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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 9:8 Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/21_Ecc_09_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 9:8 - Enjoy Your Portion in This Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head." /><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/9-8.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/9-8.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/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 8</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="/ad8.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/9-7.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:7">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 9:8 <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:9">►</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/9.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/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />See that your clothes are white all the time, and that there is no lack of oil on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let your clothes always be white [with purity], and do not let the oil [of gladness] be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Dress up, comb your hair, and look your best. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack ointment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Always wear clean clothes, and never go without lotion on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Always look happy and cheerful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Always keep your garments white, and don't fail to anoint your head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Let your garments be always white, and do not let your head lack oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Let your garments be always white, and don’t let your head lack oil. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />At all times let your garments be white, and do not let oil be lacking on your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> At all times let thy garments be white, and let not perfume be lacking on thy head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In all time thy garments shall be white; and ointment shall not be wanting upon thy head.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />At all times let thy garments be white, and let not oil depart from thy head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let your garments be white at all times, and let not oil be absent from your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />At all times let your garments be white, and spare not the perfume for your head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Let your garments always be white; do not let oil be lacking on your head.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Always let your garments be white and let not your head lack oil<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let thy garments be always white; And let thy head lack no oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let thy garments be always white; and let not oil be wanting on thine head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/9-8.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=1717" 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/9.htm">Enjoy Your Portion in This Life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7</span>Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: ḇə·ḡā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">Let your garments</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">always</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">be</a> <a href="/hebrew/3836.htm" title="3836: lə·ḇā·nîm (Adj-mp) -- White. Or laben; from laban; white.">white,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and never</a> <a href="/hebrew/2637.htm" title="2637: yeḥ·sār (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To lack, need, be lacking, decrease. A primitive root; to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen.">spare</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: wə·še·men (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">the oil</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">your head.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.…<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="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></span><br />I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-4.htm">Revelation 3:4-5</a></span><br />But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white. / Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-11.htm">Matthew 22:11-12</a></span><br />But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. / ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Psalm 45:7-8</a></span><br />You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. / All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-8.htm">Revelation 19:8</a></span><br />She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/3-3.htm">Zechariah 3:3-5</a></span><br />Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel. / So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” / Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-22.htm">Luke 15:22</a></span><br />But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-14.htm">Genesis 41:14</a></span><br />So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">2 Samuel 12:20</a></span><br />Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Esther 8:15</a></span><br />Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-14.htm">Job 29:14</a></span><br />I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a></span><br />You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-17.htm">Matthew 6:17</a></span><br />But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-12.htm">2 Chronicles 5:12</a></span><br />all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Daniel 7:9</a></span><br />As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.</p><p class="hdg">thy garments</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">2 Samuel 19:24</a></b></br> And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came <i>again</i> in peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Esther 8:15</a></b></br> And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/3-4.htm">Revelation 3:4,5</a></b></br> Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy… </p><p class="hdg">let thy head</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Ruth 3:3</a></b></br> Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: <i>but</i> make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2</a></b></br> And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/10-3.htm">Daniel 10:3</a></b></br> I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Always</a> <a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Anoint</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-25.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-25.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Head</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-11.htm">Lack</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Times</a> <a href="/psalms/68-14.htm">White</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/28-28.htm">Always</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-5.htm">Anoint</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-19.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-24.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/songs/4-11.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/songs/4-11.