King James Version
What Does Ecclesiastes 9:10 Mean?
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
Context
8
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
9
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. Live: Heb. See, or, Enjoy life
10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
11
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
12
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10) **Thy hand findeth.—**Leviticus 12:8; Judges 9:33; and margin, *reff.*
**The grave.—***Sheol *(John 9:4).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:10 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 9:10
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge