Ecclesiastes 12:5

KJV

Also [when] they shall be afraid of [that which is] high, and fears [shall be] in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

KJV (with Strong's)

Also when they shall be afraid {H3372} of that which is high {H1364}, and fears {H2849} shall be in the way {H1870}, and the almond tree {H8247} shall flourish {H5006}, and the grasshopper {H2284} shall be a burden {H5445}, and desire {H35} shall fail {H6565}: because man {H120} goeth {H1980} to his long {H5769} home {H1004}, and the mourners {H5594} go about {H5437} the streets {H7784}:

Complete Jewish Bible

when they will be afraid to go up a hill, and terrors will stalk the way, even though the almond tree is in bloom; when the locust can only drag itself along, and the caper berry has no [aphrodisiac] effect -because the person is headed for his eternal home, and the mourners are already gathering in the marketplace

Berean Standard Bible

when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels— for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.

American Standard Version

yea, they shall be afraid of that which is high, and terrors shall be in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 12:5 is a poignant and metaphor-rich verse within the Preacher's concluding poetic description of old age and the inevitability of death. It vividly portrays the physical and emotional decline that accompanies advanced years, using a series of striking images to illustrate diminishing strength, increasing anxieties, and the fading of life's vitality, all leading inexorably towards humanity's ultimate "long home" in the grave, marked by the presence of mourners.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of an extended allegorical poem found in [Ecclesiastes 12:1-7](/ecclesiastes/12 "Ecclesiastes 12 - Remember Your Creator"). The chapter opens with the crucial admonition to [“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”](/ecclesiastes/12-1 "Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember Your Creator in Youth"), setting the stage for a stark contrast between youthful vitality and the inevitable decline of old age. Verses 2-7 employ a series of vivid, often obscure, metaphors—such as the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars, and the shaking of the keepers of the house—to describe the various aspects of physical decay. Ecclesiastes 12:5 specifically details several poignant signs of aging, emphasizing the loss of physical capability and emotional peace, culminating in the universal destination of death, before the spirit returns to God as stated in [Ecclesiastes 12:7](/ecclesiastes/12-7 "Ecclesiastes 12:7 - The Spirit Returns to God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Ecclesiastes 12:5 reflects the realities of aging in ancient Israel, a time without modern medical advancements, where physical decline was often more pronounced and debilitating. The "long home" is a common euphemism for the grave or the abode of the dead, highlighting the finality of earthly existence. The mention of "mourners" going "about the streets" points to the established funeral customs of the ancient Near East, where professional mourners or grieving family members would publicly lament the deceased, signifying the community's acknowledgment of a death and the transition from life to the grave. This public display underscored the universal and unavoidable nature of death in their society.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 12:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and this concluding chapter. Firstly, it underscores the **inevitability of old age and death**, serving as a graphic reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of earthly life. Secondly, it highlights **human frailty**, depicting how the body weakens, making even simple tasks difficult and everyday life a source of anxiety ("fears shall be in the way"). Thirdly, the phrase "desire shall fail" emphasizes the **fading of earthly desires and vitality**, pointing to the diminishing of physical appetite, passion, and zest for life that often accompanies advanced age, thereby reinforcing Qoheleth's broader message about the emptiness of worldly pursuits "under the sun" (cf. [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")). Finally, the concept of the "long home" and the presence of "mourners" powerfully conveys the **finality of earthly life** and the universal destination of all humanity, urging the reader to consider what lies beyond this temporal existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **home (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word fundamentally means "a house" but carries a wide range of applications, including family, dwelling, or even a palace. In the phrase "long home" (H5769 'ôwlâm, meaning "eternity" or "long duration," combined with H1004), it serves as a profound euphemism for the grave. It signifies the permanent dwelling place of the body after death, emphasizing the finality and enduring nature of this resting place for all humanity.
* **desire (Hebrew, _ʼăbîyôwnâh'_):** From H35, this term specifically refers to the caper berry, known for its stimulative properties and believed to be an aphrodisiac or appetite stimulant. In the context of "desire shall fail," the caper berry becomes a striking symbol for the loss of appetite, vitality, and physical passion that often accompanies old age. Its failure signifies a general decline in the zest for life, physical drive, and perhaps even the capacity for enjoyment.
