Ecclesiastes 11:6 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 11:6 mean?

Ecclesiastes 11:6 encourages a person to work diligently and consistently, both early and late, because it is impossible to know which efforts will succeed or if all will turn out well. The verse uses the image of sowing seed in the morning and evening to illustrate the wisdom of steady, ongoing effort without holding back.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, addressing anyone seeking wisdom about life’s uncertainties. The verse fits into a section where the writer reflects on the unpredictability of life and the need to act even when outcomes are unknown. The agricultural imagery would have been familiar to the original audience, making the point that results are not always predictable, so it is wise to keep working rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 11:6

• "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer): This word means the start of the day, symbolizing the beginning of any effort or opportunity. The verse pairs it with "evening" to stress persistence throughout the whole day.
• "sow" (זָרַע, zaraʿ) and "seed" (זֶרַע, zeraʿ): Both words are used here, highlighting the act of planting and the thing being planted. The repetition underlines the practical, everyday work the verse is talking about.
• "withhold" (נָחָה, nachah) and "hand" (יָד, yad): To "withhold not thine hand" means not to stop working or to avoid giving up. The phrase uses the image of a hand, the tool of labor, to make the advice concrete.
• "prosper" (יַכְשִׁיר, yaksheer): This word means to succeed or to be profitable. The verse points out that people cannot know in advance which of their efforts will "prosper," so they should not limit themselves to just one attempt.

Why Ecclesiastes 11:6 matters

• Ecclesiastes 11:6 clears up the idea that only one effort or one time of work is enough; instead, it emphasizes steady, repeated action because outcomes are uncertain.
• The verse connects to the wider theme in Ecclesiastes about the unpredictability of life and the importance of not being paralyzed by uncertainty.
• The agricultural imagery helps readers see that wisdom sometimes means acting in faith, trusting that diligent effort, even when results are unknown, is worthwhile.