Ecclesiastes 10 9

Ecclesiastes 10:9 kjv

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 nkjv

He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, And he who splits wood may be endangered by it.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 niv

Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 esv

He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 nlt

When you work in a quarry,
stones might fall and crush you.
When you chop wood,
there is danger with each stroke of your ax.

Ecclesiastes 10 verses

Ecclesiastes 10 9 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 10:9 conveys a fundamental truth about life: engaging in any significant activity, especially strenuous or potentially hazardous work, inherently involves risk and the possibility of injury or adverse consequences. It illustrates this principle with two common, physically demanding tasks of the ancient world – quarrying or clearing stones, and cleaving wood. The verse emphasizes that these actions, though necessary, are not without their perils, serving as a general observation that all human endeavors carry inherent risks if not approached with wisdom and care.

Ecclesiastes 10 9 Context

Ecclesiastes 10 is part of Koheleth's wider reflection on the unpredictability and enigmatic nature of life "under the sun," emphasizing the contrasts between wisdom and folly. Following observations on the destructive influence of a little folly on wisdom (Eccl 10:1) and the foolishness evident in leadership (Eccl 10:5-7), verse 9 fits into a series of proverbial statements (Eccl 10:8-11) that highlight the inherent risks and consequences associated with various activities, whether accidental or intentional. These verses collectively stress that even in mundane or necessary tasks, one must be cautious and skillful, for poor judgment or lack of care can lead to injury, damage, or unforeseen negative outcomes. Historically and culturally, these tasks (stone quarrying/clearing, wood cutting) were fundamental, often dangerous, forms of manual labor, making the inherent risks well understood by the original audience.

Ecclesiastes 10 9 Word analysis

• Whoso removeth/quarries stones:

  • The Hebrew verb is saqal (סָקַל), which primarily means "to stone," "to cast stones," or "to clear stones." In this context, it likely refers to the strenuous and perilous work of clearing fields of large stones, or more specifically, quarrying rocks for building purposes. This labor involved breaking, lifting, and moving heavy, unstable materials, often without sophisticated tools, making it highly susceptible to physical injury. It signifies hard, raw effort to transform natural elements.
  • Significance: It illustrates any endeavor requiring immense physical strength, effort, and confrontation with hard obstacles.

• shall be hurt therewith:

  • The Hebrew verb is khaval (חָבַל), meaning "to suffer damage," "to be ruined," or "to incur loss." It denotes harm, injury, or severe detriment. The passive voice implies that the consequence is an intrinsic result of the action, a natural reaction of the challenging material to improper handling.
  • Significance: Highlights the principle of cause and effect – a direct negative consequence stemming from the action itself.

• and he that cleaveth wood:

  • The Hebrew verb is baqa' (בָּקַע), meaning "to cleave," "to split," "to break forth." This describes the labor of splitting logs, often with axes or wedges. While seemingly less hazardous than stone work, improperly swung axes, unpredictable wood grains, or splitting resistant timber could lead to serious accidents and injuries. It points to working with powerful tools.
  • Significance: Represents tasks requiring precise application of force and use of instruments that can be dangerous if handled carelessly.

• shall be endangered thereby:

  • The Hebrew verb is sakan (סָכַן), meaning "to be in danger," "to incur risk," or "to be liable to loss or injury." This word emphasizes the inherent peril and potential for harm. It suggests that even if actual injury doesn't occur, the activity puts one in a position where harm could occur.
  • Significance: Stresses the pervasive nature of risk in human activity and the idea that all work contains an element of peril.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith": This phrase embodies the truth that powerful forces (like nature, or hard situations) can push back and cause harm. It illustrates the physical danger of interacting with the physical world in a direct and impactful way. The labor is dangerous, and injury is a natural, almost inevitable, outcome of careless or unwise engagement.
  • "and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby": This parallels the first statement, reinforcing the general principle of inherent risk in work. It adds the nuance of dealing with tools and natural elements, where improper technique or lack of caution can easily lead to accidents. Both phrases, when combined, create a proverb that speaks to the universal reality of danger and consequence in human exertion, especially in tasks that require the application of force against resistant materials. It applies not just to physical work but to any endeavor where one must navigate difficulties and potential hazards.

Ecclesiastes 10 9 Bonus section

This verse subtly underscores the reality that consequences are often baked into the nature of certain activities. It’s not necessarily divine punishment but rather a natural law that applies to the physical world and, by extension, to many aspects of life. In wisdom literature, understanding these inherent dangers is part of discerning good from evil and wise actions from foolish ones. The passage also touches on the reality of human limitation and the unpredictable nature of working with the created order; even with skill, accidents can happen. This wisdom informs diligence: it's not enough to merely do the work, but to do it with competence, caution, and an awareness of the potential pitfalls.

Ecclesiastes 10 9 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:9 is a practical proverb that illuminates the intrinsic connection between action and consequence. It asserts that demanding physical labor, exemplified by quarrying stones or splitting wood, inherently carries risks of injury. This is not a condemnation of work, but rather an observation on the nature of reality "under the sun." It serves as a reminder that effort often comes with an associated price or peril, especially if undertaken without proper caution, skill, or wisdom. The wise person understands these inherent risks and proceeds with discernment, while the foolish might rush in, oblivious to potential harm. This principle extends beyond physical labor to any undertaking: financial, relational, or spiritual. Every venture, every decision, carries with it potential repercussions, both positive and negative. It underscores the call for prudence and awareness, implying that foresight and skillful execution are necessary to navigate life's challenges without undue harm.