Ecclesiastes 9:5 web — For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for t…

World English Bible

"For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."

— Ecclesiastes 9:5, World English Bible

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Ecclesiastes 9:5 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 9 — Context

2

All things come alike to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good, to the clean, to the unclean, to him who sacrifices, and to him who doesn't sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; he who takes an oath, as he who fears an oath.

3

This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

4

For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5

For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

6

Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

7

Go your way--eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.

8

Let your garments be always white, and don't let your head lack oil.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 9:5 say?
Ecclesiastes 9:5 in the World English Bible reads: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; 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 (WEB): “For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; 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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