King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 10:14 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 10:14 in the King James Version says “A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? is full: H... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? is full: Heb. multiplieth words

Ecclesiastes 10:14 · KJV


Context

12

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. gracious: Heb. grace

13

The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. his talk: Heb. his mouth

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? is full: Heb. multiplieth words

15

The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

16

Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'full of words' (yarbeh devarim) literally means 'multiplies words,' indicating excessive, endless talking without substance or wisdom. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the fool's inability to stop talking despite having nothing of value to contribute. This contrasts sharply with wisdom literature's repeated emphasis on carefully measured, restrained speech (Proverbs 10:19, 17:28). The rhetorical question structure—'who can tell him?'—emphasizes humanity's fundamental limitation regarding future knowledge, which only God possesses. The repetition of 'what shall be' (mah-sheyihyeh) and 'what shall be after him' (mah-sheyihyeh me'aharav) underscores complete ignorance of both near-term future and distant outcomes beyond one's lifetime. Solomon's point is not merely that fools talk excessively, but that they speak authoritatively and confidently about matters they cannot possibly know. The verse exposes the absurdity of human pretension to comprehensive knowledge, a theme running throughout Ecclesiastes. Only God knows and controls the future; true human wisdom requires acknowledging this fundamental limitation rather than filling the void of ignorance with empty, multiplied words that create an illusion of understanding.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes circa 935 BC, likely late in life after experiencing the vanity of pursuing wisdom, pleasure, and accomplishment apart from God. Chapter 10 contains practical wisdom about foolishness versus wisdom in daily life. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature emphasized controlled speech as a mark of wisdom, making verbose fools a common literary target. In Solomon's court culture, where words carried political weight and royal pronouncements shaped policy, the danger of foolish speech was particularly acute. The verse reflects broader biblical warnings about careless speech (James 3:1-12) and false certainty about the future (James 4:13-16). Early church fathers applied this to heretics who multiplied theological speculations beyond Scripture, while Reformation interpreters saw warnings against human philosophical systems claiming comprehensive knowledge apart from divine revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Solomon connect excessive talking with foolishness rather than with eloquence or knowledge?
  2. What is the relationship between claiming to know the future and the multiplication of words?
  3. How does this verse's warning about speaking beyond one's knowledge apply to modern contexts?
  4. What is the proper response to our inability to know the future—silence, trust in God, or something else?
  5. How does James 4:13-16 echo and expand on the principle taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהַסָּכָ֖ל1 of 14

A fool

H5530

silly

יַרְבֶּ֣ה2 of 14

also is full

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

דְבָרִ֑ים3 of 14

of words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

לֹא4 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵדַ֤ע5 of 14

cannot tell

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הָאָדָם֙6 of 14

a man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

מַה7 of 14
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

שֶׁיִּֽהְיֶ֔ה8 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִֽהְיֶה֙10 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֵֽאַחֲרָ֔יו11 of 14

what shall be and what shall be after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

מִ֖י12 of 14
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יַגִּ֥יד13 of 14

him who can tell

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לֽוֹ׃14 of 14
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 10:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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