Ecclesiastes 7:6
Ecclesiastes 7:6 in Multiple Translations
For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
Like the cracking of thorns under a pot, so is the laugh of a foolish man; and this again is to no purpose.
The laughter of fools is like the crackling of thorn twigs burning under a pot—without sense and quickly over.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning: but the heart of fooles is in the house of mirth.
For as the noise of thorns under the pot, So [is] the laughter of a fool, even this [is] vanity.
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
It is better to be rebuked by a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattery of fools.
By listening to foolish people laughing we will not learn any more than by listening to the crackling of thorns being burned under a pot. Listening to fools is senseless.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 7:6
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 7:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
כְ/ק֤וֹל
הַ/סִּירִים֙
תַּ֣חַת
הַ/סִּ֔יר
כֵּ֖ן
שְׂחֹ֣ק
הַ/כְּסִ֑יל
וְ/גַם
זֶ֖ה
הָֽבֶל
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כְ/ק֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
הַ/סִּירִים֙
çîyr
H5518
pot
Art | N-fp
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/סִּ֔יר
çîyr
H5518
pot
Art | N-cs
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
שְׂחֹ֣ק
sᵉchôwq
H7814
laughter
N-ms
הַ/כְּסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Art | Adj
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הָֽבֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
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 7:6
כִּ֣י
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.
כְ/ק֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הַ/סִּירִים֙
çîyr
H5518
"pot"
Art | N-fp
This word refers to a thorn or a hook, something that springs up rapidly. It can also mean a pot or a pan, and is used in various contexts in the Bible, including cooking and fishing.
Definition: 1) pot 1a) pot (household utensil) 1b) pot (of temple)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: caldron, fishhook, pan, (wash-)pot, thorn. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 58:10.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/סִּ֔יר
çîyr
H5518
"pot"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a thorn or a hook, something that springs up rapidly. It can also mean a pot or a pan, and is used in various contexts in the Bible, including cooking and fishing.
Definition: 1) pot 1a) pot (household utensil) 1b) pot (of temple)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: caldron, fishhook, pan, (wash-)pot, thorn. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 58:10.
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
שְׂחֹ֣ק
sᵉchôwq
H7814
"laughter"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for laughter can also mean mockery or scorn, as seen in Genesis when Ishmael laughed at Isaac. It can be joyful or hollow, and is often used to describe the ridicule of others. In Psalms, it is used to describe God's laughter at the wicked.
Definition: 1) laughter, laughing stock, mocking, derision 1a) laughter 1a1) joyful 1a2) hollow 1b) derision (of object) 1c) sport
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: derision, laughter(-ed to scorn, -ing), mocked, sport. See also: Job 8:21; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 126:2.
הַ/כְּסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | 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.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הָֽבֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 7:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 7:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:6
Context — The Value of Wisdom
4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
6For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.
7Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. 8The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 58:9 | Before your pots can feel the burning thorns— whether green or dry— He will sweep them away. |
| 2 | Psalms 118:12 | They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:2 | I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” |
| 4 | Luke 6:25 | Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 2:13–17 | The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you. Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. |
| 6 | Amos 8:10 | I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day. |
| 7 | Jude 1:12–13 | These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 8 | Proverbs 29:9 | If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. |
| 9 | Isaiah 65:13–15 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit. You will leave behind your name as a curse for My chosen ones, and the Lord GOD will slay you; but to His servants He will give another name. |
| 10 | Luke 16:25 | But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. |
Ecclesiastes 7:6 Summary
[Ecclesiastes 7:6 teaches us that the laughter of a fool is like the crackling of thorns under a pot - it's loud, but it doesn't last and doesn't bring any real joy. This is because true joy and laughter come from a deep relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 16:11. The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom and to fear God, which leads to a life of true fulfillment, as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13. By living a life that honors God, we can experience joy that is not fleeting like the laughter of a fool.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the comparison of the laughter of a fool to the crackling of thorns under a pot mean?
This comparison, as seen in Ecclesiastes 7:6, highlights the fleeting and meaningless nature of a fool's laughter, much like the brief, noisy crackling of thorns that quickly burns out, as noted in other passages like Psalms 37:2 and Matthew 13:6 where things that seem vibrant can wither away quickly.
Is all laughter considered foolish in the Bible?
No, the Bible does not condemn all laughter; in fact, it notes that laughter and joy are gifts from God, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:4 and Psalms 16:11, but the laughter of a fool, which is devoid of wisdom and reverence for God, is what is being criticized here in Ecclesiastes 7:6.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes 7:6 contributes to the book's theme of wisdom by contrasting the foolishness of worldly pleasure with the wisdom of fearing God, as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13, emphasizing the importance of living a life that fears God and keeps His commandments.
What does it mean for something to be 'futile' in the context of Ecclesiastes?
In Ecclesiastes, something that is 'futile' or 'vanity' refers to anything that is meaningless, fleeting, or unable to provide lasting satisfaction or fulfillment, as seen in verses like Ecclesiastes 1:2 and Ecclesiastes 2:1, highlighting the transient nature of earthly pursuits and pleasures.
