Ecclesiastes 6:11
9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
10 That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?
- KJV
- Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
- WEB
- For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?
- ASV
- Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
- DARBY
- For there are many things that increase vanity: what is man advantaged?
- BLB
- For there are many words, multiplying vapor—what advantage [is] for man?
- ÅB
- for der er mange ord som bare øker tomheten - hva gagn har mennesket av det?
- OTB
- Jo flere ord, desto større tomhet, og hva nytte er det for noen?
- B1930
- for der er mange ord som bare øker tomheten - hvad gagn har mennesket av det?
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Ecclesiastes 4:16
There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 5:7
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Read in contextHosea 12:1
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 2:3–11
I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 4:1–4
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 1:17–18
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 1:6–9
The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 4:8
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
Read in context