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Johanna Hightower
Professor Ritivoui
English 102
8 February 2014
Ecclesiastes 11 Explored
From speaking about the sun, to advising about the way of sowing seeds, to analyzing
how the bones of an unborn child develop, Ecclesiastes 11 encompasses many things as it
employs metaphors, illustrations, and examples to show how God Almighty is all knowing.
Simultaneously, Ecclesiastes 11 is filled with wisdom and advice throughout the chapter while
paired in verses per theme. Ecclesiastes 11 is a chapter in the Bible discussing the overall theme
that some things are beyond the control of human beings and are only known by God.
Ecclesiastes 11 verse 1 and 2 is themed with giving of ones resources for the purpose of
receiving and sharing. In verse 1 it says, Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it
after many days. The word cast means to throw or move. Solomon, author of Ecclesiastes, uses
metaphors to illustrate this idea. To cast ones bread upon the water and find it after many days
metaphorically means that by giving one will receive. Verse two couples with this by saying,
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the
earth. This couples with the first verse by saying not to give just to receive but to give to others
for their benefit. It is saying to share ones resources and what God has blessed them with, to
those around, because what the future holds is unknown. These verses discuss preparation for the
future which is important because it is unknown.
Verse 3 and 4 of Ecclesiastes 11 is the theme that some things are outside the control of
human beings. To show this the author employs an example from nature seen in verse 3, If the
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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. These things of nature
can only be controlled by God. Verse 4 states, He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he
that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. In verse 4 the author is using an example appealing to
logic and showing how some things are done without question, staying within the overall theme
that some things are outside of human control.
In the next pair of verses the theme is of God having all knowledge but humans having
limited knowledge. Verse 5 points this out where it states, 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. In this verse the author is using a literal
illustration to compare the idea of not knowing how the bones of an unborn child are formed
with not knowing the things of God. Verse 6 couples with verse 5 by using an example to show
the limitations of human knowledge. Verse 6 says, In the morning sow thy seed, and in the
evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that,
or whether they both shall be alike. This verse gives advice and appeals to logic, while it uses
comparison to analyze the possible outcomes of the real life situation of sowing a seed. The
theme of these verses is humans having limited knowledge but God having all knowledge.
Ecclesiastes 11 verse 7 and 8 is themed of preparation for the future by remembering the
past. Verse 7 is an intro to verse 8 where it says, But if a man live many years, and rejoice in
them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is
vanity. This verse is concluding verse 7 with stating wisdom and comparing two things, the
days of rejoicing, with, the days of sorrow, to make a point of wisdom. Preparation for the future
is important because humans have limited knowledge.
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Lastly, verse 9 and 10 of Ecclesiastes 11 is a statement of command and advice showing
the reader how to live while in youthful ages and falling under the theme of being prepared for
the future. Verse 9 is starts by declaring a true statement of command, and then it goes to advice
based on this statement and concludes with needed warning. This shows that its good to be
thankful and have a good time, but God is watching. Verse 10 concludes by giving advice
connecting sorrow with evil, and finishing by saying that all is vanity. The Hebrew word Hebhel
is the word for vanity in Ecclesiastes meaning the "breath of air, or of the mouth. The author is
communicating that no one is lasting, but all is over as a breath of air is over the moment after it
is breathed. The chapter finishes by using literal language to command the reader in the way to
live their lives and prepare for the future.
Ecclesiastes 11 is a chapter in the Bible with the overall theme that some things are
beyond the control of human beings and are known only by God. Ecclesiastes 11 verses 1 and 2
command to give for the purpose of receiving as well as for benefitting others. Ecclesiastes 11
verses 3 and 4 show how some things are outside of human control, and instead controlled by
God. Ecclesiastes 11 verses 5 and 6 state how human beings have limited knowledge, but that
God has infinite knowledge. Ecclesiastes 11 verses 7 and 8 talk about preparation for the future
by remembering the past. Ecclesiastes 11 verses 9 and 10 are a statement of command and advice
regarding how to live as a youth and falling under the theme of being prepared for the future. The
chapter finishes by using literal language to command the reader in the way to live their lives and
prepare for the future.



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Works Cited
"King James Bible Online." KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.

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