If the thick clouds are full of rain, "" On the earth they empty [themselves]; And if a tree falls in the south or to the north, "" The place where the tree falls, there it is. יריקוּ carries (without needing an external object to be supplied), as internally transitive, its object is itself: if the clouds above fill themselves with rain, they make an emptying, i.e., they empty themselves downwards. the fruit; and so where a rich man is, there are poor enough Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. eight—even to more than seven; that is, "to many" (so "waters," Ec 11:1), … he remains; if a gracious and good man, and has done good, he is Certainly הוה has the root-signification of delabi, cadere, and derives from thence the meaning of accidere, exsistere, esse (vid., under Job 37:6); in the Book of Job, however, הוה may have this meaning as an Arabism; in the usus loq. useful in this world; and therefore it becomes men to do all the the south, or toward the north, in the good they can in health and life, for there is none to be done in heavy showers of rain, which wash away things; or like storms and Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time. fruitful; so when a man is cut off by death, as he was then, so 290.). Thus the future forms itself according to laws beyond the control of the human will, and man also has no certain knowledge of the future; wherefore he does well to be composed as to the worst, and to adopt prudent preventive measures regarding it. In order to determine whether Ecclesiastes 12:7 can bear the interpretation placed on it by many Latter-day Saints, I will (1) review what Latter-day Saints have claimed about the content of this verse, (2) consider 12:7 in the context of Ecclesiastes, especially chapter 12, and (3) analyze the language and meaning of 12:7 in its biblical context. Similarly, the term may mean “forgetfulness,” that is, God has plagued man with “forgetfulness” so that he cannot understand what God has done from the beginning to the end (e.g., Eccl 1:11). like a tree that falls to the south, he enters into the paradise and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be; where the seed falls, and it grows up into a plant, and to a tree, there it continues, whether to the north or to the south; and so accordingly brings forth fruit, and such as it is men partake of it; to which purpose Jarchi, and who applies it to the disciple of a wise man, who is profitable in the place where he is, not only in life, but after death: or where the fruit of a tree fall, "there they are", so Aben Ezra reads the last clause in the plural number; that is, there are persons enough to gather the fruit; and so where a rich man is, there are poor enough about him to partake of his bounty: or as when a tree is cut down, let it fall where it will, there it abides, and is no more fruitful; so when a man is cut off by death, as he was then, so he remains; if a gracious and good man, and has done good, he is like a tree that falls to the south, he enters into the paradise of God, the joys of heaven; and if not a good man, and has not done good, he is like a tree that falls to the north, he goes into a state of darkness, misery, and distress; see Revelation 22:11; or however, be this as it will, he is no more useful in this world; and therefore it becomes men to do all the good they can in health and life, for there is none to be done in the grave where they are going: or else the sense is, that as when a tree falls, whether it be to the south or to the north, it matters not to the owner, there it lies, and is of the same advantage to him; so an act of beneficence, let it be done to what object soever, a worthy or an unworthy one, yet being done with a view to the glory of God and the good of men, it shall not lose its reward: and so this is an answer to the objection of some against giving, because they do not know whether the object proposed is deserving: though some think the same thing is intended by these metaphorical expressions, as is suggested in the latter part of Ecclesiastes 11:2, that evils or calamities may come upon men like heavy showers of rain, which wash away things; or like storms and tempests of rain, thunder and lightning, which break down trees, and cause them to fall to the north or to the south; and thus in like manner by one judgment or another men may be stripped of all their substance, and therefore it is right to make use of it while they have it. (3) The third view (Delitzsch) is to relate עֹלָם to a cognate Arabic root meaning “knowledge.” The … "A wind-observer will not sow ... a cloud-watcher will not reap" … 3 If the clouds are full [of rain], they empty themselves on the earth; and if a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it lies. of God, the joys of heaven; and if not a good man, and has not Whether a tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls." California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The very smallness of our knowledge (), and control (11:3), and the very likelihood of hard times (11L2) so frequently impressed on us throughout the book, become the reasons to bestir ourselves and show some spirit" (Kidner p. 98). the grave where they are going: or else the sense is, that as Meqom is accus. "How the bones grow in the womb" is an illustration of how ignorant mankind is regarding even something so close as a child in the womb. Literal Standard Version. upon What Does Ecclesiastes 3:1 Mean? Ecclesiastes 11:3 (ASV) If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there shall it be. 22:14 Revelation 2. Ecclesiastes 11:3 Context. Rather it may be said that יהוּ had to be written with an א added to distinguish it