* **mourners (Hebrew, _çâphad'_):** From H5594, this primitive root means "to tear the hair and beat the breasts" (as Orientals do in grief), and generally "to lament" or "to wail." The participial form "mourners" (H5594) refers to those who publicly express grief and lamentation at a funeral. Their presence "about the streets" vividly depicts the public, communal acknowledgment of death, underscoring the universality of this final human experience and the customary rituals surrounding it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also [when] they shall be afraid of [that which is] high":** This clause vividly describes the physical weakness and increased anxiety that come with advanced age. "That which is high" likely refers to elevated places, such as hills or stairs, which become daunting and fearful to climb due to failing strength, dizziness, poor balance, or general physical frailty. It paints a picture of a body no longer capable of easy ascent.
* **"and fears [shall be] in the way":** This expands on the previous thought, indicating a pervasive sense of apprehension or dread in daily life. "In the way" suggests that even common paths or routine movements become fraught with anxiety, perhaps due to the fear of falling, general physical insecurity, or a growing sense of vulnerability. It speaks to a loss of confidence and peace of mind in one's physical capabilities.
* **"and the almond tree shall flourish":** This is a beautiful and widely recognized metaphor for the white hair of old age. The almond tree is one of the earliest trees to blossom in spring, producing a profusion of striking white flowers. Its flourishing in the early season symbolizes the sudden and undeniable appearance of white or gray hair, a prominent and universal sign of aging.
* **"and the grasshopper shall be a burden":** This clause powerfully conveys extreme physical frailty. The grasshopper, a small and seemingly insignificant insect, is used metaphorically to illustrate that even the slightest weight or effort becomes an unbearable burden to a body shrunken and weakened by age. Alternatively, it can suggest a severe loss of appetite or digestive ability, where even light food becomes difficult to process, or that the shrunken, frail body itself is as light and easily burdened as a grasshopper.
* **"and desire shall fail":** This refers to the diminishing of physical appetite, vitality, and passion. As discussed in the "Key Word Analysis," "desire" (ʼăbîyôwnâh) likely refers to the caper berry, a stimulant. Its failing signifies a general loss of zest for life, physical drive, and the capacity for enjoyment, marking a significant aspect of decline in old age.
* **"because man goeth to his long home":** This is the central declaration and the ultimate reason for the preceding descriptions of decline. "Long home" is a profound euphemism for the grave, emphasizing the final and permanent nature of earthly death. It underscores that all the signs of aging are but preludes to this universal and inevitable destination for every human being.
* **"and the mourners go about the streets":** This final clause vividly depicts the public acknowledgment of death and the customary funeral rites. The "mourners" (professional or otherwise) walking through the streets signify the public procession and lamentation that accompany a burial, serving as a stark and unavoidable reminder of mortality to the community.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 12:5 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**, employing vivid sensory details to paint a picture of aging. The "almond tree shall flourish" is a striking **metaphor** for white hair, while "the grasshopper shall be a burden" serves as a powerful **hyperbole** or **metaphor** for extreme physical weakness. The entire passage (Ecclesiastes 12:2-7) functions as an extended **allegory** for the aging process, where various physical and emotional declines are represented by distinct, often enigmatic, images. The phrase "long home" is a classic **euphemism** for the grave, softening the harsh reality of death while clearly conveying its finality. The cumulative effect of these images creates a sense of the inexorable march of time and the universal experience of decline, leading to death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 12:5, in its stark portrayal of human frailty and mortality, serves as a profound theological statement on the brevity and impermanence of earthly life. It reminds us that our physical bodies are temporal and subject to decay, ultimately returning to dust. This reality is not presented as a cause for despair, but rather as a foundational truth that should reorient our priorities. The Preacher's message, culminating in this chapter, is that since all earthly pursuits and physical strengths are fleeting, true wisdom lies in recognizing God's sovereignty over life and death, and in fearing Him and keeping His commandments. The verse implicitly challenges us to consider our eternal destiny and to live with an awareness that our "long home" is not the end of the story, but a transition that points to a greater reality beyond this life.

