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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 10:9 The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/21_Ecc_10_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 10:9 - Wisdom and Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 10:8">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 10:9 <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 10:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you. When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; <i>and</i> he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, <i>And</i> he who splits wood may be endangered by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and one who splits logs may be endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who quarries stones may be hurt with them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who quarries stones may be hurt by them; the one who splits logs may be endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who quarries stones may be hurt by them; the one who splits trees may be endangered by them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You could even get hurt by chiseling a stone or chopping a log. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever works in a stone quarry may get hurt. Whoever splits wood may be injured.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you work in a stone quarry, you get hurt by stones. If you split wood, you get hurt doing it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Someone who quarries stone might be injured; someone splitting logs can fall into danger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />One who quarries stones may be injured by them; one who splits logs may be endangered by them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whoever removeth stones shall be hurt by them; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is removing stones is grieved by them, "" Whoever is cleaving trees endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is removing stones is grieved by them, Whoso is cleaving trees endangered by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He removing stones; shall suffer pain by them; and he cleaving woods asunder shall be endangered by them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that removeth stones, shall be hurt by them: and he that cutteth trees, shall be wounded by them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever carries away stones will be harmed by them. And whoever cuts down trees will be wounded by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever quarries stones may be hurt by them, and whoever chops wood is in danger from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever quarries stones will be hurt by them; and whoever splits logs will be endangered by them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who removes landmarks shall suffer pain by them; and he who cuts trees shall be wounded by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He who removes stones will be hurt by them, and he who splits wood is wearied by it<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Whoso quarrieth stones shall be hurt therewith; And he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that removes stones shall be troubled thereby; he that cleaves wood shall be endangered thereby.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1903" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5265.htm" title="5265: mas·sî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pull out or up, set out, journey. A primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. Start on a journey.">The one who quarries</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ă·ḇā·nîm (N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stones</a> <a href="/hebrew/6087.htm" title="6087: yê·‘ā·ṣêḇ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to carve, i.e. Fabricate or fashion; hence to worry, pain or anger.">may be injured</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">by them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1234.htm" title="1234: bō·w·qê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To cleave, break open or through. A primitive root; to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open.">and he who splits</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: ‘ê·ṣîm (N-mp) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">logs</a> <a href="/hebrew/5533.htm" title="5533: yis·sā·ḵen (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To incur danger. Probably a denominative from sakkiyn; properly, to cut, i.e. Damage; also to grow poor.">endangers himself.</a> <a href="/hebrew/bām (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a></span><br />And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. / Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. / By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Proverbs 26:27</a></span><br />He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-4.htm">Luke 13:4</a></span><br />Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13-15</a></span><br />his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. / If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-2.htm">Isaiah 5:2</a></span><br />He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-7.htm">Job 5:7</a></span><br />Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Proverbs 22:8</a></span><br />He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a></span><br />So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Matthew 25:26-30</a></span><br />‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-6.htm">2 Timothy 2:6</a></span><br />The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/11-3.htm">Genesis 11:3-4</a></span><br />And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar. / “Come,” they said, “let us build for ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of all the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whoever removes stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that splits wood shall be endangered thereby.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/27-15.htm">Carves</a> <a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">Cleaveth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-20.htm">Cleaving</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/psalms/78-47.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/romans/16-4.htm">Endangered</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/psalms/139-21.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/psalms/29-7.htm">Heweth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Injured</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-4.htm">Logs</a> <a href="/judges/3-26.htm">Quarries</a> <a href="/job/19-10.htm">Removeth</a> <a href="/job/12-22.htm">Removing</a> <a href="/job/16-13.htm">Splits</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/27-15.htm">Carves</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-21.htm">Cleaveth</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Cleaving</a> <a href="/songs/2-12.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-7.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-5.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/15-26.htm">Endangered</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-18.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-10.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Heweth</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-9.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Injured</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-5.htm">Logs</a> <a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">Quarries</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-8.htm">Removeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-21.htm">Removing</a> <a href="/mark/3-25.htm">Splits</a> <a href="/songs/4-4.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-21.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/songs/2-3.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/songs/2-3.