Ecclesiastes 9 10

Ecclesiastes 9:10 kjv

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 nkjv

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 niv

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 esv

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 nlt

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 9 verses

Ecclesiastes 9 10 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 9:10 is an urgent imperative for diligent action in the present life, motivated by the finite nature of earthly existence. It calls believers to perform every task with their utmost effort, skill, and dedication, recognizing that the grave (Sheol) marks an end to all opportunities for work, planning, knowledge, and wisdom application in this earthly sphere. The verse underscores the finality of death as it relates to human endeavors "under the sun," thereby emphasizing the preciousness and fleeting opportunity of the present moment for productive living.

Ecclesiastes 9 10 Context

Ecclesiastes 9 falls within a section where Qoheleth (the Preacher) continues his reflections on the apparent randomness and unpredictability of life "under the sun." He observes that the same fate, death, befalls both the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, nullifying any apparent advantage in earthly pursuits (vv. 2-3). Life's great privilege is being among the living, for there is "hope for anyone who is among the living; because a live dog is better than a dead lion" (v. 4). While knowledge of life is imperfect, the certainty of death is absolute, and with it, the cessation of all earthly understanding, planning, and reward (vv. 5-6). The Preacher, having asserted the bleak reality of death, then pivots to advise a practical approach to life: enjoying its simple pleasures and seizing opportunities, as expressed powerfully in verse 10. The historical context is ancient Israelite wisdom literature, grappling with profound existential questions about purpose and meaning in a world where God's ultimate plan and an afterlife with clear rewards and punishments were not fully revealed or understood in the same way as later theology or the New Testament. Qoheleth largely reflects on life from an earthly perspective, prior to the clear revelation of resurrection and eternal life as presented in Christianity.

Ecclesiastes 9 10 Word analysis

• Whatever: This implies universality, encompassing all tasks, opportunities, and responsibilities. It points to a comprehensive approach to life.
• your hand finds: From Hebrew "יָדְךָ תִמְצָא" (yadkha timtza). "Hand" signifies an instrument of action, ability, and means. "Finds" implies available opportunity or something within one's grasp, emphasizing proactivity rather than passive waiting. It is about seizing the present capacity and chance.
• to do: Hebrew "לַעֲשׂוֹת" (la'asot), meaning "to make," "to perform," "to accomplish." It refers to concrete action, not merely contemplation.
• do it: An imperative, commanding immediate and direct action. The repetition of "do" highlights the verb's force.
• with your might: Hebrew "בְּכֹחֲךָ" (bekhochaka), derived from koach (כֹּחַ), meaning strength, power, ability, or vigor. It signifies applying full physical, mental, and spiritual energy; not half-hearted or complacent effort, but with intense earnestness and maximum possible exertion.
• for there is no work: Hebrew "אֵין מַעֲשֶׂה" (ein ma'aseh). Ma'aseh refers to a deed, an act, an undertaking, or any human endeavor. This states that all active doing ceases in the grave.
• or device: Hebrew "וְחֶשְׁבּוֹן" (vechesbhon). This term means "calculation," "planning," "scheme," "account," or "reasoning." It encompasses foresight, intellectual formulation, or any form of thoughtful strategizing. All mental processes related to earthly planning cease.
• or knowledge: Hebrew "וְדַעַת" (veda'at). Da'at signifies intellectual understanding, apprehension, or perception. This implies the end of earthly learning, intellectual growth, and the accumulation of information.
• or wisdom: Hebrew "וְחָכְמָה" (vechakmah). Chokhmah denotes practical skill, discernment, prudence, or insightful judgment. This is the application of knowledge, the ability to make good choices. It highlights that the ability to utilize skill and insight in worldly affairs ends with death.
• in Sheol: Hebrew "בִשְׁאוֹל" (bish'ol). This is the common Old Testament term for the realm of the dead, the grave, or the underworld. It is consistently depicted as a silent, shadowy, inactive place where the deceased cease all earthly functions. It is not a place of activity or spiritual service to God as conceived by the living.
• where you are going: Hebrew "אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה הוֹלֵךְ שָׁם" (asher attah holekh sham). This emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of death for all. It underscores the ultimate destination for every living person, making the imperative to act in the present all the more urgent and profound.

Ecclesiastes 9 10 Bonus section

The Stoic concept of memento mori (remember death) resonates strongly with Ecclesiastes 9:10, emphasizing the transient nature of life to encourage purpose. However, Qoheleth's primary focus here is not philosophical acceptance of fate, but active, zealous living in the face of it. The verse implicitly challenges a passive or fatalistic approach to life, advocating instead for vibrant, committed engagement. It serves as a stark reminder of life's "zero-sum game" in terms of earthly productivity; opportunities lost in life are forever lost regarding their earthly expression. From a Christian theological perspective, this verse underpins the importance of good stewardship of time and talents (e.g., Matt 25:14-30), doing all "as to the Lord" (Col 3:23). While death does mark the end of earthly activity, for the believer, it ushers in eternal fellowship and service, albeit of a different order. This understanding transforms the "end of work" in Sheol into a transition to a higher, perfected service in God's presence, yet still validating the call for zealous earthly living before that transition.

Ecclesiastes 9 10 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:10 serves as a powerful call to seize the day with intentionality and diligence, grounded in the undeniable reality of death. The Preacher, having reflected extensively on life's vanities and the shared fate of all in death, offers not despair, but a pragmatic charge to engage fully with life while it lasts. Every opportunity, every task that comes into one's grasp, should be pursued with maximum effort and commitment. This imperative is driven by a sober recognition that death (Sheol) brings an absolute end to all earthly work, intellectual thought, accumulation of knowledge, and application of wisdom. In the Preacher's view, Sheol is a static realm where all human endeavors cease. Thus, the present life is the sole arena for action, learning, and productive use of one's faculties. This verse is not a call to work for work's sake or to accumulate worldly goods, but to apply oneself energetically to whatever duty or calling one faces, understanding that time is limited and irretrievable. For the Christian, while the nature of Sheol/death is reframed by the hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ, the principle remains potent: the time given to us on Earth is finite, and it is here that we are to serve God, steward our talents, and pursue His purposes with all our might.