Ecclesiastes 11:2 cpdv — Give a portion to seven, and indeed even to eight. For you do not know what evil may be upon the earth in the future.

Catholic Public Domain Version

"Give a portion to seven, and indeed even to eight. For you do not know what evil may be upon the earth in the future. "

— Ecclesiastes 11:2, Catholic Public Domain Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 11:2 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 11 — Context

1

Cast your bread over running waters. For, after a long time, you shall find it again.

2

Give a portion to seven, and indeed even to eight. For you do not know what evil may be upon the earth in the future.

3

If the clouds have been filled, they will pour forth rain upon the earth. If a tree falls to the south, or to the north, or to whatever direction it may fall, there it shall remain.

4

Whoever heeds the wind will not sow. And whoever considers the clouds will never reap.

5

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.

Ecclesiastes 11:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 11:2 say?
Ecclesiastes 11:2 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “Give a portion to seven, and indeed even to eight. For you do not know what evil may be upon the earth in the future. ”
Where is Ecclesiastes 11:2 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 11:2 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 11, verse 2.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 11:2.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 11:2 in?
Ecclesiastes 11:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 11:2?
Ecclesiastes 11:2 reads (CPDV): “Give a portion to seven, and indeed even to eight. For you do not know what evil may be upon the earth in the future. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2