Ecclesiastes 12:5
Ecclesiastes 12:5 in Multiple Translations
when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels— for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
yea, they shall be afraid of that which is high, and terrors shall be in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:
And he is in fear of that which is high, and danger is in the road, and the tree is white with flower, and the least thing is a weight, and desire is at an end, because man goes to his last resting-place, and those who are sorrowing are in the streets;
Before you develop a fear of heights and worry about going out on the streets; when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper crawls along, and desire fails, for everyone has to go to their eternal home as the mourners go up and down the street.
Also they shalbe afraide of the hie thing, and feare shalbe in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grassehopper shall be a burden, and concupiscence shall be driuen away: for man goeth to the house of his age, and the mourners goe about in the streete.
Also of that which is high they are afraid, And of the low places in the way, And the almond-tree is despised, And the grasshopper is become a burden, And want is increased, For man is going unto his home age-during, And the mourners have gone round through the street.
yes, they shall be afraid of heights, and terrors will be on the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goes to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets;
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
And they shall fear high things, and they shall be afraid in the way, the almond tree shall flourish, the locust shall be made fat, and the caper tree shall be destroyed: because man shall go into the house of his eternity, and the mourners shall go round about in the street.
You will be afraid to be in high places and afraid of dangers on the roads that you walk on. Your hair will become white like [MET] the flowers of almond trees. When you try to walk, you will drag yourself along like [MET] grasshoppers, and you will no longer desire to have sex. Then you will die and go to your eternal home, and people who will mourn for you will be in the streets.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 12:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 12:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּ֣ם
מִ/גָּבֹ֤הַּ
יִרָ֨אוּ֙
וְ/חַתְחַתִּ֣ים
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
וְ/יָנֵ֤אץ
הַ/שָּׁקֵד֙
וְ/יִסְתַּבֵּ֣ל
הֶֽ/חָגָ֔ב
וְ/תָפֵ֖ר
הָֽ/אֲבִיּוֹנָ֑ה
כִּֽי
הֹלֵ֤ךְ
הָ/אָדָם֙
אֶל
בֵּ֣ית
עוֹלָמ֔/וֹ
וְ/סָבְב֥וּ
בָ/שּׁ֖וּק
הַ/סֹּפְדִֽים
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
מִ/גָּבֹ֤הַּ
gâbôahh
H1364
high
Prep | Adj
יִרָ֨אוּ֙
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/חַתְחַתִּ֣ים
chathchath
H2849
terror
Conj | N-mp
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
וְ/יָנֵ֤אץ
nâʼats
H5006
to spurn
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
הַ/שָּׁקֵד֙
shâqêd
H8247
almond
Art | N-ms
וְ/יִסְתַּבֵּ֣ל
çâbal
H5445
to bear
Conj | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
הֶֽ/חָגָ֔ב
châgâb
H2284
locust
Art | N-ms
וְ/תָפֵ֖ר
pârar
H6565
to break
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
הָֽ/אֲבִיּוֹנָ֑ה
ʼăbîyôwnâh
H35
desire
Art | N-fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֹלֵ֤ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
הָ/אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
עוֹלָמ֔/וֹ
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms | Suff
וְ/סָבְב֥וּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בָ/שּׁ֖וּק
shûwq
H7784
street
Prep | N-ms
הַ/סֹּפְדִֽים
çâphad
H5594
to mourn
Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 12:5
גַּ֣ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
מִ/גָּבֹ֤הַּ
gâbôahh
H1364
"high"
Prep | Adj
High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.
Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.
יִרָ֨אוּ֙
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/חַתְחַתִּ֣ים
chathchath
H2849
"terror"
Conj | N-mp
Similar to another Hebrew word, this term also means terror or fear, describing a strong feeling of anxiety or dread. It is used in the Bible to convey a sense of being scared or intimidated.
Definition: terror
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: fear. See also: Ecclesiastes 12:5.
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/יָנֵ֤אץ
nâʼats
H5006
"to spurn"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.
Definition: 1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor 1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spurn 1b2) to cause to contemn 1c) (Hiphil) to spurn 1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke. See also: Numbers 14:11; Proverbs 1:30; Psalms 10:3.
