CINXE.COM

<!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 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/21_Ecc_09_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Enjoy Your Portion in This Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." /><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/9-10.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/9-10.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 10</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="/ad10.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/9-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:9">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 9:10 <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:11">►</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> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no working or explaining or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) where you are going. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Work hard at whatever you do. You will soon go to the world of the dead, where no one works or thinks or reasons or even knows anything. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it with [all] your might, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you're going. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Work hard at whatever you do, because there will be no action, no thought, no knowledge, no wisdom in the world of the dead--and that is where you are going. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Whatever the activity in which you engage, do it with all your ability, because there is no work, no planning, no learning, and no wisdom in the next world where you're going. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> All that your hand finds to do, with your power do, for there is no work, and plan, and knowledge, and wisdom in Sheol to where you are going. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> All that thy hand findeth to do, with thy power do, for there is no work, and device, and knowledge, and wisdom in Sheol whither thou art going. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> All which thy hand shall find to do, with thy strength, do thou; for no work and understanding and knowledge and wisdom, in hades where thou goest there.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Whatsoever thy hand is able to do, do it earnestly: for neither work, nor reason, nor wisdom, nor knowledge shall be in hell, whither thou art hastening. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Whatever your hand is able to do, do it earnestly. For neither work, nor reason, nor wisdom, nor knowledge will exist in death, toward which you are hurrying. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Anything you can turn your hand to, do with what power you have; for there will be no work, no planning, no knowledge, no wisdom in Sheol where you are going. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Whatever your hand finds to do, do with your might; for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Whatsoever your hand is able to do, do it with your might; for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol whither you are going. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> All that your hand finds to do, do in your power, for there is no work or reasoning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, because you are going there<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Whatsoever thy hand attaineth to do by thy strength, that do; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Whatsoever thine hand shall find to do, do with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Hades wither thou goest. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/9-10.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=1740" 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> …9Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. 10<a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">Whatever</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/4672.htm" title="4672: tim·ṣā (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To attain to, find. ">you find</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">with your hands,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: bə·ḵō·ḥă·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">with all your might,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7585.htm" title="7585: biš·’ō·wl (Prep-b:: N-cs) -- Or shol; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.">in Sheol,</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.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">are going,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there is</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śeh (N-ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">work</a> <a href="/hebrew/2808.htm" title="2808: wə·ḥeš·bō·wn (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A reckoning, account. From chashab; properly, contrivance; by implication, intelligence.">or planning</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: wə·ḏa·‘aṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">or knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">or wisdom.</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.…<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="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a> Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a> Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a> There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. <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="/john/9-4.htm">John 9:4</a> While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a> For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ... <a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a> Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a> and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a> Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a> Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a> For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a> The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Ephesians 5:16</a> redeeming the time, because the days are evil. <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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.thy hand<a href="/numbers/13-30.htm">Numbers 13:30</a> And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.<a href="/1_chronicles/22-19.htm">1 Chronicles 22:19</a> Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.<a href="/1_chronicles/28-20.htm">1 Chronicles 28:20</a> And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.for<a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:5,6</a> For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten… <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:3</a> If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.<a href="/job/14-7.htm">Job 14:7-12</a> For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/numbers/6-21.htm">Attaineth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Device</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-23.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-5.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Goest</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Planning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-13.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-7.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-7.htm">Attaineth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-11.htm">Device</a> <a href="/songs/8-10.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/songs/8-10.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-2.htm">Goest</a> <a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-17.htm">Planning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/songs/6-1.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Work</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>Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might This phrase emphasizes the importance of diligence and wholehearted effort in one's work. The Bible frequently underscores the value of hard work and dedication, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a>, which states that diligent hands bring wealth. The use of "hands" symbolizes practical, tangible efforts, suggesting that our actions should be purposeful and energetic. This aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, where individuals are called to manage their God-given resources and talents responsibly. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>, where believers are encouraged to work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, highlighting the spiritual dimension of our earthly labors.for in Sheol, where you are going Sheol is a Hebrew term often used in the Old Testament to refer to the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence. It is not synonymous with the Christian concept of hell but rather a shadowy existence where the dead reside. The mention of Sheol serves as a reminder of human mortality and the inevitability of death. This context urges readers to make the most of their earthly lives, as opportunities for action and achievement are limited to this life. The acknowledgment of Sheol reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the afterlife, which was less developed than later Christian eschatology.there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom This part of the verse highlights the cessation of earthly activities and pursuits after death. In Sheol, the opportunities for labor, strategic planning, intellectual growth, and the application of wisdom are no longer available. This underscores the urgency of living purposefully and making the most of one's time on earth. The absence of these activities in Sheol contrasts with the biblical portrayal of heaven, where believers anticipate eternal life and communion with God. The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of using one's time wisely, as echoed in <a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a>, which asks God to teach us to number our days.<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 meaning of life and the pursuit of purpose. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sheol.htm">Sheol</a> In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and inactivity. It represents the finality of death and the cessation of earthly endeavors. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a> The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the complexities and vanities of life under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_action.htm">The Urgency of Action</a> Life is fleeting, and opportunities are limited. We are called to seize the moment and engage in our tasks with vigor and dedication. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_diligence.htm">The Value of Diligence</a> God honors hard work and diligence. Our efforts should reflect our commitment to Him, knowing that our earthly work is a form of worship. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_mortality.htm">The Reality of Mortality</a> Awareness of our mortality should motivate us to live purposefully. We should focus on what truly matters, knowing that our time is finite. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_intentional_living.htm">The Importance of Intentional Living</a> We are encouraged to live intentionally, making the most of our God-given talents and opportunities, as there will be no chance to do so after death. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_excellence.htm">The Call to Excellence</a> Whatever we do, we should strive for excellence, reflecting God's character in our work and interactions.<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/does_ecclesiastes_10_10_stress_effort_over_faith.htm">Does the advice to sharpen the axe in Ecclesiastes 10:10 imply a reliance on human effort over divine intervention, creating tension with texts that stress faith and dependence on God? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_121_1.htm">What does 'Living dog better than dead lion' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_lateness.htm">What does the Bible say about lateness?</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>(10) Thy hand findeth.--<a href="/leviticus/12-8.htm" title="And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.">Leviticus 12:8</a>; <a href="/judges/9-33.htm" title="And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and set on the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.">Judges 9:33</a>; and margin, reff.The grave.--Sheol (<a href="/john/9-4.htm" title="I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work.">John 9:4</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. In accordance with what has been already said, and to combat the idea that, as man cannot control his fate, he should take no pains to work his work, but fold his hands in resigned inaction, Koheleth urges him not to despair, but to do his part manfully as long as life is given, and with all the energies of his soul carry out the purpose of his being. The Septuagint gives, "All things whatsoever thy hand shall find to do, do it as thy power is (ὡς ἡ δύναμίς σου);" Vulgate, Quodcumque facere potest manus tua, instanter operate. The expression at the commencement may be illustrated by <a href="/leviticus/12-8.htm">Leviticus 12:8</a>; <a href="/leviticus/25-28.htm">Leviticus 25:28</a>; <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Judges 9:33</a>, where it implies ability to carry out some intention, and in some passages is thus rendered, "is able," etc. (comp. <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Proverbs 3:27</a>). It is therefore erroneous to render it in this place, "Whatever by chance cometh to hand;" or "Let might be right." Rather it is a call to work as the prelude and accompaniment of enjoyment, anticipating St. Paul's maxim (<a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10</a>), "If any would not work, neither should he eat." Ginsburg's interpretation is dishonoring to the Preacher and foreign to his real sentiments, "Have recourse to every source of voluptuous gratification, while thou art in thy strength." The true meaning of the verse is confirmed by such references as <a href="/john/9-4.htm">John 9:4</a>, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work;" <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">2 Corinthians 6:2</a>, "Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation;" <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a>, "As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men." For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave. The departed have no more work which they can do, no plans or calculations to make; their knowledge is strictly limited, their wisdom is ended. It needs body and soul to carry on the labors and activities of this world; when these are severed, and can no longer act together, there is a complete alteration in the man's relations and capacities. "The grave," sheol (which is found nowhere else in Ecclesiastes), is the place to which go the souls of the dead - a shadowy region. Whither thou goest; to which all are bound. It is plain that the writer believes in the continued existence of the soul, as he differentiates its life in sheol from its life on earth, the energies and operations which are carried on in the one case being curtailed or eclipsed in the other. Of any repentance, or purification, or progress, in the unseen world, Koheleth knows and says nothing. He would seem to regard existence there as a sleep or a state of insensibility; at any rate, such is the natural view of the present passage. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Whatever כֹּ֠ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every you find תִּמְצָ֧א (tim·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present to do לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make with your hands, יָֽדְךָ֛ (yā·ḏə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand do [it] עֲשֵׂ֑ה (‘ă·śêh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make with all your might, בְּכֹחֲךָ֖ (bə·ḵō·ḥă·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> A small reptile (of unknown species) for כִּי֩ (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction in Sheol, בִּשְׁא֕וֹל (biš·’ō·wl) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm">Strong's 7585: </a> Underworld (place to which people descend at death) where אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are going, הֹלֵ֥ךְ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk there is no אֵ֨ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle work מַעֲשֶׂ֤ה (ma·‘ă·śeh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property or planning וְחֶשְׁבּוֹן֙ (wə·ḥeš·bō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2808.htm">Strong's 2808: </a> Contrivance, intelligence or knowledge וְדַ֣עַת (wə·ḏa·‘aṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> Knowledge or wisdom. וְחָכְמָ֔ה (wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> Wisdom <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do do (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:11" /></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>