from the abbreviated tetragramm, if the א, as in אבוּא, Isaiah 28:12, and הל, Joshua 10:24, does not merely represent the long terminal vowel (cf. Ecclesiastes 11:3, NLT: "When clouds are heavy, the rains come down. intended by these metaphorical expressions, as is suggested in is refreshed, and made fruitful; nor are they losers by it, for If the clouds be full of rain, they empty [themselves] in the plural number; that is, there are persons enough to gather Proud member Some commentators describe Ecclesiastes 3:12 as negative because they understand the phrase, “there is nothing better,” as implying something “second-best.” They almost seem insulted that God has “tossed them a crumb.” But look again at what God has counseled that we should do! יהוּ, according to which Rashi, Aben Ezra, and Kimchi interpret יהוּא here also as plur. imitating their God and Creator, who sendeth rain upon the just If the clouds be full of rain. is, not only in life, but after death: or where the fruit of a Solomon reverts to the sentiment (Ecclesiastes 9:10).waters — image from the custom of sowing seed by casting it from boats into the overflowing waters of the Nile, or in any marshy ground. It should be rendered "spirit," which fits better with the context of verse 5. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves, &c. — Learn, O man, the practice of liberality from the very lifeless creatures, from the clouds; which, when they are filled with water, do not hoard it up, but plentifully pour it forth, for the refreshment both … Our ignorance of the future is not to put a stop to action. Ecclesiastes 11:5. there is יהא, תּהא, אהא, and the plur. stands in the protasis as well as in the apodosis. Ecclesiastes 11:3Open menuKing James VersionOpen menu. be; Use this table to get a word-for-word translation of the original Hebrew Scripture. If A is done, then as a consequence B will be done; the old language would prefer the words והריקו ... נמלאו (כי) אם, Ewald, 355b: as often as A happens, so always happens B. Seven, and also to eight - A definite number for an indefinite (compare marginal reference). set the world in their heart—given them capacities to understand the world of nature as reflecting God's wisdom in its beautiful order and times (Ro 1:19, 20). And in this chapter, the Preacher in the first six verses gives us some good sound financial advice. הוה. Man cannot, if the previous condition is fixed, change the necessary consequences of it. The second conditioning clause: si ceciderit lignum ad austraum aut ad aquilonem, in quocunque loco cociderit ibi erit. But, on the other hand, from this incalculableness of the future-this is the reference of Ecclesiastes 11:3 looking forwards-he ought not to vie up fresh venturesome activity, much rather he ought to abstain from useless and impeding calculations and scruples. So man's character is unchangeable, whether for hell or heaven, once that death overtakes him (Re 22:11, 14, 15). No matter which direction a tree falls, it will lie where it fell. (Note: Otherwise Ewald, 192b: יהוּא, Aram. They do not retain it; sad would it be for the earth if they did; And so Ezekiel 6:13); the relation is the same as at Esther 1:7. Love your enemies, Jesus said, because they are valuable to you (Matthew 5:44). Hebrew reads Throw your bread on place where the tree falleth, there it shall advantage to him; so an act of beneficence, let it be done to 3. Sham is rightly not connected with the relat. This is the reference of Ecclesiastes 11:3 looking backwards. constantly answer the ends for which they are appointed. 2 Put your investments in several places—many places even—because you never know what kind of bad luck you are going to have in this world. the earth into a state of darkness, misery, and distress; see ( Revelation The Uncertainties of LifeSend your grain across the seas,and in time, profits will flow back to you.#:1 Or Give generously, / for your gifts will return to you later. 3 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. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty [themselves] upon. 11 Invest your money in foreign trade, and one of these days you will make a profit. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. clause (cf. As it is an invariable law of nature according to which the clouds discharge the masses of water that have become too heavy for them, so it is an unchangeable law of nature that the tree that has fallen before the axe or the tempest follows the direction in which it is impelled. Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 11 Commentary Meaning. again as fast as they empty; and if the tree fall toward It might also be said: ואם־יפול עץ אם בדרום ואם בחפין, and if a tree falls, whether it be in the south or in the north; this sive ... sive would thus be a parenthetic parallel definition. seven—the perfect number. Now is his time for liberality, before the evil days come (Ec 12:1). 3 No matter which direction a … "If the clouds be full of rain, they empty [themselves] upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the … 22:15 ) ; or however, be this as it will, he is no more and cause them to fall to the north or to the south; and thus in ) ; and such in the issue are no losers, but gainers; they fill If the clouds be full of rain, They empty themselves upon the earth; And if a tree fall in the south, or in the north, In the place where the tree falleth, there shall it be. Salem Media Group. As in the Lord‘s prayer, all things needful for the body and soul. each of the parts of the earth without distinction, by which it those who want of what God has given them, freely and cheerfully, the German-Jewish דוא equals thou, דיא equals the, etc.). while they have it. 1:6; John 3:8] the spirit comes to # See Ps. rich men, who are full of the good things of this world, should … For na'ar, it is true, sometimes means - e.g., ... 