CINXE.COM

<!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 6:10 Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/21_Ecc_06_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 6:10 - The Futility of Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/6-10.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/6-10.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/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 10</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="/ad1.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/6-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 6:9">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 6:10 <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 6:11">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New International Version</a> Whatever exists has already been named, and what humanity is has been known; no one can contend with someone who is stronger. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">King James Bible</a> That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New King James Version</a> Whatever one is, he has been named already, For it is known that he is man; And he cannot contend with Him who is mightier than he. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with the one who is mightier than he is. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; and he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Whatever exists has already been named [long ago], and it is known what [a frail being] man is; for he cannot dispute with Him who is mightier than he. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Whatever exists was given its name long ago, and it is known what mankind is. But he is not able to contend with the one stronger than he. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Whatever exists was given its name long ago, and it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> Whatsoever hath been, the name thereof was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him that is mightier than he. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Everything that happens was decided long ago. We humans know what we are like, and we can't argue with God, because he is too strong for us. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> Whatsoever hath been, the name thereof was given long ago, and it is known that it is man: neither can he contend with him that is mightier than he. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Whatever has happened [in the past] already has a name. Mortals are already known for what they are. Mortals cannot argue with the one who is stronger than they. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Everything that happens was already determined long ago, and we all know that you cannot argue with someone who is stronger than you. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> Whatever exists has been named already; people know what it means to be human— and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Whatever has happened was foreordained, and what happens to a person was also foreknown. It is useless for him to argue with God about his fate because God is more powerful than he is. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> What [is] that which has been? Already is its name called, and it is known that it [is] man, "" And he is not able to contend with him who is stronger than he. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> What is that which hath been? already is its name called, and it is known that it is man, and he is not able to contend with him who is stronger than he. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> What was, its name was called already, and it was known that it is man: and he shall not be able to contend with the powerful above him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He that shall be, his name is already called: and it is known, that he is man, and cannot contend in judgment with him that is stronger than himself. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Whoever shall be in the future, his name has already been called. And it is known that he is a man and that he is not able to contend in judgment against one who is stronger than himself. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New American Bible</a> Whatever is, was long ago given its name, and human nature is known; mortals cannot contend in judgment with One who is stronger. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what human beings are, and that they are not able to dispute with those who are stronger.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That which has been before has already been named, and the nature of man is known, and he cannot contend in judgment with him that is stronger than himself. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Whatever has been from the first is called by its name, and it is known what a son of man is, and he cannot judge with whomever is more powerful than he<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Whatsoever cometh into being, the name thereof was given long ago, and it is foreknown what man is; neither can he contend with Him that is mightier than he. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> If anything has been, its name has already been called: and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is stronger than he. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1128" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">The Futility of Life</a> …9Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. 10<a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Whatever</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: še·hā·yāh (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">exists</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: niq·rā (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">was named</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3528.htm" title="3528: kə·ḇār (Adv) -- Already. From kabar; properly, extent of time, i.e. A great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto.">long ago,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">and what happens</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">to a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·nō·w·ḏā‘ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">is foreknown;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">but he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: yū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1777.htm" title="1777: lā·ḏîn (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To judge. Or duwn; a primitive roy a straight course, i.e. Sail direct.">contend</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/8630.htm" title="8630: šɛ·haṯ·qīp̄ (Pro-r:: Adj-ms) -- To prevail over, overpower. A primitive root; to overpower.">one stronger</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">than he.</a> 11For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/job/14-5.htm">Job 14:5</a> Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed, <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ <a href="/psalms/139-16.htm">Psalm 139:16</a> Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be. <a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a> All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” <a href="/romans/9-20.htm">Romans 9:20-21</a> But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” / Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a> Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? <a href="/job/9-12.htm">Job 9:12</a> If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’ <a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a> The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a> Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a> In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, <a href="/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13-14</a> Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? <a href="/job/23-13.htm">Job 23:13</a> But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-22.htm">1 Corinthians 10:22</a> Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? <a href="/romans/11-34.htm">Romans 11:34</a> “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” <a href="/isaiah/29-16.htm">Isaiah 29:16</a> You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That which has been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.which<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:9-11</a> The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun… <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:15</a> That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.and it<a href="/genesis/3-9.htm">Genesis 3:9,17-19</a> And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? … <a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-4</a> Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble… <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a> Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.neither<a href="/job/9-3.htm">Job 9:3,4,32</a> If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand… <a href="/job/33-13.htm">Job 33:13</a> Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.<a href="/job/40-2.htm">Job 40:2</a> Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-15.htm">Able</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Already</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/revelation/21-1.htm">Exists</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Foreknown</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Mightier</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/psalms/142-6.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Whatsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Able</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm">Already</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-13.