הַ/שָּׁקֵד֙
shâqêd
H8247
"almond"
Art | N-ms
The almond tree or nut is mentioned in Numbers and Genesis, often symbolizing new life and growth. In the Bible, the almond tree is noted for being one of the first trees to bloom in spring.
Definition: 1) almond tree, almonds 1a) almond (the nut) 1b) almond-tree
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: almond (tree). See also: Genesis 43:11; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Jeremiah 1:11.
וְ/יִסְתַּבֵּ֣ל
çâbal
H5445
"to bear"
Conj | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To bear means to carry something, whether it is a physical load or an emotional burden. In the Bible, it can also mean to be pregnant or to endure a difficult situation. It is often translated as 'bear' or 'carry'
Definition: 1) to bear, bear a load, drag oneself along 1a) (Qal) to bear (a load) 1b) (Pual) laden (participle) 1c)(Hithpael) to make oneself a burden, drag oneself along Aramaic equivalent: se.val (סְבַל "to bear" H5446)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour. See also: Genesis 49:15; Isaiah 46:7; Psalms 144:14.
הֶֽ/חָגָ֔ב
châgâb
H2284
"locust"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a locust, a type of insect that can cause significant damage to crops. In the Bible, locusts are often used as a symbol of destruction or judgment.
Definition: locust, grasshopper
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: locust. See also: Leviticus 11:22; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Isaiah 40:22.
וְ/תָפֵ֖ר
pârar
H6565
"to break"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.
הָֽ/אֲבִיּוֹנָ֑ה
ʼăbîyôwnâh
H35
"desire"
Art | N-fs
Desire, also referring to the caper berry which stimulates taste, symbolizing something that provokes longing.
Definition: caper-berry-of stimulating desire
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: desire. See also: Ecclesiastes 12:5.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הֹלֵ֤ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
הָ/אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עוֹלָמ֔/וֹ
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms | Suff
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
וְ/סָבְב֥וּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
בָ/שּׁ֖וּק
shûwq
H7784
"street"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a street or public thoroughfare, likely because it is a place where people run or walk over. In the Bible, it is simply translated as 'street'.
Definition: street
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: street. See also: Proverbs 7:8; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Song of Solomon 3:2.
הַ/סֹּפְדִֽים
çâphad
H5594
"to mourn"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to mourn or lament, often by tearing hair and beating breasts. It involves expressing deep sadness or grief, like wailing or lamenting. The KJV translates it as lament or mourn.
Definition: 1) to wail, lament, mourn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wail, lament 1a2) wailers (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be lamented, be bewailed
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn(-er), wail. See also: Genesis 23:2; Jeremiah 16:4; Isaiah 32:12.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 12:5
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Context — Remember Your Creator
3on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop, when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly,
4when the doors to the street are shut and the sound of the mill fades away, when one rises at the sound of a bird and all the daughters of song grow faint,
5when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels— for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.
6Remember Him before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is crushed, before the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel is broken at the well, 7before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 17:13 | If I look for Sheol as my home, if I spread out my bed in darkness, |
| 2 | Jeremiah 9:17–20 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Take note, and summon the wailing women; send for the most skillful among them. Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water. For the sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How devastated we are! How great is our shame! For we have abandoned the land because our dwellings have been torn down.’” Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD. Open your ears to the word of His mouth. Teach your daughters to wail, and one another to lament. |
| 3 | Job 30:23 | Yes, I know that You will bring me down to death, to the place appointed for all the living. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:31 | Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. |
| 5 | Psalms 71:18 | Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. |
| 6 | Genesis 50:3–10 | taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh that my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.” Pharaoh replied, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.” Then Joseph went to bury his father, and all the servants of Pharaoh accompanied him—the elders of Pharaoh’s household and all the elders of the land of Egypt— along with all of Joseph’s household, and his brothers, and his father’s household. Only their children and flocks and herds were left in Goshen. Chariots and horsemen alike went up with him, and it was an exceedingly large procession. When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days. |
| 7 | Psalms 49:10–14 | For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their eternal homes— their dwellings for endless generations— even though their lands were their namesakes. But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of the self-confident and their followers who endorse their sayings. Selah Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode. |
| 8 | Leviticus 19:32 | You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD. |
| 9 | Job 15:10 | Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father. |
| 10 | Genesis 44:31 | sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. |
Ecclesiastes 12:5 Summary
This verse is describing a time when people are old and nearing the end of their lives. They are afraid to travel or move around, and they have lost their desire for the pleasures of life. The 'eternal home' that the verse refers to is heaven, where believers will dwell with God forever (John 14:2-3). As believers, we can trust that God will be with us even in death, and that He will bring us home to be with Him forever (Psalms 23:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the verse says 'men fear the heights and dangers of the road'?
