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

Ecclesiastes 11:6 is a practical exhortation from Qoheleth (the Preacher) to diligent and continuous effort, both early and late in life or in a project, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of outcomes. It conveys the principle of sowing broadly and persistently without certainty as to which specific endeavor will yield success, or if all might prove fruitful. The emphasis is on proactive engagement with life's tasks and opportunities, coupled with a humble recognition of humanity's inability to control or predict results, entrusting the final outcome to divine wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Context

Ecclesiastes 11:6 is embedded within Qoheleth's closing practical advice, following his extensive philosophical journey concerning the "vanity" of life "under the sun." After observing that much of human effort is fleeting and full of uncertainty (chapters 1-10), he pivots from theoretical contemplation to practical living. The preceding verses (11:1-2) advocate taking calculated risks and diversifying investments ("Cast your bread upon the waters... divide your portion into seven or eight"), highlighting the inherent uncertainty of life. Verses 3-4 illustrate how certain natural events are inevitable, but obsessing over perfect conditions or future events (like watching the wind or clouds) leads to inaction. Verse 5 explicitly states humanity's limited understanding of divine workings ("you do not know how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child").

Against this backdrop of profound uncertainty and human cognitive limitations, verse 6 presents an imperative for action. Since one cannot predict the future or guarantee success, the wisest course is persistent, diversified, and diligent effort. The chapter then moves to an exhortation to enjoy life and youth responsibly while remembering God (11:7-12:1) before life's inevitable end. This specific verse emphasizes practical stewardship and tireless engagement with opportunities, knowing that ultimate results are beyond human control and firmly within divine providence.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Word analysis

• In the morning sow thy seed:

  • "In the morning" (בַּבֹּקֶר - ba'boqer): Literally, "in the early part of the day." This signifies not only the start of the day but also early in one's life, or the earliest opportune moment available for undertaking a task. It implies proactive and timely engagement, not procrastinating.
  • "sow" (זְרַע - zera'): An imperative verb, commanding action. It refers to the physical act of planting seeds, a fundamental agricultural task requiring effort and faith for future harvest. Metaphorically, it represents any form of effort, investment, labor, or contribution.
  • "thy seed" (זַרְעֶךָ - zar'ekha): "Seed" is the direct object of "sow." Literally referring to agricultural seeds, it broadly symbolizes one's resources, time, talent, energy, good deeds, business ventures, or even the message of God's Word. It's that which is expended with the expectation of a future return.

• and in the evening withhold not thine hand:

  • "and in the evening" (וְלָעֶרֶב - ve'la'erev): Literally, "and at the end of the day." This represents continuing effort later in life, later in a project, or persistently even after initial efforts have been made. It contrasts with "morning" to signify sustained diligence across all available time and circumstances, not just when energy is high or conditions are perfect.
  • "withhold not" (אַל-תַּנַּח - 'al-tanaḥ): A negative imperative, meaning "do not cease," "do not rest," "do not relax your effort." It strongly prohibits idleness, discouragement, or ceasing one's work.
  • "thine hand" (יָדֶךָ - yadekhā): Symbolizes one's effort, labor, agency, or ability to work. "Withholding the hand" means holding back one's labor or refraining from action. The command is to keep working and exerting effort.

• for thou knowest not which shall prosper:

  • "for" (כִּי - ki): Introduces the reason or justification for the preceding command.
  • "thou knowest not" (אֵינְךָ יוֹדֵעַ - 'einkhā yode'a): Highlights human epistemic limitations. It underscores our fundamental ignorance regarding future outcomes and God's sovereign workings. We lack perfect foresight or control over how events will unfold.
  • "which shall prosper" (אֵיזֶה יִכְשַׁר - 'eizeh yikshar): "Prosper" (יִכְשַׁר - yikshar) means to be suitable, straight, successful, to thrive, or to turn out well. The phrase conveys the uncertainty about which particular effort or venture will ultimately achieve success or prove fruitful.

• whether this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good:

  • "whether this or that" (זֶה אוֹ-זֶה - zeh 'o-zeh): Refers to the individual efforts or types of "seed" sown. It explicitly encourages diversification, acknowledging that different endeavors might yield different results, and some may fail while others succeed.
  • "or whether they both shall be alike good" (אִם-שְׁנֵיהֶם כְּאֶחָד טוֹבִים - 'im-sh'neihem ke'eḥad tovim): This phrase considers the possibility that multiple, or even all, efforts might ultimately succeed and produce good results. It encapsulates both the uncertainty and the potential for abundant reward, reinforcing the wisdom of persistent and diversified action. "Alike good" implies being equally beneficial or successful.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Bonus section

This verse subtly challenges a purely fatalistic worldview that might emerge from Qoheleth's earlier reflections on "vanity." While outcomes are indeed uncertain and under divine control, the human response is not passive resignation, but active, diversified, and tenacious labor. It presents a divine mandate for diligence and engagement in the world, even when we lack perfect understanding or guaranteed results. It shifts the focus from predicting success to fulfilling responsibility. This principle also holds true in the spiritual realm; one is called to sow the "seed" of God's Word broadly and without ceasing, leaving the timing and magnitude of the harvest to God. The very command to "sow" and "not withhold" presupposes purpose and potential fruit, however mysterious the path to that fruit may be.

Ecclesiastes 11 6 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 11:6 encapsulates a pivotal theological and practical message in Qoheleth's wisdom. It acknowledges the frustrating reality of human uncertainty regarding outcomes while strongly advocating for persistent and diversified effort. The verse presents a powerful call to action: humanity's responsibility is diligent work, applied continuously (morning and evening, throughout life), across various "sowings" (endeavors, investments, spiritual ministries). This proactive approach is commanded precisely because one "knowest not which shall prosper." It challenges both idleness borne of despair and a singular, inflexible strategy.

The wisdom lies in embracing a disciplined work ethic, trusting that even if individual efforts are uncertain, the aggregate of diligent application, coupled with divine sovereignty, will eventually yield a return. It prevents paralysis by analysis and encourages an "all-in" mentality towards life's duties and opportunities. Ultimately, Qoheleth directs the wise person to live energetically, despite the unpredictable "wind" of divine appointment or chance, because the blessing of the harvest, whether from one seed or many, remains in God's hand. This balances human agency with the recognition of God's ultimate control over success.

Practical Examples:

• A student applying for multiple jobs, diligently preparing for each interview without knowing which will lead to an offer.
• A missionary tirelessly sharing the gospel with many different people, not knowing which message will take root in a heart, but continuing to preach.
• An entrepreneur investing in various business ideas, understanding that some might fail, but one or more might succeed, requiring continuous effort in each.