Ecclesiastes 8:7
Ecclesiastes 8:7 in Multiple Translations
Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?
No one is certain what is to be, and who is able to say to him when it will be?
No one knows what's going to happen, so who can say what the future holds?
For he knoweth not that which shalbe: for who can tell him when it shalbe?
For he knoweth not that which shall be, for when it shall be who declareth to him?
For he doesn’t know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Because he is ignorant of things past, and things to come he cannot know by any messenger.
No one knows what will happen in the future, so there is no one [RHQ] who can tell us what is going to happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 8:7
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 8:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
יֹדֵ֖עַ
מַה
שֶּׁ/יִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
כִּ֚י
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
מִ֖י
יַגִּ֥יד
לֽ/וֹ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
יֹדֵ֖עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
שֶּׁ/יִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
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 8:7
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.
אֵינֶ֥/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יֹדֵ֖עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
שֶּׁ/יִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ֚י
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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 8:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 8:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 8:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 8:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 8:7
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 8:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:7
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 8:7
Context — Obey the King
5Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.
6For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.
7Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?
8As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day of death. As no one can be discharged in wartime, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. 9All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 10:14 | Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 9:12 | For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them. |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:22 | For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring? |
| 4 | Matthew 24:50 | The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 6:12 | For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun? |
| 6 | Matthew 25:6–13 | At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 3:22 | I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him? |
| 8 | Matthew 24:44 | For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. |
| 9 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 10 | 1 Thessalonians 5:1–3 | Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
Ecclesiastes 8:7 Summary
[This verse reminds us that we can't know for sure what's going to happen tomorrow or next year, and that's okay because God is in control, as we see in Psalm 103:19, 'The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.' It's not about having all the answers, but about trusting in God's goodness and plan, even when things seem uncertain, just like Romans 8:28 says, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.' We can plan and make decisions, but ultimately, we need to trust that God's plan is better than ours, and that He will guide us through the unknown.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that no one knows what will happen?
This verse highlights the limitations of human knowledge and understanding, emphasizing that only God truly knows the future, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where He declares, 'My counsel will stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.'
Is this verse saying we should not plan for the future?
No, it's not saying we should not plan, but rather acknowledging that our plans are subject to God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 19:21, 'Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.'
How does this verse relate to faith and trust in God?
It reminds us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when the future is uncertain, just as Jeremiah 29:11 says, 'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
What is the significance of this verse in the context of the book of Ecclesiastes?
It underscores the theme of the limitations of human wisdom and the importance of fearing God, as the author concludes in Ecclesiastes 12:13, 'Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.'
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I try to control or predict the future, and how can I surrender those attempts to God's sovereignty?
- How does the uncertainty of the future affect my daily decisions and trust in God's plan?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge the limits of my knowledge and trust in God's wisdom instead?
- How can I balance planning for the future with trusting in God's unknown plans for me?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 8:7
For he knoweth not that which shall be,.... Or that "it shall be" (b); that he ever shall have the opportunity again he has lost, nor what is to come hereafter; what shall be on the morrow, or what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 8:7
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? For (Hebrew, kiy (H3588), as before: because) he knoweth - an exemplification of man's "great misery" (Ecclesiastes 8:6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:7
Men are generally ignorant of all future events, and of the success of their endeavours, and therefore their minds are greatly disquieted, and their expectations frequently disappointed, and they fall into many mistakes and miscarriages, which they could and would prevent if they did foresee the issues of things. Who can tell him? no wise man, no astrologer or other artist, can discover this.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:7
Ecclesiastes 8:7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?Ver. 7. For he knoweth not that which shall be.] Man’ s misery is the greater because he cannot foresee to prevent it; but he is suddenly surprised and hit many times on the blind side, as we say. “ Nescia mens hominum fati sortisque futurae. ” Men are in the dark in regard to future events. God only knows them, and is thereby oft in Isaiah distinguished from the dunghill deities of the heathens. In his mercy to his people he gave them prophets to tell how long, and when these failed the Church heavily bewails it. Howbeit a prudent man "foreseeth an evil, and hideth himself." By the strength of his mind, saith Ambrose, he presageth what will follow, and can define what in such or such a case he ought to do. Sometimes he turns over two or three things in his mind together, of which conjecturing that either all may come to pass jointly, or this or that severally, or whether they fall out jointly or severally, he can by his understanding so order his actions as that they shall be profitable to him. Amb. De Offic., lib. i. cap. 38.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 8:7
7. For he knoweth not that which shall be] The subject of the sentence is apparently the wicked and tyrannous ruler. He goes on with infatuated blindness to the doom that lies before him. The same thought appears in the mediæval proverb, “Quem Deus vult perdere prius dementat,” or, in our modern condemnation of the rulers or the parties, who “learn nothing, and forget nothing.” The temper condemned is that (1) of the cynical egoism, which says, “Apres moi, le deluge,” (2) of those who act, because judgment is delayed, as if it would never come.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 8:7
When - Or, as in the margin. For the meaning of this verse, compare marginal references.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:7
7. For he knoweth not — The tyrant knoweth not, etc. He cannot see what will come of his own tyranny. The next scene in his drama has often been a dethronement, an exile, an assassination.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 8:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Taming of the Tongue by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound impact of the tongue, likening it to a sword that can inflict deep wounds and damage relationships. He reflects on the various types of to |
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Four R's of the Gospel: Ruin by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the four key doctrines of Rune, Redemption, Repentance, and Regeneration in the proper order. He highlights |
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Snared in an Evil Time by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher warns about the snare of Satan and how many people, including Christians, are falling into it. He emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for the evil |
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Slippery When by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of going door-to-door to evangelize. He encounters a man who is initially resistant but eventually sits down to listen. Th |
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This Very Year You Are Going to Die! by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon at Princeton College in 1761, warning the audience about the certainty and unpredictability of death. He emphasizes the need for serious re |
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Waiting Too Long by Joseph Parker | Joseph Parker preaches about the waiting and groaning of the impotent folk in the porches, likening it to the perpetual crisis of life where we are always on the brink of death. He |
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Being Prepared by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardsh |