Parallel Verses
NET Bible
For no one knows what is best for a person during his life -- during the few days of his fleeting life -- for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.
New American Standard Bible
For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few
King James Version
For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Holman Bible
For who knows what is good for man in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow?
A Conservative Version
For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? For who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
American Standard Version
For who knoweth what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Amplified
For who [
Bible in Basic English
Who is able to say what is good for man in life all the days of his foolish life which he goes through like a shade? who will say what is to be after him under the sun?
Darby Translation
For who knoweth what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell man what shall be after him under the sun?
Julia Smith Translation
For who shall know what is for man in life, the number of the days of the life of his vanity, and he will make them as a shadow? for who shall announce to man what shall be after him under the sun?
King James 2000
For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Lexham Expanded Bible
For who knows what [is] good for a man in his life during the few days of his fleeting life, which are fleeting as a shadow? For who can tell anyone what will happen {in the future} under the sun?
Modern King James verseion
For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? For who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
For who knoweth what is good for man living, in the days of his vain life, which is but a shadow? Or, who will tell a man what shall happen after him under the Sun?
New Heart English Bible
For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?
The Emphasized Bible
For who knoweth what is good for a man throughout his life, for the number of the days of his life of vanity, seeing he will make them, like a shadow, - for who can tell a man, what shall be after him, under the sun?
Webster
For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
World English Bible
For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?
Youngs Literal Translation
For who knoweth what is good for a man in life, the number of the days of the life of his vanity, and he maketh them as a shadow? for who declareth to man what is after him under the sun?
Themes
Life » Uncertainty of physical » Only a handbreadth in extent
Life » Brief » Only a handbreadth in extent
natural Life » Is compared to » A shadow
natural Life » Described as » Vain
natural Life » We know not what is good for us in
Man » Not profited by all his labor and travail
Man » Ignorant of what is good for him
Topics
Interlinear
Yada`
Towb
Chay
Micpar
Nagad
References
Hastings
Word Count of 19 Translations in Ecclesiastes 6:12
Verse Info
Context Readings
The Future Is Inscrutable To Humans
11 The more one argues with words, the less he accomplishes. How does that benefit him? 12 For no one knows what is best for a person during his life -- during the few days of his fleeting life -- for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.
Names
Cross References
Job 14:2
He grows up like a flower and then withers away; he flees like a shadow, and does not remain.
Ecclesiastes 3:22
So I perceived there is nothing better than for people to enjoy their work, because that is their reward; for who can show them what the future holds?
Ecclesiastes 8:13
But it will not go well with the wicked, nor will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before God.
James 4:14
You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes.
1 Chronicles 29:15
For we are resident foreigners and nomads in your presence, like all our ancestors; our days are like a shadow on the earth, without security.
Job 8:9
For we were born yesterday and do not have knowledge, since our days on earth are but a shadow.
Job 14:21
If his sons are honored, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he does not see it.
Psalm 4:6
Many say, "Who can show us anything good?" Smile upon us, Lord!
Psalm 16:5
Lord, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure.
Psalm 17:15
As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face; when I awake you will reveal yourself to me.
Psalm 39:5-6
Look, you make my days short-lived, and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.
Psalm 47:4
He picked out for us a special land to be a source of pride for Jacob, whom he loves. (Selah)
Psalm 89:47
Take note of my brief lifespan! Why do you make all people so mortal?
Psalm 90:10-12
The days of our lives add up to seventy years, or eighty, if one is especially strong. But even one's best years are marred by trouble and oppression. Yes, they pass quickly and we fly away.
Psalm 102:11
My days are coming to an end, and I am withered like grass.
Psalm 109:23
I am fading away like a shadow at the end of the day; I am shaken off like a locust.
Psalm 144:4
People are like a vapor, their days like a shadow that disappears.
Ecclesiastes 2:3
I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Surely no one knows the future, and no one can tell another person what will happen.
Ecclesiastes 9:6
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.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
Lamentations 3:24-27
"My portion is the Lord," I have said to myself, so I will put my hope in him.
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to promote justice, to be faithful, and to live obediently before your God.