King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 11:5 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 11:5 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 · KJV


Context

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.

4

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

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.

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. shall prosper: Heb. shall be right

7

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Preacher acknowledges human limitations: '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.' The verse employs two mysteries—wind/spirit ('ruach,' רוּחַ, meaning both wind and spirit) and fetal development—to illustrate comprehensive ignorance of God's works. Ancient peoples didn't understand meteorology or embryology; these natural processes remained mysterious. The comparison teaches epistemic humility: if basic natural processes exceed human understanding, how much more do God's comprehensive purposes? This verse anticipates Jesus's teaching to Nicodemus: 'The wind bloweth where it listeth... so is every one that is born of the Spirit' (John 3:8). Spiritual realities transcend human comprehension, requiring faith beyond sight.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples observed wind patterns and pregnancy but lacked scientific understanding of either. The ruach (wind/spirit) was particularly mysterious—invisible yet powerful, unpredictable yet purposeful. Psalm 139:13-16 similarly marvels at fetal development as God's mysterious work. The verse teaches that if natural processes exceed understanding, divine purposes certainly do. This anticipated Job's experience: God answered Job's questions by asking about creation's mysteries (Job 38-41), teaching that finite humans cannot comprehend infinite wisdom. Jesus used similar logic: if earthly things are mysterious, how much more heavenly realities (John 3:12)? The Reformers emphasized that God's wisdom surpasses human reason, requiring humble faith. Modern science has explained meteorology and embryology, yet deeper mysteries remain—consciousness, quantum mechanics, divine providence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What mysteries in God's providence perplex you, and how does this verse counsel humility and trust despite incomplete understanding?
  2. How does acknowledging limits to human knowledge prevent both arrogant rationalism and anti-intellectual obscurantism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 19
H834

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

אֵֽינְךָ֤2 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

תֵדַע֙3 of 19

As thou knowest

H3045

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

מַה4 of 19
H4100

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

דֶּ֣רֶךְ5 of 19

not what is the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָר֔וּחַ6 of 19

of the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

כַּעֲצָמִ֖ים7 of 19

nor how the bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

בְּבֶ֣טֶן8 of 19

do grow in the womb

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

הַמְּלֵאָ֑ה9 of 19

of her that is with child

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

כָּ֗כָה10 of 19
H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

לֹ֤א11 of 19
H3808

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

תֵדַע֙12 of 19

As thou knowest

H3045

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

אֶת13 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה14 of 19

not the works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים15 of 19

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 19
H834

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

יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה17 of 19

who maketh

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת18 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֹּֽל׃19 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)


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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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