Ecclesiastes 9:12

For even man knoweth not his time; as fish that are taken hold of by an evil net, and as birds that are taken hold of by a snare, like these [are] the sons of man snared at an evil time, when it falleth upon them suddenly.

Young's Literal Translation

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 have turned so as to see under the sun, that not to the swift [is] the race, nor to the mighty the battle, nor even to the wise bread, nor even to the intelligent wealth, nor even to the skilful grace, for time and chance happen with them all.

13This also I have seen: wisdom under the sun, and it is great to me.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 9

Cross References

Psalms 11:6He poureth on the wicked snares, fire, and brimstone, And a horrible wind [is] the portion of their cup.

Psalms 73:19How have they become a desolation as in a moment, They have been ended — consumed from terrors.

Proverbs 7:22He is going after her straightway, As an ox unto the slaughter he cometh, And as a fetter unto the chastisement of a fool,

Proverbs 29:6In the transgression of the evil [is] a snare, And the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

Ecclesiastes 8:8There is no man ruling over the spirit to restrain the spirit, and there is no authority over the day of death, and there is no discharge in battle, and wickedness delivereth not its possessors.

Isaiah 30:13Therefore is this iniquity to you as a breach falling, Swelled out in a wall set on high, Whose destruction suddenly, at an instant cometh.

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