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and a babbler is no better.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A serpent may bite when <i>it is</i> not charmed; The babbler is no different.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no benefit for the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no advantage for the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If the serpent bites before being charmed, then there is no profit for the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the snake bites before it is charmed, then there is no advantage for the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the snake bites before it is charmed, then there is no advantage for the charmer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The power to charm a snake does you no good if it bites you anyway. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If the serpent bite before it be charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If a snake bites before it has been charmed, then there is no advantage in being a snake charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Knowing how to charm a snake is of no use if you let the snake bite first. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there's no point in being a snake charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If the snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If the serpent bites without enchantment, "" Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If the serpent biteth without enchantment, Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If a serpent will bite without magic; and no preeminence to the possessor of the tongue.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If a serpent bite in silence, he is nothing better that backbiteth secretly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever slanders in secret is nothing less than a snake that bites silently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If the snake bites before it is charmed, then there is no advantage in a charmer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage in a charmer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If the serpent bites without being charmed; then in vain is a charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if a snake will bite without a charm, there is no profit in a charmer<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If the serpent bite before it is charmed, Then the charmer hath no advantage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If a serpent bite when there is no <i>charmer's</i> whisper, then there is no advantage to the charmer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-11.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=1921" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/5175.htm" title="5175: han·nā·ḥāš (Art:: N-ms) -- A serpent. From nachash; a snake.">the snake</a> <a href="/hebrew/5391.htm" title="5391: yiš·šōḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to strike with a sting; figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan.">bites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: bə·lō·w- (Prep-b:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3908.htm" title="3908: lā·ḥaš (N-ms) -- From lachash; properly, a whisper, i.e. By implication, a private prayer, an incantation; concretely, an amulet.">it is charmed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3504.htm" title="3504: yiṯ·rō·wn (N-ms) -- Advantage, profit. From yathar; preeminence, gain.">profit</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: lə·ḇa·‘al (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">for the charmer.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: hal·lā·šō·wn (Art:: N-cs) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively."></a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.…<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="/proverbs/26-3.htm">Proverbs 26:3-5</a></span><br />A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! / Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. / Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8</a></span><br />but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Psalm 58:4-5</a></span><br />Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, / refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a></span><br />They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Proverbs 16:27-28</a></span><br />A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. / A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Proverbs 25:15</a></span><br />Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Proverbs 11:9</a></span><br />With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.</p><p class="hdg">the serpent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Psalm 58:4,5</a></b></br> Their poison <i>is</i> like the poison of a serpent: <i>they are</i> like the deaf adder <i>that</i> stoppeth her ear; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Jeremiah 8:17</a></b></br> For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which <i>will</i> not <i>be</i> charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">babbler</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2</a></b></br> Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3</a></b></br> Who whet their tongue like a sword, <i>and</i> bend <i>their bows to shoot</i> their arrows, <i>even</i> bitter words:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></b></br> Death and life <i>are</i> in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Babbler</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/mark/6-22.htm">Charmed</a> <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Charmer</a> <a href="/numbers/23-23.htm">Enchantment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Use</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/30-5.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-3.htm">Babbler</a> <a href="/songs/1-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/genesis/49-17.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Charmed</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Charmer</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Enchantment</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-15.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-22.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/songs/4-11.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Use</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">observations of wisdom and folly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">death in life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In ancient Near Eastern cultures, snake charming was a known practice, requiring skill and patience. The snake charmer's role was to control and pacify the snake, preventing harm. This can be seen as a metaphor for the need for wisdom and foresight in handling potentially dangerous situations. The Bible often uses the imagery of snakes to represent danger or evil, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a> with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The failure to act wisely and promptly can lead to unnecessary harm, much like the snake biting before it is charmed.<p><b>there is no profit for the charmer</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the futility of skill without timely execution. The charmer's expertise is rendered useless if the snake bites before being subdued. This reflects a broader biblical principle that wisdom and action must go hand in hand. <a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a> emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers. The charmer's profit, or reward, is contingent upon his ability to act effectively and at the right moment. This can also be seen as a warning against complacency and procrastination, urging believers to be vigilant and proactive in their spiritual lives.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_snake.htm">The Snake</a></b><br>Represents danger or potential harm that can arise unexpectedly if not properly managed or anticipated.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_charmer.htm">The Charmer</a></b><br>Symbolizes someone who possesses skills or knowledge but fails to apply them in a timely manner, resulting in negative consequences.<br><br>3. <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>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_near_east.htm">Ancient Near East</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which the practice of snake charming was known, providing a backdrop for the metaphor used in this verse.