Reflection Questions
- How do I distinguish between joyful laughter that comes from God and the empty laughter of a fool?
- In what ways can I apply the wisdom of fearing God to my daily life, avoiding the pitfalls of foolish living?
- What are some 'thorns under the pot' in my life that I need to recognize as fleeting and potentially destructive?
- How can I cultivate a heart of wisdom, as opposed to a heart that seeks after foolish pleasures, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 7:4?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:6
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so [is] the laughter of the fool,.... As thorns are weak, useless, and unprofitable; yea, hurtful and pernicious, and only fit for burning; so are foolish
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:6
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. As the crackling of thorns ... The "crackling" answering to the loud merriment of fools.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
The crackling of thorns, which for a time make a great noise and blaze, but presently waste themselves, and go out without any considerable effect upon the meat in the pot. So; so vanishing and fruitless.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
Ecclesiastes 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so [is] the laughter of the fool: this also [is] vanity.Ver. 6. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot.] Much noise, little fire; much light, little heat. So here is much mirth, little cause; a blaze it may yield, but is suddenly extinct; this blaze is also under a pot; the gallantry of it is checked with troubles and terrors; it is insincere many times; it is but the "hypocrisy of mirth," as one calls it. It is truly and trimly here compared to a handful of brushwood, or sear thorn, under the pot. Ecquando vidisti flammam stipula exortam, claro strepitu, largo fulgore, cito incremento, sed enim materia levi, caduco incendio, nullis reliquiis, saith Apuleius - a very dainty description of carnal joy, and agreeable to this text. And herewith also very well suits that of the Psalmist, "Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath." Fools themselves are but thorns twisted and folded together; "briars"; "brambles." Their laughter is also fitly compared to thorns, because it chokes good motions, scratcheth the conscience, harbours the vermin of base and baggage lusts. And as themselves, like thorns, shall be thrust away and utterly burnt with fire in the same place, so their joy soon expireth, and proves to be rather desolation than consolation - as lightning is followed with rending and roaring, as comets outblaze the very stars, but when their exhaled matter is wasted, they vanish and fill the air with pestilent vapours. The prophet Amos telleth the wicked that "their sun shall go down at noonday." Surely as metals are then nearest melting when they shine brightest in the fire, and as the fishes swim merrily down the silver streams of Jordan till they suddenly fall into the Dead Sea, where presently they perish, so it fares with these merry Greeks that fleer when they should fear, and laugh when they should lament. "Woe to you that laugh," saith Christ; how suddenly are they put out as the fire of thorns! To laugh in a coarse, impudent, or unbecoming manner.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
(6) There is again a play on words, which German translators represent by “the crackling of nettle under the kettle,” and Plumptre “the crackling of stubble which makes the pot bubble.” The reference plainly is to the quick blazing up and quick going out of the flame.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
Verse 6. For as the crackling of thorns] They make a great noise, a great blaze; and are extinguished in a few moments. Such indeed, comparatively, are the joys of life; they are noisy, flashy, and transitory.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:6
6. As the crackling of thorns under a pot] As in Ecclesiastes 7:1 the epigrammatic proverb is pointed by a play of alliterative assonance (sirim = thorns, sir = pot). “As crackling nettles under kettles,” “As crackling stubble makes the pot bubble” are the nearest English equivalents. The image is drawn from the Eastern use of hay, stubble, and thorns for fuel (Matthew 6:30; Psalms 118:12). A fire of such material, burnt up more quickly than the charcoal embers (Jeremiah 26:22; John 18:18), which were also in common use, but then it also died out quickly and left nothing but cold dead ashes. So it would be with the mirth which was merely frivolous or foul. That also would take its place in the catalogue of vanities.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:6
As the crackling of thorns - Noisy while it lasts, and quickly extinguished. See Psalms 58:9 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:6
6. Crackling of thorns — The reason why. The usual fuel mentioned in the Old Testament is charcoal, compared with which dry thorn bushes though quicker to kindle, are brief and ineffectual.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 118 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of praising the Lord and confessing His goodness, emphasizing that God's mercy endures forever. He encourages all, from Israel to those who |
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The Seduction of the Church by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. addresses the dangers of seducing spirits infiltrating the church, emphasizing the need for believers to remain vigilant against distractions that lead to spiritual |
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Homily 40 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of envy and the importance of avoiding the pursuit of worldly honor and glory. He emphasizes the negative impact of envy on the soul, hig |
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John 18:37-19:15 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the humility and endurance of Jesus during His trial before Pilate, highlighting how Jesus exhibited gentleness, mildness, and silence in the face of fa |
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Hebrews 9:1-14 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the significance of the Old Covenant's ordinances and the transition to the New Covenant through Christ as the High Priest of good things. He emphasi |
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Joy by Andrew Murray | Greek Word Studies preaches on the concept of being spotless, emphasizing the importance of believers manifesting flawless integrity and uncompromising holiness in their moral char |
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2 Peter 2:13 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:13, emphasizing the consequences of unrighteousness and the just punishment that awaits those who indulge in sinful pleasures without regard for fut |