Ecclesiastes 9:11

Ecclesiastes 9:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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 favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And again I saw under the sun that the reward goes not to him who is quick, or the fruits of war to the strong; and there is no bread for the wise, or wealth for men of learning, or respect for those who have knowledge; but time and chance come to all.

Free Bible Version FBV

I thought about other things that happen here on earth. Races are not always won by the fastest runner. Battles are not always decided by the strongest warrior. Also, the wise do not always have food, intelligent people do not always make money, and those who are clever do not always win favor. Time and chance affect all of them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I returned, and I sawe vnder the sunne that the race is not to the swift, nor the battell to the strong, nor yet bread to the wise, nor also riches to men of vnderstanding, neither yet fauour to men of knowledge: but time and chance commeth to them all.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I have turned so as to see under the sun, that not to the swift [is] the race, nor to the mighty the battle, nor even to the wise bread, nor even to the intelligent wealth, nor even to the skilful grace, for time and chance happen with them all.

World English Bible WEB

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 favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I turned me to another thing, and I saw that under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the learned, nor favour to the skillful: but time and chance in all.

Translation for Translators T4T

I have seen something else here on the earth: The person who runs fastest does not always win the race, the strongest soldiers do not always win the battle, the wisest people do not always have food, the smartest people do not always become rich, and people who have studied a lot are not always ◄honored/treated very specially► by others; we cannot always control what things will happen to us and where they will happen.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:11

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 9:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB שַׁ֜בְתִּי וְ/רָאֹ֣ה תַֽחַת הַ/שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ כִּ֣י לֹא֩ לַ/קַּלִּ֨ים הַ/מֵּר֜וֹץ וְ/לֹ֧א לַ/גִּבּוֹרִ֣ים הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֗ה וְ֠/גַם לֹ֣א לַ/חֲכָמִ֥ים לֶ֨חֶם֙ וְ/גַ֨ם לֹ֤א לַ/נְּבֹנִים֙ עֹ֔שֶׁר וְ/גַ֛ם לֹ֥א לַ/יֹּדְעִ֖ים חֵ֑ן כִּי עֵ֥ת וָ/פֶ֖גַע יִקְרֶ֥ה אֶת כֻּלָּֽ/ם

שַׁ֜בְתִּי shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Perf-1cs

וְ/רָאֹ֣ה râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-Ptc

תַֽחַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

הַ/שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun Art | N-cs

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

לֹא֩ lôʼ H3808 not Part

לַ/קַּלִּ֨ים qal H7031 swift Prep | Adj

הַ/מֵּר֜וֹץ mêrôwts H4793 race Art | N-ms

וְ/לֹ֧א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

לַ/גִּבּוֹרִ֣ים gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Prep | Adj

הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֗ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Art | N-fs

וְ֠/גַם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

לַ/חֲכָמִ֥ים châkâm H2450 wise Prep | Adj

לֶ֨חֶם֙ lechem H3899 food N-cs

וְ/גַ֨ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part

לַ/נְּבֹנִים֙ bîyn H995 to understand Prep | V-Niphal

עֹ֔שֶׁר ʻôsher H6239 riches N-ms

וְ/גַ֛ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

לַ/יֹּדְעִ֖ים yâdaʻ H3045 to know Prep | V-Qal

חֵ֑ן chên H2580 favor N-ms

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

עֵ֥ת ʻêth H6256 time N-cs

וָ/פֶ֖גַע pegaʻ H6294 chance Conj | N-ms

יִקְרֶ֥ה qârâh H7136 to meet V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כֻּלָּֽ/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 9:11

שַׁ֜בְתִּי shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

וְ/רָאֹ֣ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-Ptc

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

תַֽחַת 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/שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" Art | N-cs

The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.

Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.

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.

לֹא֩ lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

לַ/קַּלִּ֨ים qal H7031 "swift" Prep | Adj

This word means swift or light, describing something or someone that moves quickly, like the swift horses in Solomon's chariots in 1 Kings 4:26.

Definition: 1) swift, light, fleet 1a) swift 1b) one who is swift

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: light, swift(-ly). See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 5:26.

הַ/מֵּר֜וֹץ mêrôwts H4793 "race" Art | N-ms

This word means a race or a running competition, where people test their speed. It is used in the Bible to describe a trial of speed or a contest. The concept is simple and easy to understand.

Definition: running, race, course

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: race. See also: Ecclesiastes 9:11.

וְ/לֹ֧א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

לַ/גִּבּוֹרִ֣ים gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Prep | Adj

This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.

Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.

הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֗ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Art | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

וְ֠/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.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

לַ/חֲכָמִ֥ים châkâm H2450 "wise" Prep | Adj

This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.

Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.

לֶ֨חֶם֙ lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וְ/גַ֨ם 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.

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

לַ/נְּבֹנִים֙ bîyn H995 "to understand" Prep | V-Niphal

To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.

Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.

