Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Ecclesiastes 6:12 Cross-References
Explore 20 cross-references for Ecclesiastes 6:12 from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, connecting Ecclesiastes chapter 6 verse 12 to related passages throughout the Bible.
“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? all: Heb. the number of the days of the life of his vanity”
Ecclesiastes 6:12 (KJV)
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:12
The Preacher asks a profound question: 'For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow?' The Hebrew 'mi yodea' (מִי יוֹדֵעַ, who knows) expresses epistemic humility—human beings cannot reliably discern what truly benefits them. The phrase 'vain life' uses 'hevel' (הֶבֶל, vapor/breath), Ecclesiastes' key term for temporal existence's fleeting, insubstantial nature. Life passes quickly 'as a shadow' (katsel, כַּצֵּל)—here then gone, lacking substance. The second question intensifies the first: 'who can tell a man what shall be after...
Source: KJV Study Commentary
Cross-References for Ecclesiastes 6:12
Ranked by relevance from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
“that appears for a little time”
“and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow”
“than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?”
“says my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”
“Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.”
“you have made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath. Selah.,Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah., הִנֵּה טְפָחוֹת נָתַתָּה יָמַי וְחֶלְדִּי כְאַיִן נֶגְדֶּךָ אַךְ כָּל־הֶבֶל כָּל־אָדָם נִצָּב סֶלָה׃ ,Behold, Thou hast made my days as hand-breadths; And mine age is as nothing before Thee; Surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity. Selah,38:6 ἰδοὺ παλαιστὰς ἔθου τὰς ἡμέρας μου καὶ ἡ ὑπόστασίς μου ὡσεὶ οὐθὲν ἐνώπιόν σου πλὴν τὰ σύμπαντα ματαιότης πᾶς ἄνθρωπος ζῶν διάψαλμα,38:5 Behold, thou hast made my days old; and my existence is as nothing before thee: nay, every man living is altogether vanity. Pause.,,,,”
“neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow; because he doesn't fear God.”
“and know nothing”
“and foreigners”
“For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?”