וְסָבְב֥וּ (walk) בָשּׁ֖וּק (the streets). הַסֹּפְדִֽים׃ (and mourners)
KJV (12:5)
Also 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:
Inspired Version (12:6)
Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Hebrew (12:6)
עַ֣ד ([Remember Him] before) אֲשֶׁ֤ר (-) לֹֽא־ (-) יִרְחַק (is snapped) חֶ֣בֶל (cord) הַכֶּ֔סֶף (the silver) וְתָרֻ֖ץ (is crushed), גֻּלַּ֣ת (bowl) הַזָּהָ֑ב (and the golden) וְתִשָּׁ֤בֶר (is shattered) כַּד֙ ([before] the pitcher) עַל־ (at) הַמַּבּ֔וּעַ (the spring) וְנָרֹ֥ץ (is broken) הַגַּלְגַּ֖ל (and the wheel) אֶל־ (at) הַבּֽוֹר׃ (the well),
KJV (12:6)
Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Inspired Version (12:7)
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Hebrew (12:7)
וְיָשֹׁ֧ב (returns) הֶעָפָ֛ר ([before] the dust) עַל־ (to) הָאָ֖רֶץ (the ground) כְּשֶׁהָיָ֑ה (from which it came) וְהָר֣וּחַ (and the spirit) תָּשׁ֔וּב (returns) אֶל־ (to) הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (God) אֲשֶׁ֥ר (who) נְתָנָֽהּ׃ (gave it).
KJV (12:7)
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Inspired Version (12:8)
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
Hebrew (12:8)
KJV (12:8)
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
Inspired Version (12:9)
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Hebrew (12:9)
KJV (12:9)
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Inspired Version (12:10)
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words; and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
Hebrew (12:10)
KJV (12:10)
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
Inspired Version (12:11)
The words of the wise are as goads and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Hebrew (12:11)
דִּבְרֵ֤י (The words) חֲכָמִים֙ (of the wise) כַּדָּ֣רְבֹנ֔וֹת (are like goads), וּֽכְמַשְׂמְר֥וֹת (nails) נְטוּעִ֖ים (are like firmly embedded) בַּעֲלֵ֣י (of the masters) אֲסֻפּ֑וֹת (and the anthologies) נִתְּנ֖וּ (driven) מֵרֹעֶ֥ה (Shepherd). אֶחָֽד׃ (by a single)
KJV (12:11)
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Inspired Version (12:12)
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Hebrew (12:12)
KJV (12:12)
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Inspired Version (12:13)
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
Hebrew (12:13)
KJV (12:13)
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Inspired Version (12:14)
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.
Hebrew (12:14)
כִּ֤י (For) אֶת־ (-) כָּל־ (every) מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה (deed) הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים (God) יָבִ֥א (will bring) בְמִשְׁפָּ֖ט (into judgment), עַ֣ל (along with) כָּל־ (thing), נֶעְלָ֑ם (every hidden) אִם־ (whether) ט֖וֹב (good) וְאִם־ (or) רָֽע׃ (evil).
KJV (12:14)
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.