Ecclesiastes 11:7

¶ Truly the light [is] sweet, and a pleasant [thing it is] for the eyes to behold the sun:

Truly the light {H216} is sweet {H4966}, and a pleasant {H2896} thing it is for the eyes {H5869} to behold {H7200} the sun {H8121}:

Then the light will be sweet, and it will be a pleasure to see the sun. 1086

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.

Ecclesiastes 11:7 in the King James Version states: "Truly the light [is] sweet, and a pleasant [thing it is] for the eyes to behold the sun:". This verse offers a simple yet profound observation on the inherent goodness and pleasantness of light and the act of seeing the sun.

Context

This verse appears within a section of Ecclesiastes (Chapter 11) that encourages proactive living, taking calculated risks ("Cast thy bread upon the waters"), and enjoying life's gifts while acknowledging uncertainty and the inevitability of death and judgment. Verse 7 serves as a momentary pause, a simple affirmation of the good things in life – the sweetness of light and the pleasure of seeing the sun – before the text shifts in verse 8 to contemplate the many "days of darkness" that are coming.

Key Themes

  • Appreciation of Simple Pleasures: The verse highlights the basic, universal pleasure derived from light and sunshine. It reminds us to appreciate the fundamental gifts of existence that are often taken for granted.
  • Light as a Symbol: Throughout scripture, light is often associated with life, goodness, knowledge, and God's presence (John 1:4, Psalm 27:1). The sweetness of light speaks to the inherent goodness of life itself.
  • Enjoying the Present: In the context of Ecclesiastes, which grapples with the fleeting nature of life, this verse encourages enjoying the present moment and its simple blessings, like the sun's warmth and light, before difficult times arrive.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew words used are straightforward: 'or' for light, 'shemesh' for sun. 'Matowq' means sweet, pleasant, or agreeable, and 'na`im' means pleasant, delightful, lovely. The simple language emphasizes the basic, undeniable nature of this observation – the pleasantness of light is a fundamental human experience.

Significance and Reflection

Ecclesiastes 11:7 offers a poignant reminder to savor the good days and the simple joys they bring. In a book that often reflects on the vanity and struggles of life "under the sun," this verse underscores that even within that reality, there are genuine moments of sweetness and pleasure. It encourages gratitude for the basic blessings – the ability to see, the presence of light – which are fundamental to experiencing the world. It serves as a call to mindfulness, urging us not to let the worries of the future overshadow the enjoyment of the present gifts, while still acknowledging that darker days will come (as stated in the following verse). It's a balanced perspective: appreciate the light while it shines, for darkness is inevitable.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 11:8 (Contrast with coming days of darkness)
  • James 1:17 (Every good gift is from above, including light and life's blessings)
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:11

    ¶ Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance: and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun.

  • Matthew 5:45

    That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

  • Proverbs 15:30

    ¶ The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat.

  • Psalms 84:11

    For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

  • Job 33:30

    To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

  • Proverbs 29:13

    ¶ The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:5

    Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known [any thing]: this hath more rest than the other.

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