Ecclesiastes 11:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Divide your merchandise into seven or eight shares, since you don't know what disasters may come on the earth.

Berean Standard Bible:

Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.

American Standard Version:

Give a portion to seven, yea, even unto eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Give^{H5414} a portion^{H2506} to seven^{H7651}, and also to eight^{H8083}; for thou knowest^{H3045} not what evil^{H7451} shall be upon the earth^{H776}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Ecclesiastes 11:2

Ecclesiastes 11:2, "Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth," is a verse that reflects the wisdom literature tradition of the Hebrew Bible, which seeks to offer practical advice for living a prudent and reflective life. The book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to Solomon, is known for its philosophical reflections on the meaning of life and the best way to live in a world that often seems unpredictable and transient.

The verse itself encourages diversification and generosity as strategies for managing the uncertainties of life. By giving portions to "seven" and "eight," the author suggests spreading one's resources across multiple ventures or recipients, rather than putting all of one's efforts into a single basket. This approach is both pragmatic and theological, recognizing that the future is unknown and that evil or misfortune can unexpectedly arise. The number seven in Hebrew thought often symbolizes completeness or perfection, while eight can represent that which is beyond the ordinary or expected. Thus, the verse may also imply going beyond conventional expectations in generosity and foresight.

In its historical context, this advice would have resonated with an agrarian society where harvests could be unpredictable and economic stability was never guaranteed. The verse teaches preparedness and wisdom in the face of life's inherent risks, advocating for a balanced approach to living that acknowledges human limitations in foreseeing future calamities. It also reflects a broader theme in Ecclesiastes of embracing life's simple joys and living wisely under the sun, despite the inevitability of death and the unpredictability of life. The counsel to diversify one's investments and charitable actions is timeless, offering wisdom that transcends the ancient context to remain relevant in contemporary discussions about financial planning, risk management, and philanthropy.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2506
   There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֵלֶק
   Transliteration: chêleq
   Pronunciation: khay'lek
   Description: from חָלַק; properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment; flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7651
   There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁבַע
   Transliteration: shebaʻ
   Pronunciation: sheh'-bah
   Description: or (masculine) (שִׁבְעָה); from שָׁבַע; a primitive cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number; ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare שִׁבְעָנָה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H8083
   There are 105 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׁמֹנֶה
   Transliteration: shᵉmôneh
   Pronunciation: shem-o-neh'
   Description: or שְׁמוֹנֶה; feminine שְׁמֹנָה; or שְׁמוֹנָה; apparently from שָׁמֵן through the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth; eight(-een, -eenth), eighth.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3045
   There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָדַע
   Transliteration: yâdaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
   Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); 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.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7451
   There are 623 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רַע
   Transliteration: raʻ
   Pronunciation: rah
   Description: from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).
   
7. Strong's Number: H776
   There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶץ
   Transliteration: ʼerets
   Pronunciation: eh'-rets
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.