King James Version
Ecclesiastes 8:7 in the King James Version says “For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? when: or, how it shall be?” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? when: or, how it shall be?”
Ecclesiastes 8:7 · KJV
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. shall: Heb. shall know
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? when: or, how it shall be?
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. discharge: or, casting off weapons
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.
KJV Study — Public Domain
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“For he knoweth”
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)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“not that which shall be for who can tell”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge