FocusHuman life beyond human control
Connection to the wholeThe reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
interpretation Ecclesiastes 6:10
KJVThat 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.
Read it in context
The Futility of Life
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 6:1 (Ecclesiastes 6:1 to Ecclesiastes 6:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
- 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
- 6:2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
- 6:3 If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.
- 6:4 For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
- 6:5 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
- 6:6 Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
- 6:7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
- 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
- 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
- 6:10 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.
- 6:11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
- 6:12 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?
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional identification of the Preacher. The speaker is described as a son of David and king in Jerusalem, but the personal identification is debated. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 1:1; Ecclesiastes 1:12. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ecclesiastes 1:1–11:10): The Preacher reflects before his hearers on work, pleasure, injustice, mortality, and wisdom. Many observations describe human experience generally rather than a single event with a fixed audience. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? People seeking wisdom about work, mortality, and the fear of God; the closing instruction addresses a son or pupil. The first specific community is unknown. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 12:9; Ecclesiastes 12:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Futility of Life. Read Ecclesiastes 6:1 through Ecclesiastes 6:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Preacher reflects on experience and human life without supplying a modern composition date. Identifying the speaker and dating the final book involve questions beyond a single proverb. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The speaker identifies a royal setting in Jerusalem, while the observations range broadly over life under the sun. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Futility of Life (Ecclesiastes 6:1 to Ecclesiastes 6:12). Start reading at Ecclesiastes 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The book's concern with mortality and judgment can be read alongside the New Testament's teaching about resurrection and accountability through Christ. This is a canonical connection, not a claim that each reflection explicitly names Him. See Ecclesiastes 1:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Acts 17:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Receive ordinary life with gratitude, act responsibly amid uncertainty, and remember accountability to God. Read bleak observations within the book's larger inquiry and conclusion. interpretation
Cited: Ecclesiastes 6:1, Ecclesiastes 6:12, Ecclesiastes 1:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Acts 17:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecclesiastes 1:1Ecclesiastes 1:12
Early traditionTradition identifies the Preacher as Solomon.
What is debatedThe name Solomon never appears. Some scholars date the language later, though this is debated.
Related passages
- which Eccl 1:9-11 Eccl 3:15
- and it Gen 3:9,17-19 Job 14:1-4 Ps 39:6 Ps 82:6-7 Ps 103:15
- neither Job 9:3-4,32 Job 33:13 Job 40:2 Isa 45:9-10 Jer 49:19 Rom 9:19-20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes 6
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Ecclesiastes 1:1 Ecclesiastes 1:12 Ecclesiastes 12:13
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion.
Ecclesiastes 1:1 Ecclesiastes 1:12 Ecclesiastes 12:13
The search for lasting gain
Ecclesiastes 1:1–2:26FocusWisdom, pleasure, work, and mortality
Connection to the wholeThe opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
interpretation FocusHuman life beyond human control
Connection to the wholeThe reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
interpretation Wisdom amid uncertainty
Ecclesiastes 7:1–11:6FocusMeasured conduct and unknown outcomes
Connection to the wholeThe sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
interpretation Remember the Creator and hear the conclusion
Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14FocusYouth, aging, and accountability
Connection to the wholeThe closing appeal and conclusion direct the reader toward remembering the Creator, fearing God, keeping His commandments, and facing judgment.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.