King James Version
Ecclesiastes 11:2 in the King James Version says “Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”
Ecclesiastes 11:2 · KJV
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. upon: Heb. upon the face of the waters
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
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.
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“to seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
“and also to eight”
H8083a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“for thou knowest”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge