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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 9:12 For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/21_Ecc_09_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 9:12 - Enjoy Your Portion in This Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them." /><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/9-12.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/9-12.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 12</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="/ad12.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/9-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:11">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 9:12 <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:13">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New International Version</a> Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">King James Bible</a> For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New King James Version</a> For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For indeed, a person does not know his time: like fish that are caught in a treacherous net and birds caught in a snare, so the sons of mankind are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net, and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish seized in an evil net and birds seized in a trap, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For man also does not know his time [of death]; like fish caught in a treacherous net, and birds caught in the snare, so the sons of men are ensnared in an evil time when a dark cloud suddenly falls on them. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For certainly no one knows his time: like fish caught in a cruel net or like birds caught in a trap, so people are trapped in an evil time as it suddenly falls on them. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For man certainly does not know his time: like fish caught in a cruel net or like birds caught in a trap, so people are trapped in an evil time as it suddenly falls on them. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> None of us know when we might fall victim to a sudden disaster and find ourselves like fish in a net or birds in a trap. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so, are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> No one knows when his time will come. Like fish that are caught in a cruel net or birds caught in a snare, humans are trapped by a disaster when it suddenly strikes them. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> You never know when your time is coming. Like birds suddenly caught in a trap, like fish caught in a net, we are trapped at some evil moment when we least expect it. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> In addition, no human being knows his time: Like fish captured in a cruel net, or as birds caught in a snare, so also are human beings caught by bad timing that surprises them. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Surely, no one knows his appointed time! Like fish that are caught in a deadly net, and like birds that are caught in a snare--just like them, all people are ensnared at an unfortunate time that falls upon them suddenly. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For man also doesn't know his time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/9.htm">World English Bible</a> For man also doesn’t know his time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For even man does not know his time; as fish that are taken hold of by an evil net, and as birds that are taken hold of by a snare, the sons of man are snared like these at an evil time when it falls on them suddenly. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For even man knoweth not his time; as fish that are taken hold of by an evil net, and as birds that are taken hold of by a snare, like these are the sons of man snared at an evil time, when it falleth upon them suddenly. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For also man knew not his time: as the fishes being laid hold of in an evil net, and as the birds laid hold of in the snare, as they, the sons of men being snared for an evil time, as it will fall upon them suddenly.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Man knoweth not his own end: but as fishes are taken with the hook, and as birds are caught with the snare, so men are taken in the evil time, when it shall suddenly come upon them. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Man does not know his own end. But, just as fish are caught with a hook, and birds are captured with a snare, so are men seized in the evil time, when it will suddenly overwhelm them. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Human beings no more know their own time than fish taken in the fatal net or birds trapped in the snare; like these, mortals are caught when an evil time suddenly falls upon them. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For no one can anticipate the time of disaster. Like fish taken in a cruel net, and like birds caught in a snare, so mortals are snared at a time of calamity, when it suddenly falls upon them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For man knows not his time; but as fish that are taken in a treacherous net and as birds that are caught in the snares, so are the sons of men snared in an evil time when it falls suddenly upon them. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> For a son of man does not know his time, like fish that are caught in an evil net; like the fowl that are taken in a snare, so are the children of men taken in an evil time when it will fall upon them from the stillness<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For man also knoweth not his time; as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For surely man also knows not his time: as fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as birds that are caught in a snare; even thus the sons of men are snared at an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1771" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Enjoy Your Portion in This Life</a> …11I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. 12<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">surely</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.