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href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/11.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/11.htm">New International Version</a> As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother&#8217s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">King James Bible</a> As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New King James Version</a> As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the work of God who works all things. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Just as you do not know the way and path of the wind or how the bones are formed in the womb of a pregnant woman, even so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so also you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Just as you don&#8217t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don&#8217t know the work of God who makes everything. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> No one can explain how a baby breathes before it is born. So how can anyone explain what God does? After all, God created everything. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Just as you don't know how the breath of life enters the limbs of a child within its mother's womb, you also don't understand how God, who made everything, works. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> God made everything, and you can no more understand what he does than you understand how new life begins in the womb of a pregnant woman. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Just as you do not understand the way of the spirit in the womb of a pregnant mother, so also you do not know what God is doing in everything he makes. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother?s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/11.htm">NET Bible</a> Just as you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones form in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> As you do not know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child; even so you do not know the work of God who does all. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor the structure of the parts of conception in her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/11.htm">World English Bible</a> As you don’t know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child; even so you don’t know the work of God who does all. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> As you do not know what [is] the way of the spirit, "" How—bones in the womb of the full one, "" So you do not know the work of God who makes the whole. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, How -- bones in the womb of the full one, So thou knowest not the work of God who maketh the whole. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> As thou wilt not know what the way of the spirit, as the bones in the womb of her being filled, so thou shalt not know the work of God who will make all.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones are joined together in the womb of her that is with child: so thou knowest not the works of God, who is the maker of all. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> In the same manner that you do not know the way of the spirit, nor the way that bones are joined together in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you do not know the works of God, who is the Maker of all. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New American Bible</a> Just as you do not know how the life breath enters the human frame in the mother’s womb, So you do not know the work of God, who is working in everything. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who makes everything.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> As you do not know the path of the wind, and the manner of a woman who is with child; even so you do not know the works of the LORD who makes all. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because you do not know the way of the wind, for as the way of her who is pregnant of conception, so you will not know the works of LORD JEHOVAH, all that he made<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, Nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; Even so thou knowest not the work of God Who doeth all things. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Among whom none knows what is the way of the wind: as the bones are hid in the womb of a pregnant woman, so thou shalt not know the works of God, even all things whatsoever he shall do. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/11-5.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=2044" 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/11.htm">Cast Your Bread upon the Waters</a> …4He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap. 5<a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">As</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nə·ḵā (Adv:: 2ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">you do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- 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. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the path</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: hā·rū·aḥ (Art:: N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">of the wind,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: ka·‘ă·ṣā·mîm (Prep-k:: N-fp) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame.">or how the bones are formed</a> <a href="/hebrew/4392.htm" title="4392: ham·mə·lê·’āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Full. From male'; full or filling; also fulness; adverbially, fully.">in a mother’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/990.htm" title="990: bə·ḇe·ṭen (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything.">womb,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3602.htm" title="3602: kā·ḵāh (Adv) -- Thus. From koh; just so, referring to the previous or following context.">so</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 cannot</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.">understand</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/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śêh (N-msc) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">the Maker</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/3605.htm" title="3605: hak·kōl (Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all things.</a> 6Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper.