Ecclesiastes 11:8 bbe — But even if a man's life is long and he has joy in all his years, let him keep in mind the dark days, because they will…

Bible in Basic English

"But even if a man's life is long and he has joy in all his years, let him keep in mind the dark days, because they will be great in number. Whatever may come is to no purpose."

— Ecclesiastes 11:8, Bible in Basic English

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Ecclesiastes 11:8 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 11 — Context

5

As you have no knowledge of the way of the wind, or of the growth of the bones in the body of her who is with child, even so you have no knowledge of the works of God who has made all.

6

In the morning put your seed into the earth, and till the evening let not your hand be at rest; because you are not certain which will do well, this or that--or if the two will be equally good.

7

Truly the light is sweet, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.

8

But even if a man's life is long and he has joy in all his years, let him keep in mind the dark days, because they will be great in number. Whatever may come is to no purpose.

9

Have joy, O young man, while you are young; and let your heart be glad in the days of your strength, and go in the ways of your heart, and in the desire of your eyes; but be certain that for all these things God will be your judge.

10

So put away trouble from your heart, and sorrow from your flesh; because the early years and the best years are to no purpose.

Ecclesiastes 11:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 11:8 say?
Ecclesiastes 11:8 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “But even if a man's life is long and he has joy in all his years, let him keep in mind the dark days, because they will be great in number. Whatever may come is to no purpose.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 11:8 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 11:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 11, verse 8.
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 11:8.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 11:8 in?
Ecclesiastes 11:8 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 11:8?
Ecclesiastes 11:8 reads (BBE): “But even if a man's life is long and he has joy in all his years, let him keep in mind the dark days, because they will be great in number. Whatever may come is to no purpose.” 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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