This phrase is describing a time when people are afraid to travel or move around due to fear of accidents or harm, much like the Psalmist's cry for protection in Psalms 121:3-8, where he asks God to keep his foot from slipping.
What is the significance of the almond tree blossoming in this verse?
The blossoming of the almond tree is often seen as a symbol of new life and renewal, but in this context, it seems to be a sign of the passing of time and the approach of old age, as described in Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, where the author is reflecting on the fleeting nature of human life.
What does it mean when it says 'the caper berry shrivels'?
The caper berry shriveling is likely a metaphor for the loss of desire or pleasure in life, much like the description in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, where the author describes his pursuit of pleasure and how it ultimately left him unfulfilled.
What is the 'eternal home' that the verse refers to?
The 'eternal home' is likely a reference to heaven or the afterlife, where believers will dwell with God forever, as described in John 14:2-3, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for his followers.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I fear or avoid, and how can I trust God to be with me in those situations?
- How can I make the most of the time I have left on this earth, and what are some things I can do to prepare for my 'eternal home'?
- What are some ways that I can 'remember my Creator' as the verse in Ecclesiastes 12:1 suggests, and how can I keep Him at the center of my life?
- How can I find comfort and peace in the face of death and mourning, and what hope can I hold onto as a believer in Jesus Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 12:5
Also when they shall be afraid of [that which is] high,.... Not of the most high God, before whose tribunal they must shortly appear, as some; but rather of high places, as high hills, mountains, towers, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 12:5
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 12:5
They shall be afraid; the passion of fear is observed to be most incident to old men, of which divers reasons may be given. Of that which is high; either, 1. Of high things, lest they should fall upon them. Or rather, 2. Of high places, of going up hills or stairs, which is very irksome to them, because of their weakness, and weariness, ar, d giddiness, and danger, or dread of falling. And this clause, together with the next, may be rendered thus, and that agreeably to the Hebrew text, Also they shall be afraid and terrified (two words expressing the same thing, which is very frequent in the Hebrew) of that which is high in the way. When they walk abroad, they will dread to go up any high or steep places. And fears shall be in the way, lest as they are walking, they should stumble, or fall, or be thrust down, or some infirmity or mischief should befall them. The almond tree shall flourish; their heads shall be as full of grey hairs as the almond tree is of white flowers. Such metaphors are not unusual in other authors.
Hence Sophocles calls a grey or hoary head flowery, and again, covered with white flowers. The grasshopper shall be a burden, if it doth accidentally hop up and rest upon them. They cannot endure the least burden, being indeed a burden to themselves. But the words may be, and are by others, rendered, the locust (as the ancient interpreters and many others render it; or, as ours and some others, the grasshopper, which comes to the same thing; for these two sorts of insects are much of the same nature and shape) shall be a burden to itself. And by the locust or grasshopper may be understood, either, 1. The old man himself, who bears some resemblance to it; in shape, by reason of the bones sticking out; in the constitution of the body, which is dry and withering; and in the legs and arms, which are slender, the flesh being consumed. Or, 2. The back, which fitly follows after the head, upon which the almond tree flourished, in which the strength of the body lay, and which formerly was able to bear great burdens, but now, through its weakness and crookedness, is a burden too heavy for itself. And some of the Jewish and other interpreters understand this word, which others render locust or grasshopper, to be some part of the body, either the back-bone, or the head of the thigh bone, or the ankle-bone, any of which may well be said to be heavy or burdensome to itself, when it moves slowly and listlessly, and not without difficulty and trouble. Desire, to wit, of meats, and drinks, and music, and other carnal delights, which are vehemently desired by men in the heat of their youth, but are unsavoury to old men; of which see an instance .
