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Ecclesiastes 9:12

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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.

For man {H120} also knoweth {H3045} not his time {H6256}: as the fishes {H1709} that are taken {H270} in an evil {H7451} net {H4685}, and as the birds {H6833} that are caught {H270} in the snare {H6341}; so {H1992} are the sons {H1121} of men {H120} snared {H3369} in an evil {H7451} time {H6256}, when it falleth {H5307} suddenly {H6597} upon them.

For people don't know when their time will come any more than fish taken in the fatal net or birds caught in a snare; similarly, people are snared at an unfortunate time, when suddenly it falls on them.

For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.

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, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:12 KJV presents a sobering reflection on the unpredictable nature of human life and the suddenness of misfortune or death. The Preacher, or Koheleth, continues his exploration of life's uncertainties under the sun, emphasizing humanity's limited control over its destiny.

Context

This verse fits within a larger section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 9-11) where the author explores the common fate that awaits all—death—and the seeming randomness of life's events. Despite wisdom or diligence, humans are not immune to unexpected tragedy or the inevitable end. The preceding verses often highlight the futility of human effort in the face of death, and this verse extends that idea to the unpredictability of when and how such an end or major calamity might strike, contrasting with the more ordered 'times' described in Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Key Themes

  • Human Vulnerability: The verse powerfully illustrates human helplessness in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Just as fish and birds are ensnared without warning, so too are people caught in "evil times" that descend suddenly. This imagery underscores the fragility of human existence and the limitations of human foresight.
  • Unpredictability of Calamity: A central message is that people cannot know their appointed "time" of misfortune or death. Troubles, illnesses, or fatal events often strike without any prior indication, highlighting life's inherent uncertainty. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of not knowing what a day may bring forth, as also seen in Proverbs 27:1.
  • Ignorance of the Future: The phrase "man also knoweth not his time" emphasizes the human inability to foresee or control the future. This lack of foresight is a recurring lament in Ecclesiastes, contributing to the book's realistic portrayal of life's limitations and the vanity of much human endeavor.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery of "evil net" and "snare" (Hebrew: pach) vividly depicts traps that are sudden and inescapable, reinforcing the notion of an unforeseen disaster. The term "evil time" (Hebrew: 'eth ra'ah) does not necessarily imply a morally evil time, but rather a calamitous, disastrous, or unfortunate period. It refers to a moment of significant hardship or misfortune that "falleth suddenly upon them," underscoring its unexpected and often devastating impact on human lives.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 9:12 serves as a profound reminder of life's inherent uncertainties and the inevitability of death or unforeseen calamities. It encourages a perspective of humility and a recognition that much of life is beyond human control. For believers, this truth can lead to a greater reliance on God's sovereignty rather than on personal foresight or planning alone. It prompts us to live each day wisely, making the most of the present opportunity, and to be spiritually prepared, understanding that our ultimate "time" is known only to God. It echoes the sentiment that while we cannot predict the future, we can live in readiness for it, trusting in divine providence even when life's circumstances are unpredictable.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (7 votes)

    For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

  • Proverbs 29:6 (6 votes)

    ¶ In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:5 (5 votes)

    Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:7 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 21:34 (5 votes)

    And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

  • Luke 21:36 (5 votes)

    Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

  • 2 Timothy 2:26 (4 votes)

    And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.