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yê·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘it·tōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">his time:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1709.htm" title="1709: kad·dā·ḡîm (Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- A fish. Or dag; from dagah; a fish; or perhaps rather from da'ag; but still better from da'ag; a fish.">Like fish</a> <a href="/hebrew/270.htm" title="270: šen·ne·’ĕ·ḥā·zîm (Pro-r:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To grasp, take hold, take possession. A primitive root; to seize.">caught</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">in a cruel</a> <a href="/hebrew/4685.htm" title="4685: bim·ṣō·w·ḏāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- A net, a, fastness, tower. Or mtsowdah; or mtsodah; from tsuwd; a net.">net</a> <a href="/hebrew/6833.htm" title="6833: wə·ḵaṣ·ṣip·po·rîm (Conj-w, Prep-k, Art:: N-cp) -- A bird. Or tsippor; from tsaphar; a little bird.">or birds</a> <a href="/hebrew/270.htm" title="270: hā·’ă·ḥu·zō·wṯ (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fp) -- To grasp, take hold, take possession. A primitive root; to seize.">trapped</a> <a href="/hebrew/6341.htm" title="6341: bap·pāḥ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A, sheet, a spring net. From pachach; a sheet; also a spring net.">in a snare,</a> <a href="/hebrew/kā·hêm (Prep-k:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">so men</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3369.htm" title="3369: yū·qā·šîm (V-Pual-Prtcpl-mp) -- To lay a bait or lure. A primitive root; to ensnare.">are ensnared</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">in an evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: lə·‘êṯ (Prep-l:: N-csc) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">time</a> <a href="/hebrew/6597.htm" title="6597: piṯ·’ōm (Adv) -- Suddenness, suddenly. Or pith.om; from petha'; instantly.">that suddenly</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: kə·šet·tip·pō·wl (Prep-k, Pro-r:: V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">falls</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon them.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/24-44.htm">Matthew 24:44</a> For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-3</a> For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. <a href="/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39-40</a> But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. / You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a> You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. <a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a> Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. <a href="/job/14-5.htm">Job 14:5</a> Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed, <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10</a> But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. <a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. <a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Psalm 39:4-5</a> “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah <a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34-35</a> But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Proverbs 29:6</a> An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11</a> And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. <a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a> So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom. <a href="/mark/13-32.htm">Mark 13:32-33</a> No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. / Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For man also knows not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them.man<a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:5-7,11</a> Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment… <a href="/luke/19-42.htm">Luke 19:42-44</a> Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes… <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">2 Corinthians 6:2</a> (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)as the fishes<a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Proverbs 7:22,23</a> He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; … <a href="/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14-17</a> And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? … <a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm">2 Timothy 2:26</a> And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.the sons<a href="/job/18-8.htm">Job 18:8-10</a> For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare… <a href="/psalms/11-6.htm">Psalm 11:6</a> Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.<a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18-20</a> Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Ensnared</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/psalms/105-29.htm">Fish</a> <a href="/psalms/74-14.htm">Fishes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-5.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Net</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Snared</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Times</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Trapped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-15.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-25.htm">Ensnared</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-8.htm">Fish</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-20.htm">Fishes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/songs/7-5.htm">Net</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-15.htm">Snared</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-5.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-1.htm">Times</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-22.htm">Trapped</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 9</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">like things happen to good and bad</a> 4. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">there is a necessity of death unto men</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Comfort is all their portion in this life</a> 11. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">God's providence rules over all</a> 13. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">wisdom is better than strength</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/9.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/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For surely no man knows his time: This phrase emphasizes the unpredictability of life and death. In biblical context, it reflects the wisdom literature's theme of human limitations and the sovereignty of God over time and events. The uncertainty of life is echoed in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which compares life to a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. This unpredictability calls for a life lived in awareness of God's timing and purposes, as seen in <a href="/psalms/31-15.htm">Psalm 31:15</a>, where the psalmist declares, "My times are in Your hands."Like fish caught in a cruel net: The imagery of fish caught in a net suggests sudden and unforeseen capture, symbolizing the unexpected nature of life's challenges and adversities. In the ancient Near East, fishing was a common occupation, and nets were a primary tool, making this metaphor relatable to the original audience. The "cruel net" implies the harshness and inevitability of certain life events, akin to the suddenness of judgment or calamity described in <a href="/amos/4-2.htm">Amos 4:2</a>, where God speaks of leading the people away with fishhooks.or birds trapped in a snare: This phrase continues the metaphor of unexpected entrapment, using the image of birds caught in a snare. In biblical times, snares were used for hunting, and their suddenness is a metaphor for life's unforeseen trials. <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23</a> uses a similar image to describe a young man ensnared by temptation, highlighting the need for vigilance and wisdom. The snare also symbolizes the spiritual traps set by the enemy, as seen in <a href="/psalms/91-3.htm">Psalm 91:3</a>, where God promises deliverance from the "fowler's snare."so men are ensnared in an evil time: The "evil time" refers to periods of adversity or calamity that come upon people unexpectedly. This reflects the biblical understanding of a fallen world where evil and suffering are present