King James Version
Ecclesiastes 11:4 in the King James Version says “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
Ecclesiastes 11:4 · KJV
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.
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.
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. shall prosper: Heb. shall be right
KJV Study — Public Domain
“He that observeth”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
“the wind”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and he that regardeth”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“the clouds”
H5645properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“shall not reap”
H7114to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge