Ecclesiastes 8:7

KJV

For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

KJV (with Strong's)

For he knoweth {H3045} not that which shall be: for who can tell {H5046} him when it shall be?

Complete Jewish Bible

by uncertainty over the future; even when the event takes place, who will tell them about it?

Berean Standard Bible

Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?

American Standard Version

for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 8:7 serves as a profound declaration of humanity's inherent and inescapable limitation regarding knowledge of the future. Qoheleth, the Preacher, asserts that individuals are fundamentally ignorant of what events will transpire and, critically, the precise timing of their occurrence. This verse underscores human frailty and the unpredictable nature of existence, emphasizing that the unfolding and timing of future circumstances remain beyond human grasp and comprehension, thereby cultivating a necessary posture of humility in the face of the unknown.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 8:7 is strategically positioned within Qoheleth's ongoing exploration of life's perplexing realities "under the sun," particularly the challenges of discerning divine timing and justice. Immediately preceding this verse, Qoheleth has grappled with the limitations of human power, observing that "no man has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, nor has he power in the day of death" ([Ecclesiastes 8:8](/ecclesiastes/8-8 "Ecclesiastes 8:8 - No Power Over Death")). He also notes the pervasive injustice where "there is a time when one man rules over another to his hurt" ([Ecclesiastes 8:9](/ecclesiastes/8-9 "Ecclesiastes 8:9 - Man's Rule to His Hurt")). In this broader context, verse 7 functions as a foundational premise, reinforcing the theme of human helplessness and limited foresight. It explains *why* humans struggle to understand divine judgment or control their destiny: they simply cannot know what is to come. This truth prepares the reader for Qoheleth's subsequent observations about the ultimate futility of human striving apart from God and the necessity of fearing Him, as seen in the concluding remarks of the book (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Whole Duty of Man")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Qoheleth, traditionally identified with King Solomon, writes from a position of unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and experience, yet consistently highlights the limitations of human endeavor and understanding. The ancient Israelite cultural milieu, while valuing wisdom and foresight, fundamentally recognized the ultimate sovereignty of Yahweh over all aspects of life, including time and destiny. This stood in stark contrast to surrounding pagan cultures, which frequently consulted oracles, diviners, and astrologers in an attempt to predict or manipulate the future. Israelite wisdom literature, especially Ecclesiastes, often critiques such human attempts to penetrate divine mysteries, asserting the futility of relying on human means for ultimate knowledge. Ecclesiastes 8:7 reflects a deeply theological perspective that reserves ultimate knowledge and control of the future for God alone, contrasting with human attempts to control or predict outcomes in a world often characterized by injustice and uncertainty, thereby reinforcing a theology of divine transcendence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the **human ignorance of the future**, a central tenet of Qoheleth's philosophy that repeatedly highlights the vanity of human wisdom when confronted with the unknown. This theme is echoed in passages like [Ecclesiastes 6:12](/ecclesiastes/6-12 "Ecclesiastes 6:12 - No One Knows What is to Come"), where the Preacher laments that "no one knows what is to come after him under the sun." Secondly, it reinforces the **uncertainty and unpredictability of life**, a recurring motif where human endeavors are often rendered ultimately futile "under the sun" because of this inherent unpredictability. Thirdly, while not explicitly stated, the human inability to know the future implicitly points to **divine sovereignty**. Our ignorance highlights God's unique position as the one who holds time and destiny in His hands, a truth that becomes more explicit in passages like [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time for Everything"), which speaks of God's appointed times for all things. Finally, the verse subtly suggests the **futility of excessive worry or anxiety** about what cannot be known or controlled, aligning with Qoheleth's call to enjoy the present gifts of God, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 9:7-9](/ecclesiastes/9-7-9 "Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 - Enjoy Life With Your Wife"), rather than being consumed by the elusive future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to know," encompassing a vast array of meanings from simple observation and recognition to deep comprehension, instruction, and even intimate acquaintance. In Ecclesiastes 8:7, its use in the negative ("knoweth not") emphasizes a definitive and inherent lack of understanding or foresight. It is not merely a lack of information but an incapacity to ascertain or comprehend what lies ahead, highlighting a fundamental human limitation in penetrating the veil of the future. The scope of this "not knowing" is absolute, indicating that humans are congenitally incapable of truly grasping or predicting future events.
* **tell (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to front," implying standing boldly out or manifesting. By implication, it means "to announce" or "to declare," always by word of mouth to one present. It can also mean to expose, predict, or explain. In the rhetorical question "who can tell him when it shall be?", _nâgad_ underscores the absence of any human agent capable of revealing or predicting future events, particularly their timing. It reinforces the idea that such knowledge is beyond human capacity to impart or receive, emphasizing the impenetrable nature of the future from a human perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he knoweth not that which shall be:"** This initial clause asserts a universal human condition: a profound and inherent ignorance regarding future events. The indefinite "he" refers to any individual, emphasizing that this is a limitation common to all humanity, regardless of wisdom, power, or status. The phrase "that which shall be" (מַה שֶּׁיִּהְיֶה, _mah sheyihyeh_) refers to the totality of future occurrences, outcomes, or circumstances. The Preacher declares that humans are fundamentally incapable of comprehending or foreseeing these things, establishing a foundational premise for the subsequent rhetorical question.
* **"for who can tell him when it shall be?"** This is a powerful rhetorical question that reinforces and amplifies the preceding statement, moving beyond merely not knowing *what* will happen to emphasize the even deeper ignorance of *when* it will happen. The question "who can tell him?" implies that no one possesses this ability—no human, no sage, no authority, no diviner. This underscores the absolute unpredictability of the future from a human perspective, highlighting the futility of attempting to discern or control divine timing. The emphasis on "when" highlights that even if one could guess at an event, its precise moment remains a mystery.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 8:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("for who can tell him when it shall be?"), which is not intended to elicit an answer but to make a forceful declaration. By posing a question with an obvious negative answer (no one can tell), Qoheleth powerfully asserts the universal human inability to know the future. This device engages the reader, prompting them to acknowledge this shared limitation and the futility of seeking such knowledge from human sources. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement** or **Litotes** in "he knoweth not," as it subtly implies not just a lack of casual information but a profound, inherent, and unalterable incapacity to grasp the future's unfolding. The verse also exhibits remarkable **Conciseness**, delivering a weighty theological truth in a remarkably brief and impactful manner, making its message memorable and stark. The overall tone contributes to the **Didactic** nature of the book, teaching a fundamental truth about human existence and divine sovereignty, guiding the reader towards a posture of humility and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 8:7 stands as a profound theological statement on the limits of human knowledge and the expansive scope of divine sovereignty. It teaches that the future, in its specifics and timing, is a domain reserved for God alone, a mystery impenetrable to human intellect or foresight. This truth serves to foster genuine humility, reminding humanity of its finite nature and absolute dependence on a transcendent Creator. It directly challenges the human tendency to control, predict, or manipulate destiny, redirecting trust from self-reliance or human wisdom to divine providence. The verse implicitly asserts that while humans can plan and make choices, the ultimate execution, timing, and outcome of all events rest solely in the hands of a higher power, thereby shaping a theology of trust and reliance rather than anxious foresight or presumptuous certainty.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans, God Directs")
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "James 4:13-15 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow")
* [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Matthew 6:34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 8:7 offers a profoundly liberating truth for contemporary life: our inherent inability to know the future should not be a source of anxiety or despair, but rather an invitation to trust and humility. In a world increasingly obsessed with forecasting, strategic planning, and the illusion of control, this verse calls us to release the heavy burden of needing to know what lies ahead. It encourages us to live faithfully and wisely in the present moment, making responsible choices and stewarding our resources, while simultaneously acknowledging that the ultimate outcomes and timings of all things are beyond our human control. This perspective fosters a deeper, more robust reliance on God's providence, allowing us to navigate life's inevitable uncertainties with greater peace and less apprehension. It reminds us that true security is not found in human foresight or meticulous planning, but in the steadfast character and unfailing wisdom of the One who holds all time in His hands. By embracing our limited knowledge, we are freed to focus on our duties and relationships today, trusting God with the unfolding of tomorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging your inherent ignorance of the future impact your daily anxieties and long-term plans?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse encourage a posture of humility and deeper trust in God's sovereign control over your life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the present, rather than being consumed by worries or attempts to control an unknowable future?**
* **How might this verse challenge prevailing cultural norms that emphasize human control, predictability, and self-sufficiency?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 8:7 discourage planning for the future?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 8:7 does not discourage responsible planning for the future. Rather, it contextualizes human planning within the larger framework of divine sovereignty and human limitation. The verse highlights that while we can make plans and set goals, we cannot ultimately control or know the precise timing or outcome of future events. This understanding should lead to humility and a recognition that "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" ([Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Establishes Steps")). It encourages diligent stewardship of the present and wise decision-making, but always with an open hand, acknowledging that the future belongs to God and His purposes.

