Ecclesiastes 6:11 kjv
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
Ecclesiastes 6:11 nkjv
Since there are many things that increase vanity, How is man the better?
Ecclesiastes 6:11 niv
The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
Ecclesiastes 6:11 esv
The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?
Ecclesiastes 6:11 nlt
The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?
Ecclesiastes 6 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference (Note) |
|---|---|---|
| Ecc 1:2 | "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "vanity of vanities! All is vanity." | Core theme of futility |
| Ecc 1:3 | "What profit has a man from all his labor...?" | Echoes the "what profit" question |
| Ecc 3:9 | "What profit has the worker from that in which he labors?" | Reiteration of no profit |
| Ecc 5:1-3 | "...be not rash with your mouth... for a dream comes from much activity..." | Folly of many words, rashness |
| Ecc 6:10 | "Whatever has been, was long ago named, and it is known what man is, and that he cannot contend..." | Man's inability to contend/change |
| Pro 10:19 | "In the multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." | Danger in many words |
| Pro 17:27 | "Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." | Wisdom in fewer words |
| Pro 29:11 | "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." | Contrast wise/foolish speech |
| Job 11:2-3 | "Shall a multitude of words go unanswered...?" | Criticizes empty discourse |
| Job 13:4-5 | "...worthless physicians are you all! Oh that you would altogether be silent..." | Scorns vain arguments |
| Job 38:2 | "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" | God questioning Job's speech |
| 1 Cor 1:20-21 | "Where is the one who is wise?... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" | God's wisdom trumps human wisdom |
| 1 Cor 3:19-20 | "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God... 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'" | Worldly wisdom is foolishness |
| Jas 1:19 | "...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger..." | Encourages thoughtful speech |
| Jas 3:2 | "For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man..." | Difficulty in controlling speech |
| Tit 3:9 | "But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless." | Avoid unprofitable debates |
| 1 Tim 6:20 | "...avoid irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge..." | Warning against meaningless talk |
| 2 Tim 2:14 | "Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good..." | Avoid verbal quarreling |
| Mat 16:26 | "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" | Ultimate question of profit/loss |
| Php 3:7-8 | "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." | Redefines true profit/gain |
| Rom 9:20 | "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?" | Man cannot dispute God |
Ecclesiastes 6 verses
Ecclesiastes 6 11 Meaning
Ecclesiastes 6:11 highlights the pervasive futility of human endeavors, specifically focusing on extensive human discourse and reasoning, independent of divine wisdom. The verse posits that the more words are uttered, particularly those aimed at deciphering life's complex questions without reference to God's ultimate sovereignty, the more evident their inherent meaninglessness becomes. Such voluminous rhetoric, speculations, or arguments do not provide any lasting advantage, profit, or true understanding for humanity, thereby underscoring a fundamental theme of Ecclesiastes: much of what humans strive for or debate "under the sun" ultimately lacks substantial benefit or lasting value.
Ecclesiastes 6 11 Context
Ecclesiastes, attributed to Qoheleth (the Teacher/Preacher), is a wisdom book reflecting on the meaning and purpose of life "under the sun," a recurring phrase indicating a human perspective separate from explicit divine revelation. Chapter 6 specifically discusses the unsatisfying nature of wealth, prosperity, and human endeavors that ultimately fail to bring lasting contentment or profit. The preceding verses lament how all human labor cannot satisfy hunger (6:7), that even a fortunate birth and long life don't bring joy if the soul is empty (6:3-6), and ultimately, man cannot contend with his stronger sovereign (6:10). In this broader context of striving and dissatisfaction, Ecclesiastes 6:11 critiques the intellectual sphere: the accumulation of words, theories, and philosophical debates (d'varim) that contribute not to truth or meaning, but rather amplify the pervasive sense of vanity or futility (hebel), offering no true advantage (yoter) to mankind. It confronts the historical/cultural reliance on human reasoning and endless debate as a source of ultimate truth.
Ecclesiastes 6 11 Word analysis
- כִּי (kî): "For," "because," "seeing that." It introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding context, specifically tying the concept of much discussion to the larger theme of futility.
