King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 6:11 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 6:11 in the King James Version says “Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better? — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

Ecclesiastes 6:11 · KJV


Context

9

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. than: Heb. than the walking of the soul

10

That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

11

Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

12

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity (כִּי יֵשׁ־דְּבָרִים הַרְבֵּה מַרְבִּים הָבֶל)—The Hebrew structure emphasizes multiplication: 'many words multiplying vapor.' More talking, philosophizing, and human effort only compounds futility. What is man the better? (מַה־יֹּתֵר לָאָדָם)—Again the question of yōtēr, 'profit' or 'advantage.'

This anticipates Jesus's warning: 'Not ev