**If we cannot know the future, why bother seeking God's will or guidance?**

Answer: Our inability to know the future precisely does not negate the importance of seeking God's will; in fact, it underscores it. Since we cannot discern what lies ahead, we are compelled to rely on the One who does. Seeking God's guidance through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and wise counsel from godly mentors is not about gaining predictive knowledge or a detailed itinerary of our lives. Instead, it is about aligning our present actions, attitudes, and desires with His eternal purposes and perfect character. It's about trusting His wisdom to navigate the unknown, knowing that even when we "do not know what tomorrow will bring" ([James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Do Not Know What Tomorrow Will Bring")), He does, and He works all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 8:7, with its stark declaration of human ignorance concerning the future, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While humanity "knoweth not that which shall be," Jesus, as the eternal Son of God, embodies perfect knowledge and ultimate control over all time and destiny. He is the "Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, Alpha and Omega")), holding the very keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death")). Unlike humanity, Christ perfectly knew and perfectly fulfilled the prophecies concerning His first coming, from His birth in Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem Prophecy")) to His atoning death on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Suffering Servant Prophecy")). Furthermore, He speaks with divine authority about future events, including His own glorious return, though He defers the exact timing of that "day and hour" to the Father alone ([Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")). Thus, the human limitation highlighted in Ecclesiastes points powerfully to the divine omniscience and omnipotence perfectly revealed in Christ, who is not only the one who knows "that which shall be" but is also the one who orchestrates and brings it to pass. In Him, the uncertainty of the future for humanity is met with the certainty of God's sovereign plan, offering a secure and living hope in an otherwise unknowable future. Our ultimate hope is not in predicting the future, but in the One who holds the future firmly in His hands.

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

Ecclesiastes 10:14

A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

Matthew 24:50

The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and in an hour that he is not aware of,

Ecclesiastes 9:12

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Proverbs 24:22

For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

Matthew 25:6

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Matthew 25:13

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Ecclesiastes 6:12

For who knoweth what [is] good for man in [this] life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?