Ecclesiastes 6:5
Ecclesiastes 6:5 in Multiple Translations
The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man,
Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
moreover it hath not seen the sun nor known it; this hath rest rather than the other:
Yes, it saw not the sun, and it had no knowledge; it is better with this than with the other.
He never saw the light of day or knew what it was like to live. Yet the child finds rest, and not this man.
Also he hath not seene ye sunne, nor knowen it: therefore this hath more rest then the other.
Even the sun he hath not seen nor known, more rest hath this than that.
Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.
Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing : this hath more rest than the other.
He hath not seen the sun, nor known the distance of good and evil:
It does not live to see the sun or know anything. But it finds more rest than rich people do who are alive.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 6:5
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 6:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
שֶׁ֥מֶשׁ
לֹא
רָאָ֖ה
וְ/לֹ֣א
יָדָ֑ע
נַ֥חַת
לָ/זֶ֖ה
מִ/זֶּֽה
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
שֶׁ֥מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
N-cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
רָאָ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָדָ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נַ֥חַת
Nachath
H5183
quietness
N-fs
לָ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
מִ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 6:5
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
שֶׁ֥מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָאָ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדָ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
נַ֥חַת
Nachath
H5183
"quietness"
N-fs
This word refers to a descent or a coming down, often in the sense of a punishment or a judgment from God. It can also mean restfulness or quietness, like the stillness after a storm.
Definition: 1) rest, quietness 1a) quietness, quiet attitude 1b) rest (of death)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lighting down, quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on. See also: Job 17:16; Ecclesiastes 6:5; Proverbs 29:9.
לָ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
מִ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 6:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 6:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:5
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:5
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:5
Context — The Futility of Life
3A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
4For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity.
5The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man,
6even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place? 7All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 58:8 | Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun. |
| 2 | Job 14:1 | “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. |
| 3 | Job 3:10–13 | For that night did not shut the doors of the womb to hide the sorrow from my eyes. Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb? Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed? For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest |
| 4 | Psalms 90:7–9 | For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath. You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence. For all our days decline in Your fury; we finish our years with a sigh. |
Ecclesiastes 6:5 Summary
[Ecclesiastes 6:5 is saying that a person who is not happy with their life, no matter how long they live, is not truly living, as seen in Ecclesiastes 6:3-4. This verse is reminding us that true fulfillment and satisfaction come from within, and that we should seek to find joy and peace in our daily lives, just as Jesus promises in John 10:10. By prioritizing what truly matters and seeking to find rest in God, we can avoid the trap of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled desires, and instead find true fulfillment and happiness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Ecclesiastes 6:5?
The main point of Ecclesiastes 6:5 is that a child who has not experienced the world has more rest than someone who is dissatisfied with their life, as seen in the context of Ecclesiastes 6:3-4, where a stillborn child is considered better off than someone who lives a long, unfulfilled life.
Is the writer of Ecclesiastes saying that it's better to not be born?
No, the writer is not saying it's better to not be born, but rather highlighting the futility of a life without satisfaction or fulfillment, as also noted in Ecclesiastes 2:17, where the author laments the futility of his own pursuits.
How can a stillborn child have more rest than someone who has lived a long life?
This is a rhetorical question meant to illustrate the idea that a life without fulfillment or satisfaction is not truly living, as also seen in Psalm 90:12, where the psalmist asks God to teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
What is the significance of the phrase 'has more rest' in Ecclesiastes 6:5?
The phrase 'has more rest' suggests that the stillborn child is at peace, without the troubles and dissatisfaction that can plague a long life, much like the rest promised in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that bring me true satisfaction and fulfillment, and how can I prioritize them?
- How can I cultivate a sense of rest and contentment in my own life, even in the midst of troubles and challenges?
- What are some ways that I can avoid the trap of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled desires, and instead find joy and peace in my daily life?
- How can I apply the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 6:5 to my own relationships and pursuits, and seek to find true rest in God?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:5
Moreover, he hath not seen the sun,.... This must be spoken of the abortive, and seems to confirm the sense of the former text, as belonging to it; and whereas it has never seen the light of the sun,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:5
Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other. This - yet it. Hath more rest than the other - than the toiling, gloomy miser.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:5
He hath not seen the sun; he never beheld the light, and therefore it is not grievous to him to want it; whereas the covetous man saw that light was very pleasant, and therefore the loss of it was irksome to him. Nor known any thing; hath had no knowledge, sense, or experience of any thing, whether good or evil. Hath more rest, because he is perfectly free from all those encumbrances and vexatious to which the covetous man is long exposed.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:5
Ecclesiastes 6:5 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known [any thing]: this hath more rest than the other.Ver. 5. Moreover he hath not seen the sun.] A second privilege and prerogative of the poor abortive. None are so miserable, we see, but they may be comparatively happy. It is ever best to look at those below us, and then we shall see cause to be better contented. This hath more rest than the other.] The grain that is cropped as soon as it appeareth, or is bruised in pieces when it lies in sprout, is better than the old weed, that is hated while it standeth, and in the end is cut down for the fire.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:5
Rather, it hath not seen nor known the sun: this (the untimely birth) hath rest rather than the other.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:5
5. Hath not seen the sun — All analogy suggests that human life begins with the soul, which builds up for itself a body by assimilating the materials furnished in its various conditions.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Look to Me" (Isaiah 45:22) by Anne Ortlund | Anne Ortlund emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus for salvation and sanctification, highlighting the tendency to be consumed by our own worries, fears, and shortco |
|
Time's Shortness by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches a sermon on the shortness of time, emphasizing the brevity and transitoriness of life. He urges believers to love one another, avoid discord, and strive for |
|
Man . . . Is of Few Days, and Full of Trouble by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the transient nature of life, urging believers to remember that earthly joys are fleeting and often accompanied by trouble. He emphasizes the importance o |
|
The Common Inn of All Mankind by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that death is the inevitable fate of all humanity, regardless of social status or wealth. He illustrates that death treats everyone equally, from the highe |
|
The Waiter by Ray Comfort | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the Gospel with others, highlighting the need to confront sin and the reality of God's judgment. It encourages believers to use God |
|
The Transcendence of El Elyon by Aeron Morgan | Aeron Morgan emphasizes the transcendence and majesty of God, El Elyon, as revealed in Psalms 91. He highlights the security and refuge found in God for those who trust in Him, con |