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/songs/2-6.htm">Head</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-13.htm">Lack</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Times</a> <a href="/songs/5-10.htm">White</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">like things happen to good and bad</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">there is a necessity of death unto men</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Comfort is all their portion in this life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">God's providence rules over all</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">wisdom is better than strength</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'; 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Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon, reflects on the fleeting nature of life and encourages living with joy and righteousness. White garments are also associated with holiness and righteousness in other scriptures, such as <a href="/revelation/3-5.htm">Revelation 3:5</a>, where the overcomers are promised to be clothed in white. This phrase suggests living a life that is pleasing to God, marked by purity and moral integrity. In the cultural context, wearing white garments was common during festivals and joyous occasions, indicating a life lived in celebration of God's blessings.<p><b>and never spare the oil for your head</b><br>Anointing the head with oil was a common practice in ancient Israel, symbolizing gladness and health. Oil was used for grooming and as a sign of hospitality and honor, as seen in <a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a>, where the psalmist speaks of God anointing his head with oil. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this phrase encourages maintaining a joyful and content spirit, even amidst life's uncertainties. The use of oil can also be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, who anoints believers and brings joy and peace. Historically, oil was a valuable commodity, and its use here underscores the importance of living life fully and joyfully, trusting in God's provision.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Ecclesiastes is ancient Israel, where customs and traditions, such as wearing white garments and anointing with oil, held significant meaning.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores life's complexities and the pursuit of joy amidst life's vanities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_white_garments.htm">Symbolism of White Garments</a></b><br>White garments in biblical times symbolized purity, joy, and celebration. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect the purity and joy found in Christ, maintaining a demeanor that honors God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/anointing_with_oil.htm">Anointing with Oil</a></b><br>Oil in Scripture often represents the Holy Spirit, blessing, and consecration. We are encouraged to live under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to guide and empower us daily.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_joyfully_in_the_present.htm">Living Joyfully in the Present</a></b><br><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8</a> encourages us to embrace the present with joy and gratitude. In a world filled with uncertainties, we are reminded to cherish the blessings we have and live fully in the moment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_readiness.htm">Spiritual Readiness</a></b><br>Just as white garments and oil were part of preparation for special occasions, we are called to be spiritually prepared for Christ's return, living in a state of readiness and expectation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_embody_love.htm">What do white garments symbolize in Revelation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_catholic_view_on_baptism.htm">What is the Catholic view on baptism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_abortion_healing.htm">What does the Bible say about abortion healing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_foods_are_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">What foods are mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>-8<a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm" title="Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.">2Samuel 12:20</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/14-2.htm" title="And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched there a wise woman, and said to her, I pray you, feign yourself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not yourself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:">2Samuel 14:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/45-8.htm" title="All your garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made you glad.">Psalm 45:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/104-14.htm" title="He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;">Psalm 104:14</a>; <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm" title="After this I beheld, and, see, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;">Revelation 7:9</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let thy garments be always white</span>. The Preacher brings into prominence certain particulars of enjoyment, more noticeable than mere eating and drinking. White garments in the East (as among ourselves) were symbols of joy and purity. Thus the singers in Solomon's temple were arrayed in white linen (<a href="/2_chronicles/5-12.htm">2 Chronicles 5:12</a>). Mordecai was thus honored by King Ahasuerus (<a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Esther 8:15</a>), the angels are seen similarly decked (<a href="/mark/16-5.htm">Mark 16:5</a>), and the glorified saints are clothed in white (<a href="/revelation/3-4.htm">Revelation 3:4, 5, 18</a>). So in the pseudepi-graphal books the same imagery is retained. Those that "have fulfilled the Law of the Lord have received glorious garments, and are clothed in white" (2 Esdr. 2:39, 40). Among the Romans the same symbolism obtained. Horace ('Sat.,' 2:2. 60) - <p><span class="foreign">"Ille repotia, natales aliosve dierum<br />Festes albatus celebret."</span> <p><span class="accented">"Though he in whitened toga celebrate<br />His wedding, birthday, or high festival."</span> <span class="cmt_word">Let thy head lack no ointment</span>. Oil and perfumes were used on festive occasions not only among Eastern nations, but by Greeks and Romans (see on Ecclesiastes 7:1). Thus Telemachus is anointed with fragrant oil by the fair Polykaste (Homer, 'Od,' 3:466). Sappho complains to Phaen (Ovid,' Heroid.' 15:76) - <p><span class="foreign">"Non Arabs noster rore capillus olet."</span> . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/9-8.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">“Let your clothes</span><br /><span class="heb">בְגָדֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḡā·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">always</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be</span><br /><span class="heb">יִהְי֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">white,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבָנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3836.htm">Strong's 3836: </a> </span><span class="str2">White</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and never</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spare</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶחְסָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(yeḥ·sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2637.htm">Strong's 2637: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lack, need, be lacking, decrease</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the oil</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשֶׁ֖מֶן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your head.”</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאשְׁךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(rō·šə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:8 Let your garments be always white (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:9" /></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>