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">observations of wisdom and folly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">death in life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The one who quarries stones may be injured by them</b><br>This phrase highlights the inherent risks associated with manual labor, particularly in ancient times. Quarrying stones was a common occupation in biblical times, essential for building structures such as temples, homes, and city walls. The process involved cutting and extracting large stones from the earth, which was physically demanding and dangerous. Injuries could occur from falling rocks, mishandling tools, or the collapse of quarry walls. This serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability and potential hazards of life, emphasizing the need for wisdom and caution in all endeavors. The imagery of stones can also be connected to the "living stones" mentioned in <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a>, where believers are built into a spiritual house, suggesting that even in spiritual work, there are challenges and risks.<p><b>and he who splits logs endangers himself</b><br>Log splitting was another essential task in ancient times, necessary for building, heating, and cooking. The danger lay in the use of sharp tools like axes, which could cause injury if not handled properly. This phrase underscores the theme of risk in everyday activities, reminding readers of the need for skill and prudence. The act of splitting logs can be seen as a metaphor for division or conflict, where carelessness can lead to harm. In a broader biblical context, this can be related to the division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's reign (1 Kings 12), where lack of wisdom led to national strife. The imagery of wood can also be linked to the cross of Christ, where the ultimate act of sacrifice and redemption took place, highlighting that even in danger, there is a divine purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_quarry_worker.htm">The Quarry Worker</a></b><br>Represents individuals engaged in laborious and potentially hazardous work, highlighting the risks inherent in physical labor.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_log_splitter.htm">The Log Splitter</a></b><br>Another example of a laborer whose work involves danger, emphasizing the unpredictability and potential harm in everyday tasks.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, offering wisdom and observations about life, work, and human endeavors.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, where manual labor was a common part of daily life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The voice in Ecclesiastes, often seen as a philosophical teacher reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_risk_in_work.htm">The Reality of Risk in Work</a></b><br>Acknowledge that all work carries inherent risks and requires wisdom and caution.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_prudence_and_preparation.htm">The Value of Prudence and Preparation</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions to minimize risks in our endeavors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_providence.htm">The Role of Divine Providence</a></b><br>Recognize that while human effort is necessary, ultimate safety and success come from trusting in God's providence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dignity_of_labor.htm">The Dignity of Labor</a></b><br>Affirm the dignity and value of all forms of work, even those that are dangerous or difficult, as part of God's design for human life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_work_and_rest.htm">Balancing Work and Rest</a></b><br>Encourage finding a balance between diligent work and necessary rest, trusting in God's provision and care.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_nostalgia.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on nostalgia?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/nain's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What does 'Two are better than one' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_10_10_stress_effort_over_faith.htm">Does the advice to sharpen the axe in Ecclesiastes 10:10 imply a reliance on human effort over divine intervention, creating tension with texts that stress faith and dependence on God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_chron_5_10_differ_from_heb_9_4.htm">2 Chronicles 5:10 - Why does this verse say only the tablets were in the Ark when Hebrews 9:4 mentions additional items, creating a seeming contradiction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Removeth.</span>--The nearest parallel is <a href="/1_kings/5-17.htm" title="And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.">1Kings 5:17</a>, where the word is used with regard to the quarryings, not the removing of stones. For the latter sense, however, there is countenance in <a href="/2_kings/4-4.htm" title="And when you are come in, you shall shut the door on you and on your sons, and shall pour out into all those vessels, and you shall set aside that which is full.">2Kings 4:4</a>, where the word is translated "set aside."<p><span class= "bld">Cleaveth wood.--</span>Or, <span class= "ital">cutteth down trees, </span>an operation not free from danger (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm" title="As when a man goes into the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetches a stroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the helve, and lights on his neighbor, that he die; he shall flee to one of those cities, and live:">Deuteronomy 19:5</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith</span>. It is natural to consider this clause as suggested by the breaking of a wall in the preceding verse; but as this would occasion a jejune repetition, it is better to take it of the work of the quarryman, as in <a href="/1_kings/5-17.htm">1 Kings 5:17</a>, where the same verb is used. The dangers to which such laborers are exposed are well known. Here, again, but unsuccessfully, some have seen a reference to the removal of landmarks, comparing <a href="/2_kings/4-4.htm">2 Kings 4:4</a>, where the word is translated "set aside." As before said, the paragraph does not speak of retribution, but advises caution, enforcing the lesson by certain homely, allusions to the accidents that may occur m customary occupations. <span class="cmt_word">He that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.</span> Cutting up logs of wood, a man may hurt himself with axe or saw, or be injured by splinters, etc. If we take the idea to be the felling of trees, there is the danger of being crushed in their fall, or, according to the tenor of <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Deuteronomy 19:5</a>, of being killed inadvertently by a neighbor's axe. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Qui scindit ligna vulnerabitur ab eis</span>, which is more definite than the general term "endangered;" but the Septuagint has, <span class="greek">Κινδυνεύσει</span> <span class="greek">ἐν αὐτοῖς</span>, as in the Authorized Version. Plumptre sees here, again, an intimation of the danger of attacking time-honored institutions, even when decaying and corrupt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The one who quarries</span><br /><span class="heb">מַסִּ֣יעַ</span> <span class="translit">(mas·sî·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5265.htm">Strong's 5265: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stones</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבָנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may be injured</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵעָצֵ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(yê·‘ā·ṣêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6087.htm">Strong's 6087: </a> </span><span class="str2">To carve, fabricate, fashion, to worry, pain, anger</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by them,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he who splits</span><br /><span class="heb">בּוֹקֵ֥עַ</span> <span class="translit">(bō·w·qê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1234.htm">Strong's 1234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cleave, to rend, break, rip, open</span><br /><br /><span class="word">logs</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵצִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tree, trees, wood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">endangers himself.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסָּ֥כֶן</span> <span class="translit">(yis·sā·ḵen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5533.htm">Strong's 5533: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, damage, to grow, poor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>