Ecclesiastes 9:5 cpdv — For the living know that they themselves will die, yet truly the dead know nothing anymore, nor do they have any recomp…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"For the living know that they themselves will die, yet truly the dead know nothing anymore, nor do they have any recompense. For the memory of them is forgotten."

— Ecclesiastes 9:5, Catholic Public Domain Version

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Ecclesiastes 9:5 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 9 — Context

2

But all things in the future remain uncertain, because all things happen equally to the just and to the impious, to the good and to the bad, to the pure and to the impure, to those who offer sacrifices and to those who despise sacrifices. As the good are, so also are sinners. As those who commit perjury are, so also are those who swear to the truth.

3

This is a very great burden among all things that are done under the sun: that the same things happen to everyone. And when the hearts of the sons of men are filled with malice and contempt in their lives, afterwards they shall be dragged down to hell.

4

There is no one who lives forever, or who even has confidence in this regard. A living dog is better than a dead lion.

5

For the living know that they themselves will die, yet truly the dead know nothing anymore, nor do they have any recompense. For the memory of them is forgotten.

6

Likewise, love and hatred and envy have all perished together, nor have they any place in this age and in the work which is done under the sun.

7

So then, go and eat your bread with rejoicing, and drink your wine with gladness. For your works are pleasing to God.

8

Let your garments be white at all times, and let not oil be absent from your head.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 9:5 say?
Ecclesiastes 9:5 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “For the living know that they themselves will die, yet truly the dead know nothing anymore, nor do they have any recompense. For the memory of them is forgotten.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 9:5 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 9:5 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verse 5.
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 9:5.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 9:5 in?
Ecclesiastes 9:5 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 9:5?
Ecclesiastes 9:5 reads (CPDV): “For the living know that they themselves will die, yet truly the dead know nothing anymore, nor do they have any recompense. For the memory of them is forgotten.” 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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