realities. <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Ephesians 5:16</a> advises believers to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil, urging a life of wisdom and discernment. The unpredictability of such times calls for reliance on God's providence and protection, as seen in <a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Psalm 23:4</a>, where the psalmist finds comfort in God's presence even in the "valley of the shadow of death."that suddenly falls upon them: The suddenness of these events underscores the theme of life's unpredictability and the need for readiness. This aligns with Jesus' teachings in <a href="/matthew/24-44.htm">Matthew 24:44</a>, where He warns of the suddenness of His return, urging His followers to be prepared at all times. The unexpected nature of these occurrences serves as a reminder of human frailty and the importance of living a life aligned with God's will, as seen in the parable of the ten virgins in <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>, which emphasizes the necessity of spiritual preparedness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> - Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the unpredictability of life and the certainty of death. 2. <a href="/topical/f/fish_and_birds.htm">Fish and Birds</a> - Used metaphorically to illustrate the suddenness and inevitability of death or misfortune, much like how fish and birds are caught unexpectedly. 3. <a href="/topical/e/evil_time.htm">Evil Time</a> - Represents unforeseen calamities or difficult times that can suddenly impact a person's life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_unpredictability_of_life.htm">The Unpredictability of Life</a> Life is uncertain, and we must acknowledge that we do not control our time on earth. This awareness should lead us to live wisely and purposefully. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_readiness.htm">The Importance of Readiness</a> Since we do not know when our time will come, we should always be spiritually prepared. This involves living in a way that honors God and aligns with His will. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> While life is unpredictable, believers can find comfort in the sovereignty of God, trusting that He is in control even when life seems chaotic. <a href="/topical/v/value_of_each_day.htm">Value of Each Day</a> Recognizing the uncertainty of life should encourage us to value each day, making the most of our time by investing in relationships and serving others. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> This verse challenges us to focus on eternal matters rather than temporary concerns, reminding us that our ultimate hope and security are found in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9</a> <a href="/q/who_is_qoheleth_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes?</a> <a href="/q/rich_and_poor__what_after_death.htm">What happens to the rich and poor after death?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_wealth_as_a_blessing_fit_with_nt.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:19 depicts wealth as a divine blessing; how does this harmonize with New Testament teachings that caution against riches?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_ezekiel_12_13_with_history.htm">Ezekiel 12:13 foretells a ruler's capture, yet some historical accounts appear to conflict with the exact manner of King Zedekiah's downfall; how can these differences be reconciled?</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>-12<a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm" title="Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, and knows not that it is for his life.">Proverbs 7:23</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/12-13.htm" title="My net also will I spread on him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.">Ezekiel 12:13</a>; <a href="/hosea/7-12.htm" title="When they shall go, I will spread my net on them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation has heard.">Hosea 7:12</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Man also knoweth not his time; Vulgate, Neseit homo finem suum, understanding "his time" to mean his death-hour; but it may include any misfortune or accident. The particle gain, "also," or "even," belongs to "his time." Not only are results out of man's control (ver. 11), but his life is in higher hands, and he is never sure of a day. As the fishes that are taken in an evil net, etc. The suddenness and unforeseen nature of calamities that befall men are here expressed by two forcible similes (comp. <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/12-13.htm">Ezekiel 12:13</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/32-3.htm">Ezekiel 32:3</a>). Thus Homer ('Iliad,' 5:487) - "Beware lest ye, as in the meshes caught Of some wide-sweeping net, become the prey And booty of your foes." (Derby.) So are the sons of men snared in an evil time. Men are suddenly overtaken by calamity, which they are totally unable to foresee or provide against. Our Lord says (<a href="/luke/21-35.htm">Luke 21:35</a>) that the last day shall come as a snare on all that dwell in the earth (comp. <a href="/ezekiel/7-7.htm">Ezekiel 7:7, 12</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֡י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction surely גַּם֩ (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and no לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no man הָאָדָ֜ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being knows יֵדַ֨ע (yê·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know his time: עִתּ֗וֹ (‘it·tōw) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when Like fish כַּדָּגִים֙ (kad·dā·ḡîm) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1709.htm">Strong's 1709: </a> A fish caught שֶׁנֶּֽאֱחָזִים֙ (šen·ne·’ĕ·ḥā·zîm) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_270.htm">Strong's 270: </a> To grasp, take hold, take possession in a cruel רָעָ֔ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil net בִּמְצוֹדָ֣ה (bim·ṣō·w·ḏāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4686.htm">Strong's 4686: </a> A net, capture, a fastness or birds וְכַ֨צִּפֳּרִ֔ים (wə·ḵaṣ·ṣip·po·rîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6833.htm">Strong's 6833: </a> A little bird trapped הָאֲחֻז֖וֹת (hā·’ă·ḥu·zō·wṯ) Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_270.htm">Strong's 270: </a> To grasp, take hold, take possession in a snare, בַּפָּ֑ח (bap·pāḥ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6341.htm">Strong's 6341: </a> A, sheet, a spring net so men בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son are ensnared יֽוּקָשִׁים֙ (yū·qā·šîm) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3369.htm">Strong's 3369: </a> To lay a bait or lure in an evil רָעָ֔ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil time לְעֵ֣ת (lə·‘êṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when that suddenly פִּתְאֹֽם׃ (piṯ·’ōm) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6597.htm">Strong's 6597: </a> Suddenness, suddenly falls כְּשֶׁתִּפּ֥וֹל (kə·šet·tip·pō·wl) Preposition-k, Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie upon them. עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:12 For man also doesn't know his time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:13" /></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>