Ecclesiastes 9:5
Ecclesiastes 9:5 in Multiple Translations
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.
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.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
The living are conscious that death will come to them, but the dead are not conscious of anything, and they no longer have a reward, because there is no memory of them.
The living are conscious of the fact that they're going to die, but the dead have no consciousness of anything. They don't receive any further benefit; they're forgotten.
For the liuing knowe that they shall dye, but the dead knowe nothing at all: neither haue they any more a rewarde: for their remembrance is forgotten.
For the living know that they die, and the dead know not anything, and there is no more to them a reward, for their remembrance hath been forgotten.
For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for their memory is forgotten.
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.
For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know nothing more, neither have they a reward any more: for the memory of them is forgotten.
We who are alive know that some day we will die, but dead people do not know anything. Dead people do not receive any more rewards, and people soon forget them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:5
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 9:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֧י
הַֽ/חַיִּ֛ים
יוֹדְעִ֖ים
שֶׁ/יָּמֻ֑תוּ
וְ/הַ/מֵּתִ֞ים
אֵינָ֧/ם
יוֹדְעִ֣ים
מְא֗וּמָה
וְ/אֵֽין
ע֤וֹד
לָ/הֶם֙
שָׂכָ֔ר
כִּ֥י
נִשְׁכַּ֖ח
זִכְרָֽ/ם
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַֽ/חַיִּ֛ים
chay
H2416
alive
Art | Adj
יוֹדְעִ֖ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
שֶׁ/יָּמֻ֑תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/הַ/מֵּתִ֞ים
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | Art | V-Qal
אֵינָ֧/ם
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
יוֹדְעִ֣ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
מְא֗וּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
anything
N-fs
וְ/אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
ע֤וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
שָׂכָ֔ר
sâkâr
H7939
wages
N-ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִשְׁכַּ֖ח
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
זִכְרָֽ/ם
zêker
H2143
memorial
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 9:5
כִּ֧י
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.
הַֽ/חַיִּ֛ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
יוֹדְעִ֖ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
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.
שֶׁ/יָּמֻ֑תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/הַ/מֵּתִ֞ים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֵינָ֧/ם
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹדְעִ֣ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
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.
מְא֗וּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
"anything"
N-fs
This word refers to something, no matter how small, or nothing at all. It's used in phrases like 'anything' or 'nothing'. The Bible uses it in various books to convey the idea of something or nothing.
Definition: anything
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing. See also: Genesis 22:12; 1 Samuel 25:15; Jeremiah 39:10.
וְ/אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
ע֤וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
שָׂכָ֔ר
sâkâr
H7939
"wages"
N-ms
Payment for work or services, like the wages paid to the laborers in Matthew 20:8. This word encompasses various forms of compensation, including salary, fare, or maintenance. It is about receiving payment for something.
Definition: 1) hire, wages 1a) wages 1b) reward, pay 1c) fare, fee, passage-money
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: hire, price, reward(-ed), wages, worth. See also: Genesis 15:1; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Psalms 127:3.
כִּ֥י
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.
נִשְׁכַּ֖ח
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
זִכְרָֽ/ם
zêker
H2143
"memorial"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a memorial or remembrance, often referring to a reminder of something important, like a scent or a memory. It appears in the Bible to describe memorials to God. The word is used to recall significant events or people.
Definition: 1) memorial, remembrance 1a) remembrance, memory 1b) memorial
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: memorial, memory, remembrance, scent. See also: Exodus 3:15; Psalms 102:13; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 9:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 9:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:5
Context — Death Comes to Good and Bad
3This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.
4There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion.
5For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.
6Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun. 7Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 26:14 | The dead will not live; the departed spirits will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them; You have wiped out all memory of them. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 1:11 | There is no remembrance of those who came before, and those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow after. |
| 3 | Psalms 6:5 | For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol? |
| 4 | Psalms 88:10–12 | Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon ? Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion? |
| 5 | Hebrews 9:27 | Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, |
| 6 | Job 14:21 | If his sons receive honor, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he is unaware. |
| 7 | Psalms 109:15 | May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 2:16 | For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 8:10 | Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile. |
| 10 | Isaiah 63:16 | Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. |
Ecclesiastes 9:5 Summary
[This verse is saying that people who are alive know that they will die one day, but people who are dead are not aware of anything that is happening, as it says in Ecclesiastes 9:5. This is a reminder to make the most of the time we have, and to live our lives in a way that honors God, as seen in Psalm 90:12. We can take comfort in the fact that God is always with us, and that He has a plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By living our lives with purpose and intention, we can make a lasting impact that will outlive us, and bring glory to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the dead know nothing in Ecclesiastes 9:5?
This verse means that those who have passed away are no longer conscious or aware of what is happening in the world, as stated in Ecclesiastes 9:5, and it is reinforced by other scriptures such as Psalm 146:4, which says that when we die, our thoughts perish.
Is Ecclesiastes 9:5 saying that there is no afterlife?
No, Ecclesiastes 9:5 is not denying the existence of an afterlife, but rather emphasizing the reality of death and its consequences in this life, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:19-20, and the hope of eternal life is found in other scriptures such as John 11:25-26.
Why does the verse say that the memory of the dead is forgotten?
The verse is highlighting the fact that even the memory of those who have died can fade away over time, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:5, but this is not the case for those who have a personal relationship with God, as their legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew them, as seen in Proverbs 10:7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of heaven and hell?
While Ecclesiastes 9:5 does not directly address the concept of heaven and hell, it does emphasize the importance of living a life that honors God, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46, and the hope of eternal life is found in other scriptures such as Revelation 21:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can make the most of the time I have on this earth, knowing that my life is limited?