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that honors God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/timeliness_in_action.htm">Timeliness in Action</a></b><br>The verse underscores the importance of acting at the right time. Skills and knowledge are only beneficial when applied appropriately and promptly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparedness_and_wisdom.htm">Preparedness and Wisdom</a></b><br>Just as the charmer must be ready to charm the snake, we must be prepared to use our God-given wisdom and resources effectively to avoid unnecessary harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_inaction.htm">Consequences of Inaction</a></b><br>Failing to act when necessary can lead to negative outcomes. This teaches us the value of diligence and proactive behavior in our spiritual and daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not just about having knowledge but also about knowing when and how to apply it. This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in using our wisdom effectively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>The imagery of the snake serves as a reminder to be vigilant against spiritual dangers and to rely on God's wisdom to navigate life's challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_luck.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on luck?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'all_is_vanity'_contradict_purpose.htm">In Ecclesiastes 12:8, does the statement 'all is vanity' contradict the idea of purpose found elsewhere in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_'cast_bread'_yield_results.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:1, how is 'casting bread upon the waters' supposed to yield a result when bread would dissolve or sink?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_eccl._9_11_challenge_god's_control.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:11 says events happen by 'time and chance,' so does that undermine the idea of God's sovereign control?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) This also is a difficult verse. Literally translated it is, <span class= "ital">If the serpent bite for lack of enchantment, there is no advantage to the master of the tongue. </span>It seems best to follow the LXX. and other interpreters, and take the "master of the tongue" to mean the snake charmer, who possesses the "voice of the charmer" (<a href="/psalms/58-5.htm" title="Which will not listen to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.">Psalm 58:5</a>). The whisperings of the snake charmer, so often described by Eastern travellers, are referred to also in <a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm" title="For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, said the LORD.">Jeremiah 8:17</a>, and in a passage, probably founded on the present text (<a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/12-13.htm" title="Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such as come nigh wild beasts?">Ecclesiasticus 12:13</a>), "Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent?" The mention of the serpent in <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm" title="He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.">Ecclesiastes 10:8</a> seems to have suggested another illustration of the advantage of wisdom in the different effects of snake-charming, as used by the expert or the unskilful. The phrase, "master of the tongue," seems to have been chosen in order to lead on to the following verses, which speak of the different use of the tongue by the wise man and the fool.<p><span class= "bld">Enchantment.</span>--According to the primary meaning "whispering" (<a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm" title="But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said to his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.">2Samuel 12:19</a>; <a href="/isaiah/26-16.htm" title="LORD, in trouble have they visited you, they poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them.">Isaiah 26:16</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - The last proverb of this little series shows the necessity of seizing the right opportunity. <span class="cmt_word">Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment.</span> The Authorized Version is not quite correct. The particle <span class="hebrew">אם</span>, with which the verse begins, is here conditional, and the rendering should be, <span class="accented">If the serpent bite</span>, etc.; the apodosis comes in the next clause. The idea is taken up from ver. 8. If one handles a serpent without due precaution or without knowing the secret of charming it, one will suffer for it. The taming and charming of poisonous snakes is still, as heretofore, practiced in Egypt and the East. What the secret of this power is has not been accurately determined; whether it belongs especially to persons of a certain idiosyncrasy, whether it is connected with certain words or intonations of the voice or musical sounds, we do not know. Of the existence of the power from remote antiquity there can be no question. Allusions to it in Scripture are common enough (see <a href="/exodus/7-11.htm">Exodus 7:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Jeremiah 8:17</a>; Ecclus. 12:13). If a serpent before it is charmed is dangerous, what then? The Authorized Version affords no sensible apodosis: <span class="cmt_word">And a babbler is no better</span>. The words rendered "babbler" (<span class="accented">baul hallashon</span>) are literally "master of the tongue," and by them is meant the <span class="greek">ἐπαοιδός</span>, "the serpent-charmer." The clause should <span class="accented">run, Then there is no use in the charmer</span>. If the man is bitten before he has time to use his charm, it is no profit to him that he has the secret, it is too late to employ it when the mischief is done. This is to shut the stable door after the steed is stolen. The maxim enforces the warning against being too late; the greatest skill is useless unless applied at the right moment. The Septuagint translates virtually as above, "If a serpent bites when not charmed (<span class="greek">ἐν</span> <span class="greek">οὐ ψιθυρισμῷ</span>), then there is no advantage to the charmer (<span class="greek">τῷ ἐπᾴδοντι</span>)." The Vulgate departs from the context, rendering, <span class="accented">Si mordeat serpens in silentio</span> (i.e. probably "uncharmed"), <span class="accented">nihil eo minus habet qui occulte detrahit</span>, "He is nothing better who slanders secretly," which St. Jerome thus explains: the serpent and the slanderer are alike, for as the serpent stealthily infuses its poison, so the secret slanderer pours his venom into another's breast. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-11.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">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the snake</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנָּחָ֖שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(han·nā·ḥāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5175.htm">Strong's 5175: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bites</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשֹּׁ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·šōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5391.htm">Strong's 5391: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּלוֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·lō·w-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | 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">it is charmed,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֑חַשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḥaš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3908.htm">Strong's 3908: </a> </span><span class="str2">A whisper, a private prayer, an incantation, an amulet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there is no</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">profit</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְר֔וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3504.htm">Strong's 3504: </a> </span><span class="str2">Preeminence, gain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the charmer.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבַ֖עַל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇa·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:11 If the snake bites before it (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:12" /></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>