Word Focused KJVIn the beginning was the Word

The Book of

Ecclesiastes 11

Wisdom and the limits of human gain · KJV

Each highlighted word includes its Hebrew or Aramaic term, transliteration, definition, and meaning in the verse. Hover to explore; click or tap to lock.

1Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

2Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

3If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

4He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

5As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

6In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

7Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

8But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

9Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

10Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

Ecclesiastes 11:1–10

Word detail

bread

Bread or food; in shewbread the complete expression designates bread set before the LORD.

In “Cast thy bread upon the waters”, “bread” expresses bread or food; in shewbread the complete expression designates bread set before the LORD. The reflection examines work, pleasure, time, and human limitations. Individual observations take their place within the book's continuing argument and conclusion.