Ecclesiastes 11:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 11:2, delivered by Qoheleth, offers profound wisdom on navigating life's inherent unpredictability through proactive generosity and diversified engagement. It urges individuals to distribute their resources or efforts widely, acknowledging that the future is uncertain and fraught with potential "evil" or misfortune. This verse serves as a call to diligent and benevolent action, encouraging a spirit of preparedness and trust in the face of an unknown tomorrow, rather than succumbing to despair or inaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 9-12) where Qoheleth shifts from a pervasive lament about the futility of life "under the sun" to offering practical, God-honoring wisdom for living meaningfully despite life's uncertainties. It immediately follows the enigmatic counsel in [Ecclesiastes 11:1](/ecclesiastes/11-1 "Ecclesiastes 11:1 - Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters"), "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Together, these verses form a cohesive unit (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6) that encourages diligent, hopeful, and broad-reaching action, even when the outcomes are not immediately apparent or guaranteed. The Preacher's advice here is not a retreat from the world's vanity but a strategic engagement with it, emphasizing that one should seize opportunities and act wisely while life and strength permit, before the inevitable decline of old age and death described in [Ecclesiastes 12](/ecclesiastes/12 "Ecclesiastes 12 - Remember Your Creator").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ecclesiastes, likely written by Solomon or a wisdom teacher in his tradition, reflects the intellectual and philosophical currents of ancient Israelite wisdom literature. The agricultural and mercantile society of the ancient Near East provides a backdrop for the metaphors used. "Casting bread upon the waters" could metaphorically refer to maritime trade ventures, where goods are sent out with an uncertain return, or literally to methods of planting rice or seeds in flooded fields. The concept of "evil" (Hebrew: *ra'*) in this context primarily denotes misfortune, calamity, or adversity, rather than moral wickedness. Life in ancient times was inherently precarious, subject to natural disasters, famine, disease, and political upheaval, making the counsel for broad distribution of resources a practical strategy for survival and resilience in a world without modern social safety nets.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 11:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Uncertainty and the Unpredictability of Life**, a recurring motif throughout Qoheleth's reflections on life "under the sun." The phrase "thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth" powerfully encapsulates this human limitation, echoing sentiments found in [Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance Happen to All"). Secondly, it champions **Proactive Wisdom and Prudence**, urging individuals not to be paralyzed by uncertainty but to act wisely and diligently, preparing for potential future hardships. This is a practical application of wisdom, contrasting with the folly of idleness or short-sightedness. Finally, the verse promotes **Generosity and Diversification**, suggesting a liberal and broad approach to the use of one's resources, whether in acts of charity or in strategic investments. This theme aligns with broader biblical principles of stewardship and communal responsibility, as seen in the wisdom of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root is exceptionally broad in its application, meaning "to give" but also encompassing "to put, make, apply, appoint, assign, bestow," and many more. In Ecclesiastes 11:2, it carries the sense of actively bestowing or distributing a "portion," implying intentional and deliberate action rather than passive observation. The emphasis is on the proactive act of sharing or investing.
* **portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** From H2506, this word denotes "an allotment," "part," or "inheritance." It suggests a specific share or division of something, whether it be resources, wealth, or even effort. In this context, it refers to a discrete unit that is to be distributed widely, reinforcing the idea of dividing one's assets or benevolence into multiple segments rather than concentrating them.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term can mean "bad" or "evil" in both natural and moral senses. Here, it primarily refers to "adversity, affliction, calamity, distress, harm," or "mischief." It speaks to the unforeseen misfortunes, hardships, or disasters that can befall humanity, underscoring the unpredictable and often harsh realities of life on earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give a portion to seven, and also to eight":** This clause employs a common Hebrew numerical idiom (X, and also X+1), which signifies an indefinite large number, completeness, or abundance. It does not mean literally seven or eight people/ventures, but rather "to many," "to a great number," or "to all." The counsel is to be exceedingly generous, distributing one's resources, efforts, or investments widely and broadly. This suggests a strategy of diversification, not putting all one's "eggs in one basket," whether in terms of charity, business ventures, or even relationships, to mitigate risk and maximize impact.
* **"for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth":** This second clause provides the crucial motivation for the preceding command. The "evil" (Hebrew: *ra'*) refers to calamity, misfortune, or adversity. The Preacher asserts humanity's fundamental ignorance regarding future hardships. Life is unpredictable; unforeseen disasters, economic downturns, personal tragedies, or widespread suffering can strike at any moment. This uncertainty necessitates a proactive, diversified approach to resource management and benevolence, as a safeguard against potential future needs, both one's own and those of others.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Proverbial Wisdom**, encapsulating a timeless piece of practical advice in a concise, memorable form. Its structure is typical of wisdom literature, offering a command followed by a motivating rationale. The phrase "Give a portion to seven, and also to eight" is a classic **Idiom**, a numerical parallelism (X and X+1) common in Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 6:16](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16 - Six Things the Lord Hates")), used to convey the idea of "many" or "an indefinite large number." This idiomatic expression serves as a powerful **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extent of generosity or diversification advocated. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Juxtaposition** between human action (giving/diversifying) and divine sovereignty/human ignorance (not knowing future evil), highlighting the tension between our responsibility to act wisely and our limited control over outcomes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 11:2, while seemingly pragmatic, is deeply rooted in a theological understanding of God's sovereign control over a world marked by both order and unpredictability. Qoheleth's wisdom is not a call to secular risk management but a summons to live faithfully and generously within the parameters of a fallen, uncertain world, acknowledging that ultimate control rests with God. The command to give broadly, motivated by the unknown future, implicitly trusts that such actions are not in vain and that God's providence can work through them, even amidst potential "evil." It challenges a self-centered approach to resources, advocating for a communal and outward-focused mindset, recognizing that true security is found not in hoarding but in wise and open-handed stewardship.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - The Brevity and Uncertainty of Life")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 11:2 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating life with both prudence and generosity. It calls us to live proactively, neither paralyzed by fear of the unknown nor foolishly neglecting future possibilities. In a world that often encourages self-preservation and accumulation, this verse challenges us to adopt a posture of open-handedness, distributing our resources, talents, and kindness widely. This isn't just about financial giving; it extends to investing in diverse relationships, pursuing multiple avenues for personal growth, and contributing to various causes. By doing so, we not only mitigate personal risk but also build resilience within our communities, creating a broader network of support and impact. Ultimately, this wisdom encourages us to act diligently and benevolently, trusting that while we cannot control the future, our faithful actions today are never wasted in God's economy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the call to "give a portion to seven, and also to eight" challenge my current understanding and practice of generosity, particularly in its breadth and scope?**
* **In what specific areas of my life (e.g., finances, relationships, career) do I tend to resist planning or diversifying due to a desire for control, and how might this verse encourage a more proactive, yet trusting, approach?**
* **How does acknowledging the unpredictability of "evil upon the earth" deepen my reliance on God's sovereignty rather than fostering anxiety or despair?**