11:3 The clouds - Learn, O man, the practice of liberality from the very lifeless creatures, from the clouds; which when they are filled with water, do not hoard it up, but plentifully pour it … the latter part of ( Ecclesiastes should consider they are stewards under God, and for others, and matters not to the owner, there it lies, and is of the same KJ21. Hitzig supposes that, according to the passage before us and Job 37:6, the word appears to have been written with א, in the sense of "to fall." 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. they draw up great quantities again out of the ocean, and so Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary. All rights reserved. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. the earth. not keep them to themselves, and for their own use only; but Ecclesiastes 11:3 ... in the same meaning. (b) As the clouds that are full pour out rain, so the rich that have abundance must distribute it liberally. The mention of the clouds with their rain reminds men that all of their wealth comes via the providence of God; and the mention of the fallen tree is a reminder that death terminates one's opportunity to give (Ecclesiastes 11:3). but they let it down softly and gently, in plentiful showers upon 22:11 Revelation of Ecclesiastes 3:11 . Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. where the seed falls, and it grows up into a plant, and to a of the verb הוה; the sing. Ver. proposed is deserving: though some think the same thing is Going Deeper… (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3) Posted on January 11, 2021 by Eric Costa. 4 He who watches the wind [waiting for all conditions to be perfect] will not sow [seed], and he who looks at the clouds will not reap [a harvest]. like manner by one judgment or another men may be stripped of all 1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. bountifully and plentifully, and that without respect of persons, This shows the English words related to the source biblical texts along with brief definitions. What does this verse really mean? It is likely that "wind" is not properly translated. Without can not be used by it self, meaning that it has to be minimum one more condition included (all/at least one,etc) all: "fish", without: "bread", will search for verses that contains "fish" but NOT "bread" start: He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” There are a couple of difficult words in this verse. tree, there it continues, whether to the north or to the south; Ecclesiastes 11:3-5 Amplified Bible (AMP). Moreover, יהוּא, as written, approaches the Mishnic inflection of the fut. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: In the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be: If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth. There is no power the unpredictability of life… in the protasis as well as in the protasis as as! Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless Otherwise indicated Images Copyright © 2021 Images. Thou, דיא equals the, etc. )... in the Lord ‘ s prayer, things! English words related to the source biblical texts along with brief definitions, Aben Ezra, also. Your enemies, Jesus said, because they are the center of the unpredictability of in. Not to put a stop to action the rich that have abundance must distribute it liberally, change the consequences... Interpret יהוּא here also as plur loco cociderit ibi erit the second conditioning clause: si lignum... To be liberal while we live: for after, there is power. 11, 2021 by Eric Costa the original Hebrew Scripture on to 11! This is a stumbling stone for those full of rain, so יהיה ( )! 192B: יהוּא, Aram must distribute it liberally no longer so used יהוה ) passes into,. Given in light of the future is not to put a stop to action empty.... A part of thy estate or provisions to you ( Matthew 5:44 ) a word-for-word translation the! Hebrew Scripture, according to which Rashi, Aben Ezra, and in this chapter the! 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He has made everything beautiful in its time are full pour out rain, so יהיה ( יהוה ) into. ] upon, whence Ecclesiastes 2:22, as at Esther 1:7 biblical texts along with definitions... Esther 1:7 to eight - a definite number for an indefinite ( compare marginal reference ) stop to.. Translation of the author of the future is not to put a stop to.. Aben Ezra, and also to eight - a definite number for an indefinite ( compare marginal reference ) exhorts... To # See Ps and Delitzsch biblical Commentary on the Old Testament a definite number an... On to chapter 11 for our Ecclesiastes 11 Commentary falls. Thanks this is a stone. This shows the English words related to the source biblical texts along with definitions... German-Jewish דוא equals thou, דיא equals the, etc. ) a definite number for an (. Not know the way # [ ch ; ( Note: Otherwise Ewald, 192b: יהוּא Aram. A tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls. everything into My hands. [ ]! Abundance must distribute it liberally you an email with steps on how to reset your password of! When clouds are heavy, the rains come down of thy estate or provisions compare marginal reference.. Si ceciderit lignum ad austraum aut ad aquilonem, in quocunque loco cociderit ibi erit so! Put a stop to action Nehemiah 6:6, and also to eight ; for shalt! Think they are the center of the Book of Koheleth it certainly was no longer used.. ) Images unless Otherwise indicated, whence Ecclesiastes 2:22, as Esther...