Ecclesiastes 6:11
Ecclesiastes 6:11 in Multiple Translations
For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?
¶ Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
There are words without number for increasing what is to no purpose, but what is man profited by them?
For the more words you use, the harder it is to make sense. So what's the point?
For there are many things multiplying vanity; what advantage [is] to man?
For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?
Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
There are many words that have much vanity in disputing.
The more that we talk, the more often we say things that are senseless, so it certainly does not [RHQ] benefit us to talk a lot.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 6:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 6:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
יֵשׁ
דְּבָרִ֥ים
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
מַרְבִּ֣ים
הָ֑בֶל
מַה
יֹּתֵ֖ר
לָ/אָדָֽם
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יֵשׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Ptc
מַרְבִּ֣ים
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil
הָ֑בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יֹּתֵ֖ר
yôwthêr
H3148
advantage
N-ms
לָ/אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 6:11
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יֵשׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
מַרְבִּ֣ים
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
הָ֑בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יֹּתֵ֖ר
yôwthêr
H3148
"advantage"
N-ms
This word means advantage or superiority, describing something as better or more than enough. It is used in various forms, including as an adjective, noun, or conjunction. It can also mean besides or moreover.
Definition: 1) superiority, advantage, excess adv 2) excess, better conj 3) besides, moreover, more
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: better, more(-over), over, profit. See also: Esther 6:6; Ecclesiastes 7:11; Ecclesiastes 12:12.
לָ/אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 6:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 6:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:11
Context — The Futility of Life
9Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
10Whatever exists was named long ago, and it is known what man is; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.
11For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?
12For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 4:16 | There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 5:7 | For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:3–11 | I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself, where I planted all kinds of fruit trees. I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees. I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me, and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines. So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me. Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 1:6–9 | The wind blows southward, then turns northward; round and round it swirls, ever returning on its course. All the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place from which the streams come, there again they flow. All things are wearisome, more than one can describe; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear content with hearing. What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 4:8 | There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 1:17–18 | So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 4:1–4 | Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. So I admired the dead, who had already died, above the living, who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 8 | Psalms 73:6 | Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 3:19 | For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. |
| 10 | Hosea 12:1 | Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. |
Ecclesiastes 6:11 Summary
[This verse is saying that the more we talk, the more likely we are to say something meaningless or unhelpful. It's like when we're trying to make a point, but we just keep talking and talking without really saying anything important. The Bible teaches us to be careful with our words and to think before we speak, because our words have the power to either help or hurt others (James 1:19, Proverbs 10:19). By being mindful of our words, we can avoid speaking unnecessarily and instead use our words to build up and encourage those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'the more words, the more futility' mean in Ecclesiastes 6:11?
This phrase means that an excessive amount of talk or discussion can lead to meaningless or unproductive conversation, as seen in the example of Job's friends who spoke many words but did not bring comfort or wisdom to Job (Job 32:3, Job 42:3).
Is the author of Ecclesiastes saying that all talk is futile?
No, the author is not saying that all talk is futile, but rather that an overabundance of words can lead to futility, whereas wise and thoughtful speech can be profitable and edifying (Proverbs 10:32, Proverbs 15:23).
How does this verse relate to our everyday conversations?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and to speak thoughtfully, avoiding unnecessary or unprofitable talk, and instead seeking to speak words that are wise, kind, and edifying to others (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6).
What is the main point the author is trying to make in Ecclesiastes 6:11?
The main point is that an excess of words can lead to futility, and we should strive to speak wisely and thoughtfully, recognizing that our words have the power to either build up or tear down (Matthew 12:36-37, James 1:26).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can avoid speaking excessively or unnecessarily in my daily conversations?
- How can I ensure that my words are wise, kind, and edifying to others, rather than leading to futility?
- What are some examples of times when I have spoken without thinking, and how can I learn from those experiences to speak more thoughtfully in the future?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:11
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity,.... As appears by all that has been said in this and the preceding chapters; such as wisdom and knowledge, wealth and riches, pleasure, power, and authority.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:11
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better? Many things that increase vanity. The more wealth the more vanity. What (is) man the better?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
This seems to be added as a conclusion of the disputation managed in all the foregoing chapters, Seeing not only man is a vain creature in himself, as hath been now said, but there are also many other things in the world, which instead of removing or diminishing, as might be expected, do but increase this vanity, as wisdom, pleasure, power, wealth, and the like, the vanity of all which hath been fully and particularly declared. Seeing even the good things of this life bring so much toil, and cares, and fears, &c. with them. What is man the better, to wit, by all that he can either desire or enjoy here? Hence it is evident that all these things cannot make him happy, but that he must seek for happiness elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
Ecclesiastes 6:11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what [is] man the better?Ver. 11. Seeing there be many things that increase.] Seeing it is in vain to wrestle or wrangle with God, to seek to ward off his blow, to moat up one’ s self against his fire. Why should vain man contend with his Maker? Why should he beat himself to froth, as the surges of the sea do against the rock? Why should he, like the untamed heifer unaccustomed to the yoke, gall his neck by wriggling? - make his crosses heavier than God makes them, by crossness and impatience? The very heathen could tell him that, “ Deus crudelius urit, Quos videt invitos succubuisse sibi. ” - Tibul. Eleg. 1. God will have the better of those that contend with him: and his own reason will tell him that it is not fit that God should cast down the bucklers first: and that the deeper a man wades, the more he shall be wet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
(11) Things.—We might also translate “words.”
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:11
11. there be many things that increase vanity] The Hebrew noun, as so often throughout the book, may stand either for things or words. In the former case, the maxim points to the pressure of affairs, what we call “business,” the cares about many things, which make men feel the hollowness of life. In the latter, it probably refers to the speculative discussions on the chief good, destiny, and the like, which were rife in the schools both of Jews and Greeks, and finds a parallel in ch. Ecclesiastes 12:12, and in Milton’s description of like debates, as to “Fixed fate, free will, fore-knowledge absolute;Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.”The latter fits in best with the explanation which refers the previous verse to the Divine decrees, the former with that which has been adopted here. what is man the better] Literally, what profit (the word is another form of that which occurs so frequently), what outcome, is there for man?
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:11
Things - Namely, the various circumstances detailed in the foregoing chapters, from the Preacher’s personal experience, and his observation of other people, ending with the comprehensive declaration
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:11
11. Seeing, should be merely emphatic, that is, truly. All human concerns tend the same way; the mere affairs, the mere vanities.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Message of Ecclesiastes by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound message of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the folly of living life without a true relationship with God. He highlights the misconceptions about |
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The Importance of Friendship by David Hocking | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son getting stuck in an irrigation ditch and needing help to get out. From this experience, he emphasizes the importan |
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1 John 2:16 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the dangers of worldly desires as outlined in 1 John 2:16, warning against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. He explains that |
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Of the Practice of Covetousness in Keeping Wealth by William Gouge | William Gouge preaches about covetousness in keeping wealth, highlighting two practices: hoarding excessively out of fear for the future, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in |
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The Tragedies of Life by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the tragedies of life as described in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. He highlights the oppression and lack of comfort experienced by the oppressed, |
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Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, l |
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James Chapter 7 the Practical Hope of the Lord's Coming by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of patience in the face of suffering and injustice, urging believers to hold onto the hope of the Lord's coming as a source of strength and c |