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-24.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-3.htm">Exists</a> <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Foreknown</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Mightier</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-24.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Whatsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 6</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">the vanity of riches without use</a> 3. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">though a man have many children and a long life</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">the vanity of sight and wandering desires</a> 10. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">The conclusion of vanities</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Whatever exists This phrase suggests the totality of creation, encompassing all that is within the universe. The Hebrew root word here is "mah," which implies a sense of everything that is or has been. From a conservative Christian perspective, this acknowledges God's sovereignty over all creation. The idea that everything has already been named points to the divine order established by God, as seen in Genesis when God names the elements of creation. This reflects the belief that nothing is outside of God's knowledge or control.has already been named The act of naming in the Hebrew context is significant, as it denotes authority and understanding. The Hebrew word "qara" is used here, which means to call or proclaim. In the biblical tradition, naming something is an act of dominion and insight, as seen when Adam names the animals in Genesis. This phrase underscores the belief that God, as the ultimate authority, has predetermined the essence and purpose of all things. It reassures believers that God's plan is established and unchangeable.and it is known This phrase emphasizes the certainty and completeness of God's knowledge. The Hebrew word "yada" is used, which means to know deeply or intimately. In the biblical sense, this knowledge is not just intellectual but relational and experiential. It suggests that God fully understands the nature and destiny of humanity. For believers, this is a comforting reminder that God is intimately aware of their lives and circumstances.what man is This phrase reflects on the nature and limitations of humanity. The Hebrew word "adam" is used, which refers to mankind or humanity. It is a reminder of the creation account where man is formed from the dust of the ground. This highlights the finite and dependent nature of humans in contrast to the infinite and self-sufficient nature of God. From a conservative Christian perspective, it calls believers to humility and recognition of their need for God.for he cannot contend The phrase suggests the futility of human efforts to challenge or change divine will. The Hebrew word "yakol" means to prevail or have power. This implies that humans, in their limited strength, cannot oppose God's sovereign plans. It serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, encouraging believers to submit to God's authority and trust in His wisdom.with one stronger than he This phrase refers to God as the "one stronger," highlighting His omnipotence. The Hebrew word "chazaq" is used, meaning strong or mighty. It underscores the power and authority of God over all creation. For believers, this is a call to recognize God's supreme power and to find peace in His strength. It reassures them that while they may face challenges beyond their control, they can rely on the might of God who is greater than any earthly power.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) Of this difficult verse I prefer the translation, "What he is his name has been called long ago, and it is known that it is man; neither may he strive," &c--i.e., the name given long ago to man (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm" title="And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.">Genesis 2:7</a>) indicates his weakness; neither can he contend with the Almighty. There may be a reference to <a href="/genesis/6-3.htm" title="And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.">Genesis 6:3</a>, where a kindred word is used.Mightier.--The word here used is found only in the Chaldee books of the Bible and in later Hebrew.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 10-12. - Section 11. All things are foreknown and foreordained by God; it is useless to murmur against or to discuss this great fact; and as the future is beyond our knowledge and control, it is wise to make the best of the present. Verse 10. - That which hath been is named already; better, whatsoever hath been, long ago hath its name been given. The word rendered "already," kebar (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:10</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:15</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:2</a>), "long ago," though used elsewhere in this book of events in human history, may appropriately be applied to the Divine decrees which predetermine the circumstances of man's life. This is its significance in the present passage, which asserts that everything which happens has been known and fixed beforehand, and therefore that man cannot shape his own life. No attempt is here made to reconcile this doctrine with man's free-will and consequent responsibility. The idea has already been presented in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1</a>, etc. It comes forth in <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a>, "Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?" (comp. <a href="/romans/9-20.htm">Romans 9:20</a>); <a href="/acts/15-18.htm">Acts 15:18</a> (according to the Textus Receptus), "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." The same idea is brought out more fully in the following clauses. Septuagint, "If anything ever was, already hath its name been called," which gives the correct sense of the passage. The Vulgate is not so happy, Qui futurus est, jam vocatum est nomen ejus, being rather opposed to the grammar. And it is known that it is man. What is meant by the Authorized Version is doubtful. If the first clause had been translated, as in the margin of the Revised Version, "Whatsoever he be, his name was given him long ago," the conclusion would come naturally, "and it is known that he is man" (Adam), and we should see an allusion to man's name and to the ground (adamah) from which he was taken (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>), as if his very name betokened his weakness. But the present version is very obscure. Cox gives, "It is very certain that even the greatest is but a man, and cannot contend with him," etc. But the Hebrew will not admit this rendering. The clause really amplifies the previous statement of man's predetermined destiny, and it should be rendered, "And it is known what a man shall be." Every individual comes under God's prescient superintendence. Septuagint, Ἐγνώσθη ὅ ἐστω ἄνθρωπος, "It is known what man is;" Vulgate, Et scitur quod homo sit. But it is not the nature of man that is in question, but his conditioned state. Neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. The mightier One is God, in accordance with the passages quoted above from Isaiah, Acts, and Romans. Some consider that death is intended, and that the author is referring to the shortness of man's life. They say that the word taqqiph, "mighty" (which occurs only in Ezra and Daniel), is never used of God. But is it used of death? And is it not used of God in <a href="/daniel/4-3.htm">Daniel 4:3</a> (3:33, Hebrew), where Nebuchadnezzar says, "How mighty are his wonders"? To bring death into consideration is to introduce a new thought having no connection with the context, which is not speaking of the termination of man's life, but of its course, the circumstances of which are arranged by a higher Power. Septuagint, Καὶ οὐ δυνήσεται κριθῆναι μετὰ τοῦ ἰσχυροτέρου ὑπὲρ αὐτὸν. With this we may compare <a href="/1_corinthians/10-22.htm">1 Corinthians 10:22</a>, "Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? (μὴ ἰσχυρότεροι αὐτοῦ ἐσμέν;)." <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Whatever מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what exists שֶּֽׁהָיָ֗ה (še·hā·yāh) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be was named נִקְרָ֣א (niq·rā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read long ago, כְּבָר֙ (kə·ḇār) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3528.htm">Strong's 3528: </a> Extent of time, a great while, long ago, formerly, hitherto and what [happens] אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that to a man אָדָ֑ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being is foreknown; וְנוֹדָ֖ע (wə·nō·w·ḏā‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know but he ה֣וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are cannot וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no contend לָדִ֔ין (lā·ḏîn) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1777.htm">Strong's 1777: </a> A straight course, sail direct with עִ֥ם (‘im) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with one stronger שֶׁתַּקִּ֖יף (šet·taq·qîp̄) Pronoun - relative | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8630.htm">Strong's 8630: </a> To prevail over, overpower than he. מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 6:10 Whatever has been its name was given (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 6:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 6:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 6:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 6:11" /></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>