…<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="/psalms/139-13.htm">Psalm 139:13-16</a> For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. / I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. / My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ... <a href="/job/38-36.htm">Job 38:36-38</a> Who has put wisdom in the heart or given understanding to the mind? / Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of the heavens / when the dust hardens into a mass and the clods of earth stick together? <a href="/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8</a> The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a> “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-34</a> O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” <a href="/job/37-5.htm">Job 37:5</a> God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend. <a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1-2</a> In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. / Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. <a href="/psalms/104-24.htm">Psalm 104:24-30</a> How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. / Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both great and small. / There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/2-11.htm">1 Corinthians 2:11</a> For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. <a href="/job/26-14.htm">Job 26:14</a> Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?” <a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a> Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. <a href="/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25-28</a> Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. / From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. / God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ... <a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a> “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3</a> By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. <a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Proverbs 30:4</a> Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>As you know not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so you know not the works of God who makes all.thou knowest not what<a href="/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8</a> The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.nor<a href="/psalms/139-14.htm">Psalm 139:14,15</a> I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well… even<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:24</a> That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?<a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:17</a> Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.<a href="/job/5-9.htm">Job 5:9</a> Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">Body</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Child</a> <a href="/ruth/4-13.htm">Conception</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Maker</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Path</a> <a href="/psalms/7-14.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/144-12.htm">Structure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Womb</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-10.htm">Body</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/songs/6-9.htm">Child</a> <a href="/hosea/9-11.htm">Conception</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-10.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-2.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-1.htm">Maker</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-17.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/songs/1-6.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-17.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Path</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-16.htm">Structure</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/songs/4-16.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-18.htm">Womb</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Work</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-16.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 11</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-1.htm">directions for charity</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-7.htm">death in life and the day of judgment</a> 9. <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-9.htm">in the days of youth</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/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>As you do not know the path of the wind This phrase highlights human limitations in understanding natural phenomena. In biblical times, wind was often seen as a mysterious and uncontrollable force, symbolizing the Spirit of God (<a href="/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8</a>). The unpredictability of the wind serves as a metaphor for the divine mysteries that are beyond human comprehension. The Hebrew word for "wind" (ruach) is also used for "spirit," indicating a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb This reflects the ancient understanding of the mystery of life and creation. The formation of bones in the womb is a process that remains largely hidden and miraculous, even with modern scientific advancements. This aligns with <a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Psalm 139:13-16</a>, where the psalmist marvels at being "knit together" in the womb, acknowledging God's intimate involvement in creation. The reference to bones signifies the complexity and intricacy of human life, which is crafted by God.so you cannot understand the work of God This statement emphasizes the limitations of human wisdom in grasping the full scope of God's actions and purposes. It echoes the theme of divine sovereignty found throughout Ecclesiastes and other wisdom literature, such as <a href="/job/38.htm">Job 38-41</a>, where God questions Job about the mysteries of creation. The inability to understand God's work calls for humility and trust in His divine plan.the Maker of all things This phrase affirms God's role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It connects to <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>, where God is introduced as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The title "Maker" underscores God's authority and power over all creation, reinforcing the idea that His ways and purposes are beyond human understanding. This also points to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the agent of creation (<a href="/john/1-3.htm">John 1:3</a>, <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a>), highlighting the continuity of God's creative work through Christ.<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. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god,_the_maker_of_all_things.htm">God, the Maker of all things</a> - The verse refers to God as the Creator, emphasizing His sovereignty and the mystery of His works. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_wind.htm">The Wind</a> - Represents the unseen and unpredictable aspects of life, which humans cannot fully comprehend. 4. <a href="/topical/a/a_mother's_womb.htm">A Mother's Womb</a> - Symbolizes the hidden and miraculous process of life formation, which remains beyond human understanding. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_work_of_god.htm">The Work of God</a> - Encompasses all of creation and the divine plan, which is often inscrutable to human beings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_human_limitations.htm">Acknowledging Human Limitations</a> Recognize that there are aspects of life and creation that are beyond human understanding. This should lead to humility and reverence for God. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting in God's Sovereignty</a> Even when we do not understand His ways, we can trust that God, as the Creator, has a perfect plan and purpose for everything. <a href="/topical/e/embracing_mystery_in_faith.htm">Embracing Mystery in Faith</a> Faith involves accepting the mysteries of God’s work. We are called to live by faith, not by sight, trusting in His wisdom and timing. <a href="/topical/v/valuing_life's_miracles.htm">Valuing Life's Miracles</a> The formation of life in the womb is a miracle that reflects God's creative power. This should inspire awe and respect for life at all stages. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a> While we may not understand all of God's work, we are encouraged to live purposefully, making the most of the opportunities God gives us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 11</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_11_5_relate_to_embryology.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:5, how does the statement about not understanding how life forms in the womb align with modern embryology? </a> <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> <a href="/q/does_eccl._2_3_conflict_with_spiritual_discipline.htm">How does Ecclesiastes 2:3's pursuit of gratification align with or conflict against biblical calls for spiritual discipline?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_job_5_10_conflict_with_science.htm">In Job 5:10, how does asserting divine control over rain and crops stand against established meteorological science?</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>(5) The wording of this passage leaves it ambiguous whether we have here two illustrations of man's ignorance, or only one; whether we are to understand the verse as declaring that we know neither the way of the wind nor the growth of the embryo, or whether, retaining the translation "spirit," we take the whole verse as relating to the latter subject. (Comp. <a href="/john/3-6.htm" title="That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.">John 3:6</a>.) The word for "her that is with child" occurs in that sense here only in the Old Testament, and in later Hebrew.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit. In this verse are presented one or two examples of man's ignorance of natural facts and processes as analogous to the mysteries of God's moral government. The word translated "spirit" (ruach) may mean also "wind," and is so taken here by many commentators (see <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:6</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:8</a>; and comp. <a href="/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8</a>). In this view there would be two instances given, viz. the wind and the embryo. Certainly, the mention of the wind seems to come naturally after what has preceded; and man's ignorance of its way, and powerlessness to control it, are emblematic of his attitude towards Divine providence. The versions, however, seem to support the rendering of the Authorized Version. Thus the Septuagint (which connects the clause with ver. 4), ἐν οῖς ("among whom," i.e. those who watch the weather), "There is none that knoweth what is the way of the spirit (τοῦ πνεύματος);" Vulgate. Quomodo ignoras quae sit via spiritus. If we take this view, we have only one idea in the verse, and that is the infusion of the breath of life in the embryo, and its growth in its mother's womb. Nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child. Our version, by its insertions, has made two facts out of the statement in the Hebrew, which is literally, holy the bones (are) in the womb of a pregnant woman. Septuagint, "As (ὡς) bones are in the womb," etc.; Vulgate, Et qua ratione compingantur ossa in ventre praegnantis, " And in what way the bones are framed in the womb of the pregnant." The formation and quickening of the foetus were always regarded as mysterious and inscrutable (comp. <a href="/job/10-8.htm">Job 10:8, 9</a>; <a href="/psalms/139-15.htm">Psalm 139:15</a>; Wisd. 7:1, etc.). Wright compares M. Aurelius, 10:26, "The first principles of life are extremely slender and mysterious; and yet nature works them up into a strange increase of bulk, diversity, and proportion." Controversies concerning the origin of the soul have been rife from early times, some holding what is called Traducianism, i.e. that soul and body are both derived by propagation from earthly parents; others supporting Creationism, i.e. that the soul, created specially by God, is infused into the child before birth. St. Augustine confesses ('Op. Imperf.,' 4:104) that he is unable to determine the truth of either opinion. And, indeed, this is one of those secret things which Holy Scripture has not decided for us, and about which no authoritative sentence has been given. The term "bones" is used for the whole conformation of the body (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Proverbs 15:30</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a>); meleah, "pregnant," means literally, "full," and is used like the Latin plena can here and nowhere else in the Old Testament, though common in later Hebrew. Thus Ovid, 'Metam.,' 10:469 - "Plena patris thalamis excedit, et impia dire Semina fert utero." And 'Fast.,' 4:633 - "Nunc gravidum pecus est; gravidae sunt semine terrae Telluri plenae victima plena datur." Even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. Equally mysterious in its general scope and in its details is the working of God's providence. And as everything lies in God's hands, it must needs be secret and beyond human ken. This is why to "the works of God" (<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:13</a>) is added, "who maketh all." The God of nature is Lord of the future (comp. <a href="/amos/3-6.htm">Amos 3:6</a>; Ecclus. 18:6); man must not disquiet himself about this. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>As כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you do not אֵֽינְךָ֤ (’ê·nə·ḵā) Adverb | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle know יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙ (yō·w·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know the path דֶּ֣רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action of the wind, הָר֔וּחַ (hā·rū·aḥ) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit or how the bones [are formed] כַּעֲצָמִ֖ים (ka·‘ă·ṣā·mîm) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6106.htm">Strong's 6106: </a> A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame in a mother’s הַמְּלֵאָ֑ה (ham·mə·lê·’āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4392.htm">Strong's 4392: </a> Full, filling, fulness, fully womb, בְּבֶ֣טֶן (bə·ḇe·ṭen) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_990.htm">Strong's 990: </a> The belly, the womb, the bosom, body of anything so כָּ֗כָה (kā·ḵāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3602.htm">Strong's 3602: </a> Just so you cannot לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no understand תֵדַע֙ (ṯê·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know the work מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (ma·‘ă·śêh) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property of God, הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative the Maker יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה (ya·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make of all things. הַכֹּֽל׃ (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you don't know what (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 11:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 11:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 11:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 11:6" /></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>