עֹ֔שֶׁר ʻôsher H6239 "riches" N-ms

This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.

Definition: wealth, riches

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.

וְ/גַ֛ם 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.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

לַ/יֹּדְעִ֖ים yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Prep | 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.

חֵ֑ן chên H2580 "favor" N-ms

This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.

Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance

Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

עֵ֥ת ʻêth H6256 "time" N-cs

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.

וָ/פֶ֖גַע pegaʻ H6294 "chance" Conj | N-ms

A chance event or occurrence, like the unexpected meeting between Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 42-45. It refers to something that happens without being planned.

Definition: occurrence, happening, chance

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: chance, occurent. See also: 1 Kings 5:18; Ecclesiastes 9:11.

יִקְרֶ֥ה qârâh H7136 "to meet" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.

Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כֻּלָּֽ/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 9:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 9:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:11

Context — Enjoy Your Portion in This Life

9Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. 10Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

11I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.

12For 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. 13I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 9:23	This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.
2	Proverbs 21:30–31	There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.
3	Lamentations 3:37–38	Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?
4	Job 5:11–14	He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety. He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. They encounter darkness by day and grope at noon as in the night.
5	Ecclesiastes 3:17	I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed.”
6	Amos 2:14–16	Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life. Even the bravest of mighty men will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD.
7	Psalms 147:10–11	He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
8	Ecclesiastes 3:14	I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.
9	Ephesians 1:11	In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,
10	2 Chronicles 20:15	And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 Summary

[This verse is saying that just because someone is fast, strong, wise, or talented, it doesn't mean they will always succeed or get what they want. Sometimes things just happen, and it's not always fair or predictable, as we see in Proverbs 16:9, where it says that we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. We need to trust that God is in control, even when life doesn't make sense, and remember that our true fulfillment and success come from Him, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, where it says that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that 'the race is not to the swift' in Ecclesiastes 9:11?

This phrase means that success is not always determined by our abilities or efforts, as seen in the unpredictable nature of life, similar to what is described in Proverbs 21:31, where it says that the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.

Is the Teacher in Ecclesiastes saying that wisdom and intelligence are useless?

No, the Teacher is not saying that wisdom and intelligence are useless, but rather that they do not guarantee success or wealth, as stated in Ecclesiastes 9:11, and this idea is also seen in Jeremiah 9:23, where it says that we should not boast in our wisdom, strength, or riches, but rather in knowing and understanding the Lord.

What does 'time and chance happen to all' mean in this context?

This phrase means that everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, is subject to the unpredictable nature of life, where events can happen randomly, as also described in Ecclesiastes 3:19, where it says that the same fate awaits both the righteous and the wicked.

How can I apply the message of Ecclesiastes 9:11 to my life?

You can apply this message by recognizing that true success and fulfillment come from God, and not just from our own efforts or abilities, as seen in Psalm 127:1-2, where it says that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when I see others succeeding who may not be as talented or hardworking as I am?
In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when life seems unpredictable and unfair?
What are some areas of my life where I am trying to achieve success or happiness through my own strength, rather than relying on God?
How can I cultivate a sense of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that true success comes from Him?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:11

I returned, and saw under the sun,.... The wise man returned to his former subject, concerning the same events happening to all sorts of persons, righteous and wicked, wise and unwise, Ecclesiastes

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:11

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11

I returned, and saw: this may have some respect to the foregoing verse; for having pressed men to labour with all their might, he now adds, by way of caution, that yet they must not be confident of their own strength, as if they were sure of success by it, but in all, above all, to look up to God for his blessing, without which all their endeavours will be in vain. But it seems chiefly to be added, either, 1. As another instance of the liberty and power of God’ s providence in the disposal of human affairs, of which he spoke above, . Or, 2. As another of the vanities of this present life. The race; either ability to run, or success and victory in running. The battle; the victory in battle. Men of understanding; who yet are most likely to get and to keep riches. Favour; good acceptance and love from men. Men of skill; who know how to manage themselves and all affairs, whereby they are necessary and serviceable to others, and therefore most likely to find favour in their eyes. Time and chance happeneth to them all; there are some times or seasons unknown and casual to men, but certain and determined by God, in which alone he will give men success.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11