### FAQ

**What do "seven and eight" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The numbers "seven and eight" are a common Hebrew idiom, not meant to be taken literally. This numerical parallelism (X, and also X+1) is a literary device used to signify an indefinite large number, completeness, or abundance. In this context, it means "to many," "to a great number," or "to everyone." It emphasizes the call for generous, widespread, and diversified giving or investment, rather than limiting one's efforts to just a few avenues.

**Is this verse primarily about financial investment or charity?**

Answer: While the verse can certainly apply to financial prudence and diversification of assets, its primary emphasis, especially in the context of wisdom literature, is broader. It speaks to a general principle of open-handedness and proactive engagement with life. This includes acts of charity and generosity, investing in relationships, spreading one's efforts across various endeavors, or even sharing knowledge and wisdom widely. The motivation—"for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth"—suggests a preparedness for various forms of future "evil" or misfortune, which can be mitigated by broad and generous action in the present. It encompasses both prudent stewardship and benevolent giving.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes often grapples with the "vanity" or futility of life "under the sun" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")). However, starting around chapter 9, Qoheleth shifts towards offering practical wisdom on how to live meaningfully despite life's uncertainties and limitations. Ecclesiastes 11:2 is a prime example of this shift. It acknowledges the unpredictable nature of life ("thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth") but instead of leading to despair, it prompts wise, proactive, and generous action. It's part of the Preacher's concluding counsel to "enjoy life" ([Ecclesiastes 9:9](/ecclesiastes/9-9 "Ecclesiastes 9:9 - Enjoy Life with the Wife You Love")) and "fear God and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear God and Keep His Commandments")) by living diligently and benevolently in the present moment, trusting God with the unknown future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 11:2, with its call to broad generosity and prudent action in the face of an uncertain future, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself is the supreme example of giving "a portion to seven, and also to eight," having poured out His life completely for humanity, not holding back any part of Himself ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of giving, taking upon Himself the "evil" of sin and death that was "upon the earth" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, Christ's teachings consistently emphasize radical generosity and trust in God's provision, urging His followers not to worry about tomorrow but to seek first the Kingdom of God ([Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")). While Qoheleth acknowledges human ignorance of future evil, believers in Christ know that He has overcome the world and its "evil" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). Our security is not in our diversified efforts alone, but in the steadfast love and sovereign power of the One who holds all things together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Head of the Church")). Thus, our generosity and prudent living are not fear-driven attempts to control the future, but Spirit-empowered responses of faith and love, knowing that our ultimate "portion" is found in Christ, who guarantees our eternal inheritance and provides for our needs amidst earthly uncertainties ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 6:16

These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Psalms 112:9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Job 5:19

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Luke 6:30

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again.

Luke 6:35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.