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 12:5
Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also [when] they shall be afraid of [that which is] high, and fears [shall be] in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:Ver. 5. Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high.] Hillocks or little stones standing up, whereat they may stumble, as being unsteady and unwieldy. High ascents also they shun, as being short winded; neither can they look down without danger of falling, their heads being as weak as their hams. Let them therefore pray for a guard of angels, putting that promise into suit. Let them also keep within God’ s precincts, as ever they expect his protection; and then, though old Eli fell, and never rose again, yet when they fall they shall arise, for the Lord puts under his hand. Contrition may be in their way, but attrition shall not. Let them fear God, and they need not fear any other person or thing whatsoever. And the almond tree shall flourish.] The hair shall grow hoary, those church yard flowers shall put forth. The almond tree blossoms in January, while it is yet winter, and the fruit is ripe in March. Old age shall snow white hairs upon their heads.
Let them see that they be "found in the way of righteousness." And the grasshopper shall be a burden.] Every light matter shall oppress them, who are already a burden to themselves, being full of gout, and other swellings of the legs, which the Septuagint and Vulgate point at here, when they render it, impinguabiter locusta, - The locusts shall be made fat. Let them wait upon the Lord, as that "old disciple Mnason" did, and then they shall "renew their strength, mount up as eagles, run, and not be weary, walk, and not faint," even then, when "the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men utterly fall." And desire shall fail.] "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life." And this Cicero reckons among the commodities and benefits of old age, quod hominem a libidinis estu, velut a tyranno quodem liberet, - that it frees a man from the fire of lust. It should be so doubtless, an old letcher being little less than a monster. What so monstrous as to behold green apples on a tree in winter? and what so indecent as to see the sins of youth prevailing in times of age among old decrepit goats? that they should be capering after capparis (καππαρις), the fruit of capers, as the Septuagint and Vulgate render it here. Because man goeth to his long home.] Heb., To his old home - scil., to the dust from whence he was taken; or to "the house of his eternity" - that is, the grave (that house of all living), where he shall lie long, till the resurrection.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 12:5
(5) The old man is beset with terrors; terrors from on high, terrors on the way: all in which he had taken delight before, has charms for him no longer; the almond causes loathing (for so may be translated the word rendered “flourished” in our version); the locust, in the East a favourite article of food, is now burdensome; the caper berry (translated “desire” in our version) fails; for man is going to his everlasting house, &c
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 12:5
Verse 5. When they shall be afraid of that which is high] 10. Being so feeble, they are afraid to trust themselves to ascend steps, stairs, c., without help. And when they look upwards, their heads turn giddy, and they are ready to fall. 11. Fears shall be in the way] They dare not walk out, lest they should meet some danger, which they have not strength to repel, nor agility to escape. A second childishness has taken place-apprehensions, fears, terrors, and weakness. 12. The almond tree shall flourish] ינאץ yenaets, not flourish, but fall off. The hair begins to change, first gray, then white it having no longer that supply of nutritive juices which it once had, this animal vegetable withers and falls off. The almond tree, having white flowers, is a fit emblem of a hoary head; or as Hasselquist says, who observed the tree in full flower in Judea, "like an old man with his white locks." 13. The grasshopper shall be a burden] Even such an inconsiderable thing as a locust, or a very small insect, shall be deemed burdensome, their strength is so exceedingly diminished.
In cases of the gout, especially in old men, the shadow of a person passing by puts them to acute pain! How much less can they bear the smallest pressure! But probably the words refer to the man himself, who, bent at the loins, and his arms hanging down, exhibits some caricature of the animal in question. The poor grasshopper has become a burden to himself. Another interpretation has been given of the grasshopper; but I pass it by as impertinent and contemptible; such commentators appear as if they wished to render the text ridiculous. 14. Desire shall fail] Both relish and appetite for food, even the most delicate, that to which they were formerly so much attached, now fails. The teeth are no longer able to masticate the food, or have all dropped out; the stomach no longer able to digest any thing; and, as the body is no longer capable of receiving nourishment, appetite and relish necessarily fail. 15. Because man goeth to his long home] אל בית עולמו el beith olamo, "to the house of his age;" the place destined to receive him, when the whole race or course of life shall be finished; for עולם olam takes in the whole course or duration of a thing; if applied to a dispensation, such as the LAW, it takes in its whole duration; to the life of man, it takes in the whole life; to time, it includes its whole compass; to eternity, it expresses its infinite duration. So old age terminates the olam, the complete duration of human life; and when life is no longer desired, and nutrition ceases, the olam of man is terminated. My old MS.
