Ecclesiastes 9:5
The living are conscious of the fact that they're going to die, but the dead have no consciousness of anything. They don't receive any further benefit; they're forgotten.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
In Context
4But the living still have hope—a live dog is better than a dead lion!
Cross References
2 Samuel 14:14Yes, we all have to die. We're like water spilled on the ground that can't be collected again. But that's not what God does. Instead he works out ways for anyone who is banished to come back home to him.
Job 14:21Their children may become important or fall from their positions, but they don't know or see any of this.
Psalms 6:5For no one remembers you when they're dead. Who is able to praise you from the grave?
Psalms 88:13But I cry out to you for help; every morning I pray to you.
Ecclesiastes 1:11The problem is we don't remember people from the past, and people in the future won't remember those who came before them.
Ecclesiastes 7:2It's better to go to a funeral than to a party. In the end, everyone dies, and those who are still alive should think about it.
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:5-11
The Consequences of Death; The Proper Enjoyment of Life. 4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink… Read the whole commentary →