Ecclesiastes 9:12

For, indeed, man could not know his own time, like fishes which were caught in a cruel net, and like little birds which were caught in a trap,—like them, were ensnared the sons of men, by a time of misfortune, when it fell upon them suddenly.

The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham

In The King James Version

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

In Context

11I again saw under the sun, that not, to the swift, was the race, nor, to the strong, the battle, nay! nor, to the wise, food, nor yet, to the intelligent, riches, nor, even to the well-informed, comeliness,—for, time and accident, happened to them all.

13Even this, had I seen of wisdom, under the sun,—and, of great import, was the same unto me:—

Read all of Ecclesiastes 9

Cross References

Psalms 11:6He will rain upon the lawless live-coals, Fire and brimstone and a burning wind, are the portion of their cup.

Psalms 73:19How have they become desolate, as in a moment! They have ceased—come to an end, by reason of calamities.

Proverbs 7:22Going after her instantly, as an ox, to the slaughter, he entereth, and, as in fetters, unto the correction of a fool.

Proverbs 29:6In the transgression of a wicked man, is a snare, but, the righteous, doth shout in triumph and rejoice.

Ecclesiastes 8:8No man, hath power over the spirit, to retain the spirit, and, none, hath power over the day of death, and there is no furlough in war,—neither shall lawlessness deliver them who are given thereto.

Isaiah 30:13Therefore, shall this iniquity become to you As a breach ready to fall, A bulging in a high wall,—Whose breaking down cometh, suddenly in a twinkling.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:12-13

The Disappointment of Hopes. 11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. The preacher here, for a… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 9:12