Bible translates it, The hous of his everlastingness. 16.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 12:5
5. also when they shall be afraid of that which is high] The description becomes more and more enigmatic, possibly, as some have thought, because the special forms of infirmity referred to called for a veil. The first clause, however, is fairly clear if we omit the interpolated “when.” They (the indefinite plural, with the force of the French on) shall be afraid of a height, or hill. The new form of the sentence, the opening words also, indicate that the picture of the storm has been completed, and that symbolism of another kind comes in. We see, as it were, another slide in the magic lantern of the exhibiter. To be “afraid of a hill” expresses not merely or chiefly the failure of strength of limbs to climb mountains, but the temper that, as we say, makes “mountains out of molehills,” which, like the slothful man of Pro 22:13, sees “a lion in the path.” There are “fears in the way.” Imaginary terrors haunt the aged. Here again we have a parallel in Latin poetry: “Multa senem circumveniunt incommoda; vel quςdQuζrit et inventis miser abstinet, ac timet uti,Vel quςd res omnes timidθ gelidθque ministrat.”“Many the troubles that attend the old;For either still he sets his mind on gainsAnd dares not touch, and fears to use his gains,Or deals with all things as with chill of fear.”Horace, Ep. ad Pis. 169–71. So Aristotle among the characteristics of age notes that the old are δειλοὶκαὶπάνταπροφοβητικοὶ (timid and in all things forecasting fears) (Rhet. ii. 23). The interpreters who carry the idea of a storm through the whole passage explain the passage: “They (the people of the city) shall be afraid of that which is coming from on high,” i.e. of the gathering storm-clouds, but for the reasons above given, that interpretation seems untenable. and the almond tree shall flourish] The true meaning is to be found, it is believed, in the significance of the Hebrew name for almond tree (Sheked = the early waking tree, comp. Jeremiah 1:11), and the enigmatic phrase describes the insomnia which often attends old age. The tree that flourishes there is the tree of Vigilantia or Wakefulness.
As might be expected, the discordant interpretations of commentators multiply, and we may record, but only in order to reject them, the more notable of these. (1) The almond blossoms represent the white hairs of age. Those blossoms are, however, pink and not white, and few persons would find a likeness in the two objects thus compared. (2) The verb rendered “shall flourish” has been derived from a root with the meaning “to loathe—scorn—reject,” and the sentence has been explained either (2) he (the old man) loathes the almond, i.e. has no taste for dainties, or (3) turns away from the almond tree, i.e.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 12:5
High - The powerful and the proud, such persons as an old man in his timidity might shrink from opposing or meeting: or, high ground which old men would avoid ascending. Fears ... in the way - Compare Proverbs 26:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 12:5
5. They — The man himself; expressed in the plural because his various parts and powers have been personified as so many individuals.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 12:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Watching Men Die by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of death and what happens to a person's body and spirit after they die. He emphasizes that according to the Bible, when a person |
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Weeping for Souls by Ian Goligher | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart and a broken spirit when delivering the message of God. He uses the examples of Elisha and Jeremiah, |
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23. the Hidden Woman (Part 2) by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting husbands, highlighting the impact of a wife's reverence on her husband's growth and the generational consequences o |
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Audio Sermon: The Hidden Woman by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of women embracing their role as hidden women, supporting, honoring, and reverencing their husbands. It highlights the power of submission, re |
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Death by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches about the contrasting states of the wicked and the righteous in death. The wicked are driven away in their wickedness, hopeless and without solid ground for |
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Message 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove |
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Locks & Keys by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those i |