As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
As thou knowest {H3045} not what is the way {H1870} of the spirit {H7307}, nor how the bones {H6106} do grow in the womb {H990} of her that is with child {H4392}: even so thou knowest {H3045} not the works {H4639} of God {H430} who maketh {H6213} all.
Just as you don't know the way of the wind or how bones grow in a pregnant woman's womb, so you don't know the work of God, the maker of everything.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all.
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John 3:8
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. -
Psalms 92:5
O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep. -
Ecclesiastes 8:17
Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it]. -
Romans 11:33
¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out! -
Isaiah 40:28
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. -
Psalms 139:13
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. -
Psalms 139:16
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 offers profound wisdom about the limits of human understanding concerning God's intricate workings in the world. The verse draws a parallel between our inability to comprehend natural, hidden processes and our even greater inability to fully grasp the grand designs of the Almighty Creator.
Context
This verse is part of a larger section in Ecclesiastes (chapters 11-12) where the Preacher, or Qoheleth, shifts from the vanity of life's pursuits to practical advice for living wisely under the sun. Having explored the uncertainties and futility of much human endeavor, Qoheleth encourages diligent action and enjoyment of life's blessings, but always with an acknowledgement of divine sovereignty and the ultimate judgment of God. Ecclesiastes 11:5 follows advice to sow generously and widely (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2), emphasizing that one cannot predict outcomes, much like one cannot know the future or control the wind.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "spirit" in this verse is ruach (רוּחַ), which can mean wind, breath, or spirit. In the context of "the way of the spirit," it likely refers to the mysterious, unseen movement of the wind, which is unpredictable and beyond human control, much like the Spirit of God (John 3:8). The phrase "how the bones do grow in the womb" points to the intricate and miraculous process of fetal development, an undeniable work of creation (Psalm 139:13-16).
Practical Application
Ecclesiastes 11:5 encourages believers to embrace a posture of faith and humility. Since we cannot fully understand God's purposes or control the future, we are called to:
In essence, Ecclesiastes 11:5 teaches us that while we are to live wisely and work diligently, we must always acknowledge and submit to the magnificent and often mysterious "works of God who maketh all."