Ecclesiastes 9 5

Ecclesiastes 9:5 kjv

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 nkjv

For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 niv

For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 esv

For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 nlt

The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered.

Ecclesiastes 9 verses

Ecclesiastes 9 5 Meaning

This verse conveys that living people are aware of their inevitable mortality, a defining characteristic of their existence. In stark contrast, those who have died possess no knowledge or awareness regarding earthly matters; they have no further opportunity for earthly recompense or benefit, and even the memory of them fades away over time among the living. The focus is on the cessation of earthly activities, knowledge, and recognition.

Ecclesiastes 9 5 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 9 is part of Koheleth's wider philosophical exploration of life's "vanity" or "meaninglessness" (hebel) "under the sun." It grapples with the seeming injustice that both righteous and wicked share the same ultimate fate—death. The verses leading up to 9:5 (v. 1-4) assert that all humanity faces the same destiny, leading to the conclusion that life in the present is the only time for agency and choice. Verse 5 precisely defines this distinction, explaining why it is vital to act and enjoy life while one can, as death brings an end to earthly engagement. Koheleth's observations are grounded in the empirical realities of the physical world and do not directly speak to the spiritual state or destiny of the soul beyond this life, which is addressed elsewhere in scripture.

Ecclesiastes 9 5 Word analysis

• For the living:
  • הַחַיִּים (ha-chayyim): The definite article "the" combined with "living ones" (plural), referring specifically to those currently alive on earth, mankind in its mortal state. It emphasizes a shared, universal characteristic of all living beings.
• know that they will die:
  • יוֹדְעִים (yod'im): "knowing." This term signifies conscious awareness, understanding, and a firm conviction. It implies an internal certainty of the inevitable cessation of physical life, contrasting sharply with the dead's lack of knowledge.
  • יָמוּתוּ (yamutu): "they will die." The Hebrew verb form emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of future death.
• but the dead:
  • וְהַמֵּתִים (ve-ha-metim): "and the dead ones" or "but the dead ones." Again, the definite article "the" refers to all humanity who have passed away, establishing a universal truth for the deceased.
• know nothing:
  • אֵינָם יוֹדְעִים מְאוּמָה (enam yod'im me'umah): "they are not knowing anything" or "they do not know a thing." This is an emphatic negation of knowledge. From Koheleth's "under the sun" perspective, it refers to an absence of awareness, consciousness, or perception of the affairs of this world. It is not a theological statement on the non-existence of the soul, but rather the termination of their interaction, sensation, or information gathering concerning earthly life.
• and they have no more reward:
  • וְאֵין עוֹד לָהֶם שָׂכָר (ve'ein od lahem sakar): "and there is no longer to them reward." שָׂכָר (sakhar) denotes recompense, wages, profit, or benefit earned from labor, deeds, or earthly endeavors. The phrase indicates a complete cessation of any further earthly gain, benefit, or opportunity for acquiring it once dead. All earthly strivings cease to yield results.
• for the memory of them is forgotten:
  • כִּי נִשְׁכַּח זִכְרָם (ki nishkach zikram): "for their memory is forgotten." נִשְׁכַּח (nishkach) means "is forgotten," from the root shakach (to forget). This passive voice indicates that the act of forgetting happens to their memory. זִכְרָם (zikram) means "their remembrance" or "their memory." This highlights the impermanence of human fame, legacy, and recognition. Even the remembrance of the most prominent figures fades over generations, emphasizing the vanity of seeking lasting renown.

Words-Group analysis:The first part of the verse, "For the living know that they will die," highlights the conscious awareness of mortality as a distinguishing mark of life, compelling engagement with it. The subsequent three clauses—"but the dead know nothing," "and they have no more reward," "for the memory of them is forgotten"—cumulatively describe the state of the dead. These phrases paint a picture of earthly finality: a lack of engagement with life's events, a termination of opportunities for earthly benefit, and a gradual erasure from human collective memory. Together, these statements reinforce Koheleth's central theme of the temporary and transient nature of all "under the sun," driving the message that all endeavors, rewards, and recognition are ultimately subject to the profound oblivion of death in an earthly context.

Ecclesiastes 9 5 Bonus section

• Koheleth's observations are phenomenological; they describe what is empirically evident about death from a human perspective rather than providing a complete theological treatise on the afterlife.
• The phrase "know nothing" specifically means a cessation of earthly consciousness and engagement. It does not speak to the continued existence of the soul or spirit, nor does it preclude a divine knowledge of the dead, nor future resurrection.
• The cessation of "reward" focuses on earthly benefits or recompense. The New Testament expands the concept of reward to encompass eternal, heavenly treasures which are not subject to earthly decay or forgetfulness (e.g., Matt 6:20).
• The "memory... is forgotten" underscores the impermanence of human reputation and achievements, providing a strong argument against the vanity of earthly ambition. It contrasts with God's perfect and eternal memory of His people and their deeds (Mal 3:16, Heb 6:10).

Ecclesiastes 9 5 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:5 is a cornerstone of Koheleth’s "under the sun" philosophy. It starkly contrasts the experience of life and death, emphasizing the limited scope of human existence. The statement that the living know they will die reflects a unique human awareness of mortality, which drives many of Koheleth's reflections on striving and meaning. The three-fold negation regarding the dead—they "know nothing," "have no more reward," and are "forgotten"—serves to powerfully dismiss any earthly benefit, conscious awareness, or lasting fame beyond the grave from this worldly vantage point. Koheleth is not primarily speaking about the spiritual state of the soul before God or denying a theological afterlife. Instead, he highlights the practical cessation of earthly interaction, recognition, and gain. This observation pushes the living to find purpose and enjoyment in the present, finite life, rather than building legacies that are ultimately forgotten, or chasing earthly rewards that terminate at death. It underpins his advice in Ecclesiastes 9:10 to do all with one's might, because the time for action, knowledge, and earning is now.