Ecclesiastes 11:6 akjv — In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you know not whether shall prosper, either…

American King James Version

"In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you know not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. ¶ "

— Ecclesiastes 11:6, American King James Version

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Ecclesiastes 11:6 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 11 — Context

3

If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall be.

4

He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that regards the clouds shall not reap.

5

As you know 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 you know not the works of God who makes all.

6

In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you know not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. ¶

7

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

8

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 comes is vanity. ¶

9

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes: but know you, that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 11:6 say?
Ecclesiastes 11:6 in the American King James Version reads: “In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you know not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. ¶ ”
Where is Ecclesiastes 11:6 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 11:6 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 11, verse 6.
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 11:6.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 11:6 in?
Ecclesiastes 11:6 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 11:6?
Ecclesiastes 11:6 reads (AKJV): “In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you know not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. ¶ ” 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.
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