- יֶשְׁנָם (yeshnam): "There are," "there exist." In this construction, when preceding a word like "words," it can imply "the more of something." It denotes the existence or prevalence of a great number.
- דְּבָרִים (d'varim): Literally "words" or "things" or "matters." This is a crucial term. While "things" is possible, given the context of speculation, debate, and the search for meaning, "words" is often understood as the more accurate nuance. It refers not merely to objects but to discussions, propositions, arguments, or the endless chatter of human philosophy and inquiry. The Septuagint translates it as "logoi" (words/discussions).
- הַרְבֶּה (harbeh): "Much," "many," "to multiply," "to increase." Here, it signifies a great quantity or a burgeoning number. When applied to "words," it denotes volubility, extensive discourse, or accumulated theories.
- הֶבֶל (hebel): "Vanity," "meaningless," "futility," "vapor," "breath," "ephemeral." This is the foundational concept of Ecclesiastes, appearing over 30 times. It describes something insubstantial, transient, ultimately purposeless, or unsatisfying when viewed apart from God. In this verse, "hebel" characterizes the ultimate outcome of excessive human speculation.
- וּמַה־יּוֹתֵר (u-mah-yoter): "And what profit is there," "and what remains," "what advantage." This phrase asks about the ultimate gain, benefit, or lasting positive outcome. It echoes the core question from Ecc 1:3 and highlights the Teacher's relentless questioning of value "under the sun."
- לָאָדָם (la'adam): "For man," "to man." This directs the question of profit to humanity itself, emphasizing the universal experience of this futility.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- כִּי יֶשְׁנָם דְּבָרִים הַרְבֶּה (For there are many words/things/matters): This phrase sets the premise, pointing to the abundance of human intellectual output. It implies an overwhelming quantity of discourse, whether philosophical, legal, or speculative, attempting to grasp truth or meaning without divine grounding.
- מַרְבֶּה הָבֶל (multiply/increase vanity): This is the core declaration. The consequence of these numerous "words" or endless speculations is not clarity or resolution, but rather an amplification of the pervasive "hebel." Instead of leading to truth, they deepen the sense of futility, adding to the meaningless pursuit.
- וּמַה־יּוֹתֵר לָאָדָם (And what profit is there for man?): This rhetorical question powerfully concludes the verse. It asserts that despite all this proliferation of words and intellectual striving, humanity gains nothing of eternal value, lasting benefit, or true advantage. It implies that genuine understanding and satisfaction lie beyond such human efforts.
Ecclesiastes 6 11 Bonus section
This verse encapsulates a paradox common in wisdom literature: the inherent danger in an overabundance of human words, contrasting it with divine revelation or quiet reflection. It highlights that the pursuit of knowledge through endless verbalization, particularly in the absence of spiritual wisdom, can paradoxically obscure truth and exacerbate confusion rather than clarifying it. The "many words" are not inherently bad if they serve a purpose, but when they become an end in themselves or a substitute for seeking God's perspective, they become "hebel." It is an intellectual facet of the broader "vanity" theme, indicating that even intellectual striving, like other earthly pursuits, ultimately disappoints without a transcendent anchor. The Teacher isn't promoting ignorance, but rather critiquing the fruitless application of human intellect when detached from its ultimate context within God's sovereignty.
Ecclesiastes 6 11 Commentary
Ecclesiastes 6:11 critiques the pervasive human tendency towards excessive intellectual discourse and speculative wisdom as a path to true fulfillment or understanding. The Teacher contends that multiplying "words" – whether in endless philosophical debates, intricate arguments, or humanistic explanations of existence – only serves to amplify the sense of "vanity" or meaninglessness inherent in a world separated from its Creator. This is a pointed inquiry against self-sufficient human reason. The more one talks or theorizes about life's complexities without divine insight, the less substantial and profitable such discourse proves to be. It yields no lasting advantage for humanity, ultimately failing to satisfy the soul's deepest longing for meaning and purpose. This verse encourages a recognition of human limitations in grasping ultimate reality through words alone, directing seekers towards a different source of wisdom and truth.