Ecclesiastes 11:6

KJV

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both [shall be] alike good.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the morning {H1242} sow {H2232} thy seed {H2233}, and in the evening {H6153} withhold {H3240} not thine hand {H3027}: for thou knowest {H3045} not whether {H335} shall prosper {H3787}, either this or that, or whether they both {H8147} shall be alike {H259} good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the morning, sow your seed; and don't slack off until evening; for you don't know which sowing will succeed, this, or that, or if both will do well.

Berean Standard Bible

Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper.

American Standard Version

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 11:6 delivers a profound and practical exhortation to consistent diligence and proactive engagement in all of life's endeavors, irrespective of immediate perceived outcomes or the timing of one's labor. It challenges the reader to act with unwavering commitment, likening human effort to a farmer's persistent sowing, while simultaneously acknowledging humanity's inherent inability to predict the precise success or failure of any single undertaking. This verse encapsulates a core message of the Preacher: to live faithfully, industriously, and with a spirit of generous risk-taking in the face of life's inherent uncertainties, trusting that sustained exertion will ultimately yield some measure of good, even if the specific source of prosperity remains a mystery.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 11:6 is strategically positioned within the concluding section of Koheleth's discourse (chapters 11-12), marking a shift from philosophical contemplation on life's "vanity" (Hebrew: *hebel*) to offering concrete, actionable wisdom for living purposefully and joyfully "under the sun." It immediately follows the challenging call to generosity and diversified risk-taking, exemplified by the enigmatic command to "cast your bread upon the waters" in [Ecclesiastes 11:1-2](/ecclesiastes/11-1-2 "Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 - Generosity and Diversified Risk"), and the acknowledgment of life's profound unpredictability, as seen in the inability to comprehend the path of the wind or the formation of bones in the womb ([Ecclesiastes 11:4-5](/ecclesiastes/11-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 11:4-5 - The Unpredictability of Life and Divine Mystery")). Verse 6 applies these principles directly to the realm of daily labor and personal initiative, serving as a practical imperative to embrace consistent effort and broad engagement. It balances the book's earlier contemplative and sometimes melancholic tone with a robust call to proactive, unceasing engagement, even when the results are beyond human foresight or control.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vivid imagery of "sowing seed in the morning" and "not withholding the hand in the evening" is deeply rooted in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. Agriculture was the bedrock of their economy and sustenance, making the farmer's experience a readily understood metaphor for life itself. Farmers understood that the success of a harvest was contingent upon numerous factors beyond human control, such as timely rainfall, soil quality, and protection from pests or drought. To mitigate risk, it was common practice to sow at different times (e.g., early and late seasons) and in different fields, recognizing that not every seed would germinate or yield a full harvest. This agricultural reality thus speaks directly to the daily realities, economic uncertainties, and common wisdom of the original audience. The wisdom tradition, within which Ecclesiastes is situated, frequently drew upon such universal life experiences and natural phenomena to convey profound truths about human effort, divine sovereignty, and the unpredictable nature of outcomes in a world governed by God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Ecclesiastes. It underscores the theme of **Diligence and Perseverance**, urging continuous, indefatigable effort without cessation, echoing the earlier emphasis on enjoying one's labor as a gift from God ([Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoying Labor as a Gift from God")). Crucially, it highlights the theme of **Embracing Uncertainty and Human Ignorance**, a recurring motif throughout the book, particularly in light of humanity's limited knowledge and control over future events ([Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance Happen to All")). The command to "sow" at all times, without knowing the precise outcome, reinforces the call to **Proactive Living** and responsible stewardship, contrasting sharply with the futility of idleness or paralysis by overthinking. Implicitly, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as the ultimate "prospering" of one's efforts rests not with human wisdom or toil alone, but with God's mysterious and unpredictable work "under the sun," a concept explored extensively in [Ecclesiastes 3](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time for Everything").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From H1239, properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning. In this context, "morning" symbolizes the beginning of a task, the fresh opportunity, or the early stages of an endeavor. It denotes promptness and the initiation of effort.
* **sow (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** A primitive root (H2232) meaning to scatter seed; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify. Here, it refers to the act of initiating effort, undertaking a task, or investing resources. The agricultural imagery extends to any form of productive labor, outreach, or endeavor.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** A primitive word (H3027) referring to the open hand, often indicating power, means, or agency. To "withhold not thine hand" signifies not holding back one's effort, labor, or resources. It emphasizes continuous, unrestrained exertion, implying that one should not cease from diligent work throughout the day.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _kâshêr'_):** A primitive root (H3787) properly meaning to be straight or right; by implication, to be acceptable; also to succeed or prosper. It conveys the idea of an endeavor turning out well, being advantageous, or achieving a favorable outcome. The verse highlights the human inability to predict *which* specific efforts will "prosper" or be successful.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2895, good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well). Here, it refers to the positive or beneficial outcome of one's efforts, emphasizing that the results, whether from one venture or another, or both combined, may prove equally favorable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the morning sow thy seed":** This clause issues a direct command for proactive and diligent engagement at the earliest opportunity. "Morning" signifies the commencement of the day, symbolizing fresh opportunities, renewed energy, and the imperative to initiate tasks without procrastination. It implies a readiness to engage in one's responsibilities, ventures, or acts of service promptly and with commitment.
