Ecclesiastes 12 5

Ecclesiastes 12:5 kjv

Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Ecclesiastes 12:5 nkjv

Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, The grasshopper is a burden, And desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets.

Ecclesiastes 12:5 niv

when people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home and mourners go about the streets.

Ecclesiastes 12:5 esv

they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets ?

Ecclesiastes 12:5 nlt

Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

Ecclesiastes 12 verses

Ecclesiastes 12 5 Meaning

This verse vividly portrays the onset of old age and the decline of physical vitality. It describes the sensory organs and body parts that become less functional and the increased sense of apprehension and fear associated with approaching death and the unknown.

Ecclesiastes 12 5 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 12 shifts from reflecting on life's transience and the importance of remembering God in youth (ch. 11) to vividly describing the difficult process of aging and the inevitable approach of death. Verse 5 serves as a powerful image within a series of metaphors that illustrate physical decay. It emphasizes the loss of physical vigor and the heightened emotional vulnerability experienced by the elderly, leading to increased anxiety. This entire section prepares the reader for the ultimate conclusion of the book: the fear of God and keeping His commandments. The immediate context is the detailed breakdown of the human body and senses in old age, setting the stage for the final pronouncement of judgment and accountability. Historically, this would have resonated with an audience deeply familiar with the cycles of life and the physical realities of aging in an era without advanced medicine.

Ecclesiastes 12 5 Word Analysis

• And: Conjunction, linking the preceding descriptions of physical decline with the emotional state.
• the almond tree shall blossom: A metaphor for white or graying hair, like the white blossoms of an almond tree.
  • almond (Hebrew: shaqed): Refers to the almond tree, noted for its early blooming. This "wakening" aspect is significant.
• and the grasshopper shall be a burden: This suggests a loss of physical strength, where even the weight of a small creature like a grasshopper becomes an unbearable load.
  • grasshopper (Hebrew: gôv): Often associated with light weight. Its becoming a burden highlights extreme frailty.
• and desire shall fail: This indicates the loss of appetite, sexual desire, or simply the general zest for life and pleasures.
  • desire (Hebrew: ta'avah): Can refer to longing, desire, or craving.
• because: Signifies the cause or reason for the failing desire.
• man goeth to his long home: A euphemism for death and burial, returning to the grave or the dust.
  • long home (Hebrew: bêt 'ôlam): Literally "house of eternity" or "house of age," a poetic term for the grave or the afterlife.
• and the mourners go about the streets: This imagery depicts the presence of death and grief in the community, reinforcing the theme of mortality.
  • mourners (Hebrew: səpîdîm): Those who participate in the rite of mourning.
• Or: Introduces a shift to other signs of aging.
• the silver cord be loosed: A metaphor for the vital life thread being cut, leading to death.
  • silver cord (Hebrew: qəvô ha-keseph): Poetic term for the connection between the body and spirit or the physical lifeline.
• or the golden bowl be broken: Another metaphor, potentially representing the head or the seat of life, now shattered and useless.
  • golden bowl (Hebrew: kês pêketh ha-zahab): Imagery could suggest the skull, or a vessel holding life's precious essence.
• or the pitcher be broken at the fountain: This refers to the heart or body's core systems ceasing to function, unable to draw or sustain life (like a pitcher at a well).
  • pitcher (Hebrew: baqbut): A container for liquids.
  • fountain (Hebrew: ma'ayån): Source of water, lifeblood.
• or the wheel broken at the cistern: This could represent the circulatory system or the ability to draw sustenance and life's necessities.
  • wheel (Hebrew: 'ophenyl): A wheel, possibly referring to the heart's pumping action or bodily movement.
  • cistern (Hebrew: 'agammôth): A reservoir or holding place for water, analogous to the body's fluids.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Almond tree blossom" & "grasshopper burden": Together these paint a picture of visible aging (white hair) and profound weakness (overwhelmed by slightest weight).
• "Desire fail" & "man goeth to his long home": The decline of vital energies and life's passions leads to death's inevitable destination.
• "Silver cord loosed" & "golden bowl broken": These paired metaphors strongly suggest a sudden or complete cessation of life functions, the severance of connection to this world.
• "Pitcher broken at fountain" & "wheel broken at cistern": These final pairs focus on the internal failure of vital life support systems, the inability to sustain the body.

Ecclesiastes 12 5 Bonus Section

The imagery of the broken "wheel" and "cistern" could also be interpreted in light of the concept of the "wheel of life" in some ancient philosophies, and the "cistern" as the heart, the "fountain" of life's blood. The verse can be seen as a comprehensive allegory of death's approach, where the delicate mechanisms of life gradually fail. The overarching message connects this physical deterioration directly to the existential question of human purpose, driving home the book's theme of finding meaning before life's end. The fear mentioned also points to the soul's apprehension as it faces eternity, emphasizing the importance of righteous living throughout life.

Ecclesiastes 12 5 Commentary

This verse offers a somber yet beautiful metaphorical depiction of aging. It's not just about physical decline but the internal senses and drives of life diminishing. The Hebrew words chosen are evocative, suggesting natural phenomena (blossoming almond, a grasshopper) to explain the bodily changes, making it relatable. The series of breaking vessels at the sources of life speaks of systemic failure. It is a prelude to the ultimate journey, reminding us that all physical existence has a season. Understanding these metaphors helps us empathize with the elderly and recognize the fragility of life.

Practical Usage:

• Showing compassion and providing practical help for the physical needs of elderly individuals.
• Appreciating the "youthful zest" for life while it is present, before it naturally fades.
• Remembering the temporary nature of physical existence and focusing on spiritual and eternal matters.