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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 11:2 Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/21_Ecc_11_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 11:2 - Cast Your Bread upon the Waters" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land." /><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'; 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you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what calamity may occur on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, or even [divide it] to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don&#8217t know what disaster may happen on earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, yea, even unto eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Share what you have with seven or eight others, because you never know when disaster may strike. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, yea, even unto eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Divide what you have into seven parts, or even into eight, because you don't know what disaster may happen on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Put your investments in several places--many places even--because you never know what kind of bad luck you are going to have in this world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Apportion what you have into seven, or even eight parts, because you don't know what disaster might befall the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Divide your merchandise among seven or even eight investments, for you do not know what calamity may happen on earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you do not know what evil will be on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don’t know what evil will be on the earth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, and even to eight, "" For you do not know what evil is on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Give a portion to seven, and even to eight, For thou knowest not what evil is on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou shalt not know what shall be evil upon the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, and also to eight: for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, and indeed even to eight. For you do not know what evil may be upon the earth in the future.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Make seven, or even eight portions; you know not what misfortune may come upon the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Divide your means seven ways, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may happen on earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for you know not what misfortune shall come upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, even to eight, because you will not know what evil may be upon Earth<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Divide a portion into seven, yea, even into eight; For thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil there shall be upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/11-2.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=2013" 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/11.htm">Cast Your Bread upon the Waters</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ten- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">Divide</a> <a href="/hebrew/2506.htm" title="2506: ḥê·leq (N-ms) -- Portion, tract, territory. From chalaq; properly, smoothness; also an allotment.">your portion</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: lə·šiḇ·‘āh (Prep-l:: Number-ms) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">among seven,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">or even</a> <a href="/hebrew/8083.htm" title="8083: liš·mō·w·nāh (Prep-l:: Number-ms) -- Or shmowneh; feminine shmonah; or shmownah; apparently from shamen through the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight; also eighth.">eight,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">you do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: ṯê·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">disaster</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">may befall</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain upon the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there it will lie.…<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="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a></span><br />Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">2 Corinthians 9:6-7</a></span><br />Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Proverbs 11:24-25</a></span><br />One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-8.htm">Isaiah 32:8</a></span><br />But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a></span><br />A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Hebrews 13:16</a></span><br />And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-9.htm">Psalm 112:9</a></span><br />He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for you know not what evil shall be on the earth.</p><p class="hdg">a portion</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a></b></br> Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for <i>this</i> day <i>is</i> holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/9-19.htm">Esther 9:19,22</a></b></br> Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar <i>a day of</i> gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-9.htm">Psalm 112:9</a></b></br> He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.</p><p class="hdg">seven</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-19.htm">Job 5:19</a></b></br> He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16</a></b></br> These six <i>things</i> doth the LORD hate: yea, seven <i>are</i> an abomination unto him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/5-5.htm">Micah 5:5</a></b></br> And this <i>man</i> shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a></b></br> Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Acts 11:28-30</a></b></br> And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a></b></br> Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm">Disaster</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Divide</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-14.htm">Eight</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Misfortune</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Occur</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Part</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-15.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-25.htm">Seven</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">Disaster</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-6.htm">Divide</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-15.htm">Eight</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-23.htm">Misfortune</a> <a href="/daniel/8-19.htm">Occur</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Part</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-13.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-17.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-1.htm">Seven</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-1.htm">directions for charity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-7.htm">death in life and the day of judgment</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-9.htm">in the days of youth</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/11.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/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Divide your portion among seven, or even eight</b><br>This phrase suggests the principle of diversification, which is a timeless piece of wisdom. In the context of ancient Israel, this could refer to the practice of spreading out one's resources or investments to mitigate risk. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in the creation week (Genesis 1-2). The addition of "or even eight" implies going beyond what is considered complete, suggesting an extra measure of caution or generosity. This principle can be connected to the parable of the talents in <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>, where the servants are entrusted with different amounts and are expected to manage them wisely. The idea of sharing or distributing resources can also be seen in the early church's practice of communal living and sharing in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>.<p><b>for you do not know what disaster may befall the land</b><br>This part of the verse acknowledges the uncertainty of life and the unpredictability of future events. In the historical context of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon or a later wisdom teacher, the land of Israel was subject to various threats such as famine, war, and natural disasters. This uncertainty is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing human limitations and the need for reliance on God's wisdom. The unpredictability of life is echoed in <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a>, where believers are reminded of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seeking God's will. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, as seen in Jesus' teaching about not worrying in <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a>.<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 king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation where Solomon reigned, often facing various challenges and uncertainties, which are reflected in the wisdom literature.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/disaster.htm">Disaster</a></b><br>- Refers to unforeseen events or calamities that can impact one's life, emphasizing the need for preparedness and wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_diversification.htm">Wisdom in Diversification</a></b><br>The verse encourages spreading resources across multiple areas to mitigate risk. This principle can be applied to financial investments, time management, and talents.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparedness_for_uncertainty.htm">Preparedness for Uncertainty</a></b><br>Life is unpredictable, and being prepared for unforeseen events is a biblical principle. This includes spiritual, financial, and emotional readiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a></b><br>Sharing resources with others is a form of stewardship. By giving to others, we not only help them but also create a network of support for ourselves.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>While we plan and prepare, we must ultimately trust in God's control over the future. Our efforts should be coupled with faith in His provision.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_king_solomon_considered_saved.htm">Is King Solomon considered saved?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_11_6_ignore_limits.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:6, does the advice to sow seed “morning and evening” ignore practical limitations like weather, climate, and resources? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_sam_23_8_and_1_chr_11_11_differ.htm">(2 Samuel 23:8 vs 1 Chronicles 11:11) Why do the records conflict on the number of enemies killed (eight hundred vs three hundred)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_many_did_david's_chief_kill_at_once.htm">The chief of the mighty men of David lifted up his spear and killed how many men at one time? Eight hundred (2 Samuel 23:8) Three hundred (I Chronicles 11: 11)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">To seven, and also to eight.</span>--Quite similar forms of expression occur in <a href="/job/5-19.htm" title="He shall deliver you in six troubles: yes, in seven there shall no evil touch you.">Job 5:19</a>; <a href="/proverbs/30-21.htm" title="For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:">Proverbs 30:21</a>; <a href="/amos/1-3.htm" title="Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:">Amos 1:3</a>; <a href="/micah/5-4.htm" title="And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great to the ends of the earth.">Micah 5:4</a>. The numbers seven and eight are used indefinitely in the advice to multiply our modes of exertion, ignorant as we are which may miscarry.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Give a portion to seven, and also to eight</span>. This further explains, without any metaphor, the injunction of beneficence in ver. 1. Give portions of thy "bread" to any number of those who need. Delitzsch and others who interpret the passage of maritime enterprise would see in it a recommendation (like the proceeding of Jacob, <a href="/genesis/32-16.htm">Genesis 32:16</a>, etc.) not to risk all at once, to divide one's ventures into various ships. But the expression in the text is merely a mode of enjoining unlimited benevolence. The numbers are purposely indefinite. Instances of this form of speech are common enough (see <a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16</a>; <a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">Proverbs 30:7-9</a>, etc.; <a href="/amos/1-3.htm">Amos 1:3</a>. etc.; <a href="/micah/5-5.htm">Micah 5:5</a>; Ecclus. 23:16 Ecclus. 26:5, 28). Wordsworth notes that the word for "<span class="accented">portion"</span> (<span class="accented">chelek</span>) is that used specially for the portion of the Levites (<a href="/numbers/18-20.htm">Numbers 18:20</a>); and in accordance with his view of the date of the book, finds here an injunction not to confine one's offerings to the Levites of Judah, but to extend them to the refugees who come from Israel. <span class="cmt_word">For thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.</span> A time may come when you yourself may need help; the power of giving may no longer be yours; therefore make friends now who may be your comfort in distress. So the Lord urges, "Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness" (<a href="/luke/16-9.htm">Luke 16:9</a>). It seems a low motive on which to base charitable actions; but men act on such secondary motives every day, and the moralist cannot ignore them. In the Book of Proverbs secondary and worldly motives are largely urged as useful in the conduct of life (see the Introduction to Proverbs, pp. 8, 9.). St. Paul reminds us that we some day may need a brother's help (<a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a>). The Fathers have spiritualized the passage, so as to make it of Christian application, far away indeed from Koheleth's thought. Thus St. Gregory: "By the number <span class="accented">seven</span> is understood the whole of this temporal condition... this is shown more plainly when the number <span class="accented">eight</span> is mentioned after it. For when another number besides follows after seven, it is set forth by this very addition, that this temporal state is brought to an end and closed by eternity. For by the number <span class="accented">seven</span> Solomon expressed the present time, which is passed by periods of seven days. But by the number <span class="accented">eight</span> he designated eternal life, which the Lord made known to us by his resurrection. For he rose in truth on the Lord's day, which, as following the seventh day, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the sabbath, is found to be the eighth from the creation. But it is well said, 'Give portions,' etc. As if it were plainly said, 'So dispense temporal goods, as not to forget to desire those that are eternal. For thou oughtest to provide for the future by well-doing, who knowest not what tribulation succeeds from the future judgment'" ('Moral,' 35:17, Oxford transl.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/11-2.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">Divide</span><br /><span class="heb">תֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ten-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your portion</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֥לֶק</span> <span class="translit">(ḥê·leq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2506.htm">Strong's 2506: </a> </span><span class="str2">Portion, tract, territory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among seven,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשִׁבְעָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šiḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or even</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגַ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eight,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמוֹנָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mō·w·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8083.htm">Strong's 8083: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cardinal number, eight, eighth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֚י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵדַ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(ṯê·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disaster</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may befall</span><br /><span class="heb">יִּהְיֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<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">the land.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָֽרֶץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-2.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 11:2 Give a portion to seven yes even (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 11:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 11:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 11:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 11:3" /></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>