* [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life as a Vapor")
* [Job 30:23](/job/30-23 "Job 30:23 - Appointed to Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 12:5 offers a sobering yet deeply meaningful reflection on the human condition. It functions as a powerful *memento mori*, a reminder of our mortality, urging us to confront the reality of aging and death not with fear, but with wisdom. This understanding should prompt a re-evaluation of our priorities, shifting our focus from the transient to the eternal. Recognizing that our physical strength and earthly desires will inevitably wane should motivate us to invest our time, energy, and resources into what truly lasts: our relationship with God and our service to others. The call to "remember your Creator" in [Ecclesiastes 12:1](/ecclesiastes/12-1 "Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember Your Creator in Youth") gains profound urgency when viewed through the lens of this verse's vivid depiction of decline. Furthermore, the detailed portrayal of the challenges faced by the elderly should cultivate deep empathy and compassion within us, inspiring us to honor, care for, and support those in their later years, recognizing their inherent dignity and worth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Ecclesiastes 12:5 challenge your perspective on aging and mortality?**
* **In what ways are you "remembering your Creator" in the prime of your life, as encouraged by this chapter?**
* **What practical steps can you take today to live with greater intentionality, recognizing the brevity of life and the ultimate "long home"?**

### FAQ
**What is the "long home" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "long home" is a poetic and tender euphemism for the grave or the abode of the dead. It emphasizes the final and permanent nature of earthly death for all humanity, signifying the ultimate resting place of the body. While the body goes to its "long home," the spirit returns to God who gave it, as stated in [Ecclesiastes 12:7](/ecclesiastes/12-7 "Ecclesiastes 12:7 - The Spirit Returns to God").

**How does "the almond tree shall flourish" relate to old age?**

Answer: The almond tree is one of the earliest trees to blossom in spring, producing abundant white flowers. This vivid imagery is a beautiful and widely understood **metaphor** for the white hair that accompanies advanced old age, symbolizing one of the most visible and universal signs of physical decline and the passage of time.

**What does "the grasshopper shall be a burden" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful **metaphor** for extreme physical weakness and frailty in old age. It suggests that even something as light and seemingly insignificant as a grasshopper becomes a heavy burden to a body shrunken and weakened by age. It can also imply a severe loss of appetite or digestive capacity, where even light food becomes difficult to process, or that the aged body itself becomes so frail it is likened to a grasshopper, easily burdened.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ecclesiastes 12:5 starkly portrays humanity's inevitable decline and descent to the "long home" of the grave, the New Testament reveals how Jesus Christ utterly transforms this grim reality. He Himself entered the "long home" through His death on the cross and burial, yet He did not remain there. His glorious resurrection from the dead, as proclaimed in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits"), decisively conquered death and the grave, becoming the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." For those who believe in Him, the "long home" is no longer a permanent, fearful destination, but a temporary resting place before the ultimate resurrection to eternal life. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is the true "desire" who never fails; unlike the fading earthly appetites, He offers living water and the bread of life, satisfying the soul's deepest longings eternally ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Through His victory, He has delivered those who were "held in slavery by fear of death" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Delivers from Fear of Death")). Thus, for the believer, the ultimate "long home" is not the earthly grave, but an eternal dwelling with the Lord in the new heavens and new earth, where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")).

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

Job 17:13

If I wait, the grave [is] mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.

Job 30:23

For I know [that] thou wilt bring me [to] death, and [to] the house appointed for all living.

Jeremiah 9:17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come:

Jeremiah 9:20

Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.

Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

Job 15:10

With us [are] both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.