Ecclesiastes 9:10

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Whatever task comes your way to do, do it with all your strength; because in Sh'ol, where you will go, there is neither working nor planning, neither knowledge nor wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible:

Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

American Standard Version:

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Whatsoever thy hand^{H3027} findeth^{H4672} to do^{H6213}, do^{H6213} it with thy might^{H3581}; for there is no work^{H4639}, nor device^{H2808}, nor knowledge^{H1847}, nor wisdom^{H2451}, in the grave^{H7585}, whither thou goest^{H1980}.

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Commentary for Ecclesiastes 9:10

Ecclesiastes 9:10 is a verse from the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Bible, attributed to Solomon, the King of Israel, who is traditionally believed to have written the book in the 10th century BCE. The verse reflects the broader themes of Ecclesiastes, which contemplates the meaning of life, the inevitability of death, and the pursuit of wisdom and understanding in a seemingly futile world.

The verse itself, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest," emphasizes the importance of diligence and commitment in one's endeavors. It suggests that since death renders all human pursuits obsolete, one should engage wholeheartedly in the tasks of life while there is still opportunity. The historical context of this teaching is rooted in an agrarian society where daily work was essential for survival, and wisdom was sought as a means to navigate life's complexities.

In this verse, the Teacher of Ecclesiastes advises that since there is no activity, planning, knowledge, or wisdom after death, it is imperative to live fully and energetically in the present. This call to action is not a hedonistic endorsement but rather a pragmatic approach to life, urging a carpe diem attitude without neglecting the moral and ethical considerations of one's actions. It speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of it while acknowledging the ultimate end that awaits all human beings. The verse underscores the value of hard work and the pursuit of meaningful activities as a way to find purpose within the finite span of human existence.

*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: H3027
   There are 1447 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָד
   Transliteration: yâd
   Pronunciation: yawd
   Description: a primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4672
   There are 425 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָצָא
   Transliteration: mâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3581
   There are 121 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֹּחַ
   Transliteration: kôach
   Pronunciation: ko'-akh
   Description: or (Daniel 11:6) כּוֹחַ; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its hardiness) a large lizard; ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4639
   There are 221 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַעֲשֶׂה
   Transliteration: maʻăseh
   Pronunciation: mah-as-eh'
   Description: from עָשָׂה; an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property; act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought.
   
6. Strong's Number: H2808
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֶשְׁבּוֹן
   Transliteration: cheshbôwn
   Pronunciation: khesh-bone'
   Description: from חָשַׁב; properly, contrivance; by implication, intelligence; account, device, reason.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1847
   There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דַּעַת
   Transliteration: daʻath
   Pronunciation: dah'-ath
   Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly).
   
8. Strong's Number: H2451
   There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חׇכְמָה
   Transliteration: chokmâh
   Pronunciation: khok-maw'
   Description: from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
   
9. Strong's Number: H7585
   There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׁאוֹל
   Transliteration: shᵉʼôwl
   Pronunciation: sheh-ole'
   Description: or שְׁאֹל; from שָׁאַל; Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates; grave, hell, pit.
   
10. Strong's Number: H1980
    There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: הָלַךְ
    Transliteration: hâlak
    Pronunciation: haw-lak'
    Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl.