Ecclesiastes 11:8 cpdv — If a man lives for many years, and if he has rejoiced in all of these, he must remember the many days of the dark times…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"If a man lives for many years, and if he has rejoiced in all of these, he must remember the many days of the dark times, which, when they will have arrived, will accuse the past of vanity."

— Ecclesiastes 11:8, Catholic Public Domain Version

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Ecclesiastes 11:8 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 11 — Context

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.

6

In the morning, sow your seed, and in the evening, do not let your hand cease. For you do not know which of these may rise up, the one or the other. But if both rise up together, so much the better.

7

Light is pleasant, and it is delightful for the eyes to see the sun.

8

If a man lives for many years, and if he has rejoiced in all of these, he must remember the many days of the dark times, which, when they will have arrived, will accuse the past of vanity.

9

So then, rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart remain in what is good during the days of your youth. And walk in the ways of your heart, and with the perception of your eyes. And know that, concerning all these things, God will bring you to judgment.

10

Remove anger from your heart, and set aside evil from your flesh. For youth and pleasure are empty.

Ecclesiastes 11:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 11:8 say?
Ecclesiastes 11:8 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “If a man lives for many years, and if he has rejoiced in all of these, he must remember the many days of the dark times, which, when they will have arrived, will accuse the past of vanity.”
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 (CPDV): “If a man lives for many years, and if he has rejoiced in all of these, he must remember the many days of the dark times, which, when they will have arrived, will accuse the past of vanity.” 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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