* **"and in the evening withhold not thine hand":** This clause extends the command for diligence throughout the entire span of the day, from its beginning to its close. "Evening" represents the end of the working day, suggesting that effort should be sustained and continuous, without ceasing or becoming idle. "Withhold not thine hand" reinforces the idea of persistent labor, not holding back one's strength, resources, or commitment, even when tired, uncertain, or when immediate results are not apparent. It emphasizes a complete dedication to the task at hand.
* **"for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both [shall be] alike good":** This final clause provides the fundamental rationale for the preceding commands, highlighting humanity's inherent ignorance regarding the ultimate outcome of its efforts. "Thou knowest not" underscores the profound uncertainty of life and the limitations of human foresight. "Either this or that" refers to the various individual endeavors, implying that success might come from an unexpected source, or from a particular effort that seemed less promising. "Alike good" suggests that both the "morning" and "evening" efforts, or diverse ventures undertaken, might yield positive results, or that the overall quality of their combined outcome might be equally beneficial, even if the specific path to success is unclear. This emphasizes the wisdom of broad, consistent, and diversified effort rather than narrow, speculative, or overly cautious investment.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 11:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to articulate its profound message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the agricultural act of "sowing seed" serves as a rich and pervasive symbol for all human endeavors, efforts, and investments—whether in business, relationships, education, or spiritual pursuits. Just as a farmer scatters physical seeds, so too does a person "plant" their time, energy, and resources into various aspects of life, hoping for a beneficial return. **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of the command ("In the morning sow... and in the evening withhold not...") and the subsequent explanation of uncertainty ("either this or that, or whether they both [shall be] alike good"), reinforcing the call for continuous, diversified effort. The verse also utilizes **Didactic Instruction**, directly commanding the reader to act ("sow," "withhold not") and then immediately providing the logical reason for such action ("for thou knowest not"), which is characteristic of biblical wisdom literature. Finally, a subtle yet profound **Irony** underpins the verse: precisely because we do not know which specific efforts will succeed, we are compelled to be diligent in *all* of them, thereby transforming uncertainty from a potential cause for paralysis into a powerful catalyst for persistent, diversified action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 11:6 profoundly articulates the biblical tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. It issues a robust call for diligent human effort, recognizing that God has ordained work as a good gift and a means of stewardship, and that humans are called to be active participants in His world. Yet, it simultaneously humbles humanity by reminding us that the ultimate "prospering" or fruitfulness of our labor is not within our control, but rests in the mysterious hands of God. This perspective encourages a life of active faith, where one works diligently as if everything depends on them, while simultaneously praying and trusting as if everything depends on God. It underscores that our calling is faithfulness in effort and process, not guaranteed success or predictable outcomes, and that God's wisdom often works through unexpected channels and timings. This verse challenges us to release our need for certain, quantifiable outcomes and instead embrace the journey of consistent, faithful sowing, knowing that God will bring forth fruit according to His perfect will and timing, often in ways we cannot foresee.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase")
* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Weary in Well Doing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 11:6 offers timeless and transformative counsel for navigating a world brimming with both boundless opportunity and inherent uncertainty. It calls us away from the pitfalls of procrastination, idleness, and paralysis by analysis, urging us instead to engage actively and consistently in every sphere of life. Whether in our professional careers, personal relationships, spiritual disciplines, acts of community service, or evangelistic endeavors, the principle remains steadfast: sow diligently, without holding back. This means investing our time, energy, talents, and resources generously and consistently, even when the immediate returns are unclear, the path ahead seems murky, or the effort appears small. It teaches us to embrace the mystery of outcomes, trusting profoundly that God can bring forth good, often in surprising ways, from any honest and faithful effort, regardless of our limited ability to predict the specific fruit. This verse liberates us from the crushing burden of guaranteed success, shifting our focus to faithful obedience and persistent action. It reminds us that our primary responsibility is to sow the seed, and God's is to cause the growth and bring forth the harvest. True prosperity, it suggests, is often found in the long-term accumulation of small, consistent acts of diligence and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently "withholding your hand" or hesitating to sow due to fear of uncertainty, past failures, or a lack of immediate, visible results?**
* **How can you intentionally apply the principle of "sowing in the morning and evening" to cultivate deeper spiritual growth, strengthen your relationships, or enhance your impact in your community?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to trust God with the "prosper" aspect of your efforts, releasing your need to control or perfectly foresee the outcomes?**
* **Consider a seemingly small or insignificant task or act of kindness you could undertake today. How might a consistent, diligent approach to such acts contribute to a greater, unforeseen "good" over time?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 11:6 encourage reckless risk-taking or blind optimism in one's endeavors?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 11:6 does not advocate for reckless risk-taking or blind optimism. Instead, it promotes diligent and consistent effort in the face of *inherent* uncertainty, which is a fundamental reality of life "under the sun," a theme Koheleth frequently emphasizes. The "sowing" implies intentional, purposeful action, not haphazard or foolish ventures. The wisdom here lies in understanding that even well-considered efforts may have unpredictable outcomes, and therefore, one should not be paralyzed by the unknown but rather persist in productive labor. It's about wise stewardship of time and resources, recognizing that ultimate success is not solely dependent on human foresight but also on divine providence. The Preacher consistently advocates for wisdom and prudence throughout [the book of Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes "The Book of Ecclesiastes"), not recklessness.

