Ecclesiastes 11 6

Ecclesiastes 11:6 kjv

In 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.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 nkjv

In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 niv

Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 esv

In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 nlt

Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don't know if profit will come from one activity or another ? or maybe both.

Ecclesiastes 11 verses

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Meaning

This verse encourages proactive engagement with life and diligent work. It emphasizes that opportunities should be seized without delay, as the future is uncertain. Sow your seed in the morning and work in the evening, for you do not know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good. It speaks to the importance of consistent effort and not putting off tasks, acknowledging that the results of our labor are ultimately in God's hands.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 11 continues the Preacher's reflections on life's uncertainties and the wisdom of living wisely in the present. The preceding verses (Eccl. 11:1-5) discuss the importance of generosity, the unpredictable nature of events, and the inscrutability of God's ways regarding success or failure. Chapter 11, as a whole, encourages investment in the present and participation in life's activities, acknowledging that one cannot foresee the outcomes of every action. Verse 6 directly follows this encouragement, applying the principle of acting in the present to the context of daily work and effort. The historical and cultural context would be that of ancient Israel, where agricultural labor was foundational to society. The Preacher addresses people engaged in such tasks, advising them on how to approach their work given the uncertainties of weather, harvests, and divine favor.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Word Analysis

• Sow (Hebrew: זָרַע - zarah): To cast seed, plant, to multiply.
• Your seed (Hebrew: זֶרַע – zerac): Seed, offspring, progeny. Metaphorically, any sowing or planting.
• In the morning (Hebrew: בַּבֹּקֶר – bab-boqer): In the morning; signifies the beginning of a day or endeavor, youth or early stages.
• Give (Hebrew: תֵּן – ten): To give, impart, dedicate, bestow.
• Your hand (Hebrew: יָדְךָ – yəd-kha): Hand. Symbolizes ability, power, action, or a task.
• Your (Hebrew: בֹקֶר – boqer): Morning. Again, signifying early effort.
• In the evening (Hebrew: בָּעֶרֶב – ba-er-eb): In the evening; signifies the later part of the day, or the later stages of life/an undertaking.
• Not (Hebrew: אַל – al): A prohibition, not.
• Hold back (Hebrew: תַּחֲרִישׁ – tac-har-ish): To be silent, cease, refrain, hold back. Implies withholding action or effort.
• Your hand (Hebrew: יָדְךָ – yəd-kha): Hand. Again, representing action or a specific undertaking.
• Which of them (Hebrew: אֵת אֵלֶּה – et el-leh): These. Refers back to the two distinct times of sowing and working (morning and evening).
• Will prosper (Hebrew: יִצְלָח – yitz-lach): Will succeed, prosper, accomplish its purpose.
• Whether (Hebrew: אִם – im): If.
• This (Hebrew: זֶה – zeh): This.
• Or (Hebrew: אִם – im): Or.
• That (Hebrew: אֶפֶס – e-fes): Or (another construction).
• Or (Hebrew: אִם – im): If.
• Both (Hebrew: גַּם־ – gam): Also, both.
• Like it (Hebrew: כְּאַחַד – k’e-chad): Like one, equally good, the same.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Bonus Section

The concept of sowing and reaping, so prominent in Ecclesiastes, is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, famously articulated in Galatians 6:7: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." This verse in Ecclesiastes, however, adds a nuance of uncertainty about when or how the reaping will occur. It speaks to a faith that works diligently, not with the guarantee of immediate or easily discernible results, but with trust in the Lord's sovereign timing and wisdom. The verse encourages diversification of effort or simply perseverance through different phases of work, acknowledging that we might not have the full picture of what truly "prospered." This mirrors the idea that "Night is coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4), urging active engagement while light is available.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Commentary

This verse is a practical application of Ecclesiastes' core theme: making the most of life amidst its inherent uncertainties. The Preacher advises a balanced approach to diligence. "Sow your seed in the morning and your hand in the evening" is not advocating for literally farming at two different times but symbolizes consistent, diligent effort throughout one's life or within a given task. The morning represents the beginning of opportunity, or perhaps youthful vigor, while the evening symbolizes later stages or different types of labor.

The key is to recognize that we are not privy to the exact timing or method that will yield success. Therefore, we should be proactive and persistent, entrusting the final outcome to God. This is not an endorsement of random action but of steady, faithful work. The Hebrew word for "prosper" (yitz-lach) implies successful completion or advancement. The verse suggests that a consistent pattern of sowing and working, without knowing which specific effort will prove most fruitful, is the wise course. It also carries the implication that we may see success from both our morning and evening endeavors, highlighting the potential for multiple blessings when we are faithful in all our work. This verse should not be interpreted as a permission for unfocused effort but rather a call to continuous, faithful activity in whatever our hands find to do, trusting in God's sovereignty over the results.

• Practical application: Don't procrastinate on tasks; begin early and continue working diligently.
• Example: A student should start studying for an exam early and continue to revise consistently, rather than cramming at the last minute, as they don't know which study method or time will be most effective.
• Example: An entrepreneur should launch their business and continue to refine their product and marketing efforts, recognizing that not every strategy will immediately pay off, but persistence can lead to success.