- How can I ensure that my legacy is one that honors God, even after I am gone?
- What are some things that I can do to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the life I have been given?
- How can I use the reality of death to motivate me to live a life that is pleasing to God?
- What are some ways that I can comfort those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, in light of Ecclesiastes 9:5?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:5
For the living know that they shall die,.... Death is certain, it is the demerit of sin, the appointment of God and the time of it is fixed; it may be known that it will be, from the word of God that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:5
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
The living know that they shall die; whereby they are taught to improve life, whilst they have it, to their greatest comfort and advantage. The dead know not anything, to wit, of the actions and events in this world, as this is limited in the end of the next verse. Compare . A reward; the reward or fruit of their labours in this world, which is utterly lost as to them, and enjoyed by others. See . For otherwise, that there are future rewards after death, is asserted by Solomon elsewhere, as we have seen, and shall hereafter see. Is forgotten, to wit, amongst living men, and even in those places where they had lived in great power and glory; as was noted, .
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
Ecclesiastes 9:5 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.Ver. 5. For the living know that they shall die.] Hence that proverb among us, As sure as death. Howbeit, that they think little of it to any good purpose, appears by that other proverb, I thought no more of it than of my dying day. But the dead know not anything.] So it seemeth to those atheists that deny the immortality of the soul. But they shall know at death that there is another life beyond this, wherein the righteous shall be "comforted," and their knowledge perfected, but the wicked "tormented"; and with nothing more than to know that such and such poor souls as they would have disdained to have "set with the dogs of their flocks." are now "sitting down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God, and themselves thrust out into utter darkness," in tenebras ex tenebris infeliciter exclusi, infelicius excludendi, Neither have they any more a reward.] What! not a "reward for the righteous?" Not a "certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation which shall devour evildoers?" That were strange. But wicked men would fain persuade themselves so: Ut liberius peccent, libenter ignorant, - "Of these things they are willingly ignorant." For the memory of them is forgotten.] This is true in part, but not altogether. Joseph was forgotten in Egypt, Gideon in Israel. Joash remembered not the kindness which Jehoiadah had done to him, but slew his son. Nevertheless the "foundation of God stands firm, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his"; and there is "a book of remembrance written before him for them that fear the Lord"; their "names are written in heaven," and "the memory of the just is blessed." Augustine. Bernard.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
Verse 5. The living know that they shall die] This is so self-evident that none can doubt it; and therefore all that have this conviction should prepare for death and eternal blessedness. But the dead know not any thing] Cut off from life, they know nothing of what passes under the sun. Their day of probation is ended, and therefore they can have no farther reward in living a holy life; nor can they be liable to any farther punishment for crimes in a state of probation, that being ended.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:5
5. For the living know that they shall die] The writer in one of the strange paradoxes of the mood of pessimism finds that though life is vanity, it is yet better than the death which he looks upon as its only outcome. There is a greatness in the very consciousness of the coming doom. Man, knowing he must perish and lamenting over his fate, is nobler than those that are already numbered with the dead. There is a pride even in the cry with which those who enter on the arena as doomed to death greet the sovereign Power that dooms them: “Ave, Cæsar; morituri te salutamus.”“Hail to thee Cæsar, hail! on our way to our death-doom we greet thee.”They were nobler then than when their bleeding and mangled car-cases on the arena were all that was left of them. neither have they any more a reward] The words exclude the thought (in the then phase of the Debater’s feeling) of reward in a life after death, but the primary meaning of the word is that of “hire” and “wages” (Genesis 30:28; Exodus 2:9), and the idea conveyed is that the dead no longer find, as on earth, that which rewards their labour. There is no longer even death to look forward to as the wages of his life. So we have in Shakespeare: “Thou thy worldly task hast done,Home art gone and ta’en thy wages.”Cymbeline, Act iv., Sc. 2. for the memory of them is forgotten] The Hebrew gives an assonance between “reward” (sheker) and “memory” (zeker), which it is hard to reproduce in English. “Reward” and “record” suggest themselves as the nearest approximation. For the thought see note on ch. Ecclesiastes 1:11. Even the immortality of living in the memory of others, which modern thinkers have substituted for the Christian hope, is denied to the vast majority of mankind.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 9:5
See Ecclesiastes 8:12, note; Ecclesiastes 8:14, note. The living are conscious that there is a future before them: but the dead are unconscious; they earn nothing, receive nothing, even the memory of
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:5
5. The living… the dead — The idea is, that though the living know that they must die, yet this very consciousness, acting in other directions, enables them to enjoy some pleasures.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:5
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(Through the Bible) Ecclesiastes 7-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God in one's youth. He highlights that most conversions to Jesus Christ happen during the teenage years and en |
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The Times of the World. 3:1-22 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and the inscrutable ways of God's eternal purpose. He contemplates the limited understandi |
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Under the Sun by W.J. Erdman | W.J. Erdman preaches on the perspective of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the focus on earthly life 'under the sun' and the natural man's absorption with present labor a |
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The Glorious Restoration of Israel by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches about the remarkable event of the partial restoration of the nation Israel to their ancient land in the twentieth century, signaling the fulfillment of Go |
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Books Which Will Never Die by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot discusses the enduring impact of certain books that contain the seeds of self-renewing life, contrasting them with the vast majority that fade into obscurity. He highl |
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Studies in 2 Timothy-01 2 Timothy-1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the progression of the Christian life using three illustrations: the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer. He emphasizes the need for believ |
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John 1:49-2:4 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delves into the importance of understanding the depth of the Divine Scriptures through careful study and prayer. He contrasts the confessions of Peter and Nathanael |