**What does "whether they both [shall be] alike good" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the profound unpredictability of which specific efforts will yield positive results, or whether all efforts, taken together, will ultimately prove beneficial. "Alike good" suggests that the "morning" sowing and the "evening" sowing, or different ventures undertaken, might both turn out well, or their combined effect might be equally advantageous and beneficial. It underscores that the *source* or *specific channel* of success is often hidden from us. We cannot pinpoint which particular seed will sprout most vigorously or which specific endeavor will yield the greatest return, but the overall outcome of consistent, diversified effort is what truly matters. It encourages a broad, persistent approach to life, trusting that good will come from the sum of one's labors, even if the individual contributions are not fully discernible or predictable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 11:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of diligent sowing in the face of uncertain earthly outcomes, all for the sake of a greater, eternal harvest. Jesus Himself spoke extensively in parables of sowing, such as the [Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13](/matthew/13-1-23 "Matthew 13:1-23 - The Parable of the Sower"), where the sower casts seed indiscriminately, knowing that not all will bear fruit, yet persisting in the vital act of sowing the Word of God. Christ's entire earthly ministry was an act of "sowing seed"—proclaiming the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, teaching the multitudes, and ultimately, giving His life on the cross. He "withheld not His hand" from the ultimate sacrifice, enduring the cross for the joy that was set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), even though the immediate outcome was suffering and death. He knew the ultimate "prospering" would be the salvation of humanity, His glorious resurrection, and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. For believers today, this verse calls us to participate in the ongoing work of the Kingdom, sowing seeds of truth, love, and service in a world that desperately needs the Gospel. We are to do so not knowing precisely which efforts will yield visible fruit, but trusting implicitly in the Lord of the Harvest ([Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful")). Our diligence in ministry and daily life is an act of faith in Christ's finished work and His promised return, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfast in the Work of the Lord")). We sow in hope, confident that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - Confidence in God's Work")).

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

2 Corinthians 9:10

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Isaiah 55:10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Haggai 1:6

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put it] into a bag with holes.

Haggai 1:11

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon [that] which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

Hosea 10:12

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

2 Corinthians 9:6

¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.