Parallel Verses
A Conservative Version
If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.
New American Standard Bible
If the serpent bites
King James Version
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
Holman Bible
then there is no advantage for the charmer.
International Standard Version
If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there's no point in being a snake charmer.
American Standard Version
If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.
Amplified
If the serpent bites before being charmed, then there is no profit for the charmer.
Bible in Basic English
If a snake gives a bite before the word of power is said, then there is no longer any use in the word of power.
Darby Translation
If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.
Julia Smith Translation
If a serpent will bite without magic; and no pre?minence to the possessor of the tongue.
King James 2000
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
Lexham Expanded Bible
If the snake bites before the charming, {the snake charmer will not succeed}.
Modern King James verseion
Surely the snake will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
A babbler of his tongue is no better than a serpent that stingeth without hissing.
NET Bible
If the snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble.
New Heart English Bible
If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.
The Emphasized Bible
If a serpent will bite, unless he is charmed, then there is nothing better for him that owneth a tongue.
Webster
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
World English Bible
If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.
Youngs Literal Translation
If the serpent biteth without enchantment, Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue.
Interlinear
References
Hastings
Morish
Smith
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 10:11
Verse Info
Context Readings
Hard Work And Skill Alone Cannot Succeed'Wisdom Is Necessary
10 If the iron be blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must increase strength. But wisdom is advantageous to make right. 11 If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer. 12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow himself up.
Names
Cross References
Jeremiah 8:17
For, behold, I will send serpents, adders, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, says LORD.
Psalm 58:4-5
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops her ear,
Psalm 52:2
Thy tongue devises wickedness, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Psalm 64:3
who have whet their tongue like a sword, and have aimed their arrows, even bitter words,
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, the world of unrighteousness. Thus, the tongue is made to lead among our body-parts, defiling the whole body, and setting the cycle of nature on fire, and being set on fire by hell.