Ecclesiastes 9:8 net — Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head.

NET Bible

"Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head."

— Ecclesiastes 9:8, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 9:8 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 9 — Context

5

For the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything; they have no further reward– and even the memory of them disappears.

6

What they loved, as well as what they hated and envied, perished long ago, and they no longer have a part in anything that happens on earth.

7

Life is Brief, so Cherish its Joys Go, eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, because God has already approved your works.

8

Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head.

9

Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days; for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth.

10

Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go.

11

Wisdom Cannot Protect against Seemingly Chance Events Again, I observed this on the earth: the race is not always won by the swiftest, the battle is not always won by the strongest; prosperity does not always belong to those who are the wisest, wealth does not always belong to those who are the most discerning, nor does success always come to those with the most knowledge– for time and chance may overcome them all.

Ecclesiastes 9:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 9:8 say?
Ecclesiastes 9:8 in the NET Bible reads: “Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 9:8 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 9:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, 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 9:8.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 9:8 in?
Ecclesiastes 9:8 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 9:8?
Ecclesiastes 9:8 reads (NET): “Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head.” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2