Ecclesiastes 9:11 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.Ver. 11. That the race is not to the swift.] Here the Preacher proverb - what he had found true by experience - by the event of men’ s endeavours, often frustrated, that nothing is in our power, but all carried on by a Providence, which oft crosseth our likeliest projects, that God may have the honour of all. Let a man be as swift as Asahel or Atalanta, yet he may not get the goal or escape the danger. The battle of Terwin, in France, fought by our Henry VIII, was called the ‘ Battle of Spurs,’ because many fled for their lives, who yet fell (as the men of Ai did) into the midst of their enemies. At Musselburgh Field, many of the Scots running away, so strained themselves in their race, that they fell down breathless and dead, whereby they seemed in running from their deaths to run to it, whereas two thousand of them that lay all day as dead, got away safely in the night. Nor the battle to the strong.] As we see in the examples of Gideon, Jonathan and his armourbearer, David in his encounter with Goliath, Leonidas, who with six hundred men worsted five hundred thousand of Xerxes’ host. "They shall be holpen with a little help." And why a little? That through weaker means we may see God’ s greater strength. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." This Rabshakeh knew not, and therefore derided Hezekiah for trusting to his prayers. What can Hezekiah say to embolden him to stand out? What? I say, saith Hezekiah, "I have words of my lips" - that is, prayer. Prayer! saith Rabshakeh, those are empty words, an airy thing; for "counsel and strength are for the war"; so some read the words, and not in a parenthesis, as our translation hath it. Neither yet bread to the wise.] To the worldlywise. Those "young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." Their daily bread day by day, panem demensi, "food convenient for them," they shall be sure of. "Dwell in the land, and do good, and verily thou shalt be fed," by virtue of a promise, and not by a providence only, as the young ravens are. Nor yet riches to men of understandlng.] Plutus is said by the poets to be blind, and fortune to favour fools. Of Pope Clement V the French chronicler saith, Papa hic ditior fuit quam sapientior, This pope was rather rich than wise. Aristides was so poor, that he brought a slur upon Justice, saith Plutarch, as if she were not able to maintain her followers.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11

(11) Romans 9:16. Chance.—Elsewhere only in 1 Kings 5:4.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11

Verse 11. The race is not to the swift] It is not by swiftness, nor by strength and valour, that races are gained and battles won. God causes the lame often to take the prey, the prize; and so works that the weak overthrow the strong; therefore, no man should confide in himself. All things are under the government, and at the disposal of God. But time and chance] עת eth, time or opportunity, and פגע pega, incident or occurrence, - Happeneth to them all.] Every man has what may be called time and space to act in, and opportunity to do a particular work. But in this TIME and OPPORTUNITY there is INCIDENT, what may fall in; and OCCURRENCE, what may meet and frustrate an attempt. These things should be wisely weighed, and seriously balanced; for those four things belong to every human action. While you have TIME, seek an OPPORTUNITY to do what is right; but calculate on hinderances and oppositions, because time and opportunity have their INCIDENT and OCCURRENCE. Coverdale translates this verse well: "I sawe that in runnynge, it helpeth not to be swift; in batayll, it helpeth not to be stronge; to fedynge, it helpeth not to be wyse; to riches, it helpeth not to be sutyll; to be had in favoure, it helpeth not to be connynge; but that all lyeth in time and fortune."

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:11

11. that the race is not to the swift] The sequence of thought is that while it is a man’s wisdom to do the work which he finds ready to his hand, he must not reckon on immediate and visible results. The course of the world witnesses many apparent failures even where men fulfil the apparent conditions of success. The wise and skilful often gain neither “bread” nor “favour,” and the injustice of fortune is worse than that painted in the words of the Satirist, “Probitas laudatur et alget” (Juven. i. 74). So a poet of our own time has sung, “Oh, if we draw a circle premature,Heedless of far gain,Greedy of quick return of profits, sureBad is our bargain.”Browning. A Grammarian’s Funeral. The thought of “the race” seems to belong to a time when contests of this nature had become familiar to the dwellers in Palestine, i.e. after they had come in contact with Greek habits, and is so far an argument for the later date of the book. In 1Ma 1:14; 2Ma 4:9-14, games of this kind are said to have been introduced in Jerusalem under Antiochus Epiphanes. On the assumption of Alexandrian authorship we may think of the hippodrome of that city as present to the writer’s mind. time and chance] The first word is that which is so prominent in ch. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; the second is found elsewhere only in 1 Kings 5:4, where it is translated “occurrent,” the latter word being used, as commonly in the English of the 16th and 17th centuries, as a substantive. So in Shakespeare we have “So tell him, with the occurrents more and less,” in Hamlet, Ecclesiastes 9:2.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:11

11. Time and chance — Better, Time of chance; that is, misfortune. Some generals, as Julius Caesar, were never vanquished in the field, but came to grief elsewhere.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:11

	Sermon	Description
	Do Not Faint by Mack Tomlinson	This sermon focuses on the theme of spiritual weariness and fainting, drawing from Isaiah 40:28-31. It emphasizes the reality of weariness in the Christian life, the various challe
	Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal
	"We Don't Know God!" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God, highlighting how many people may know about God but not truly know Him intimately. It shares stories of past revivals an
	The Knowledge of God by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of knowing and understanding God. He quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, where God declares that true boasting should come fr
	"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig
	Gods Order in Christ - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of heavenly order and how it has been disrupted by Satan. However, Christ is the one who restores this divine order through hi
	Guidelines to Freedom Part 1 - Who Takes First Place? by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of the Ten Commandments for believers. He explains that the law of God reveals our sinfulness and leads us to salva