Ecclesiastes 11:7-9 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:8

But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all . The conjunction ki at the commencement of the verse is causal rather than adversative, and should be rendered "for." The insertion of "and" before "rejoice" mars the sentence. The apodosis begins with "rejoice," and the translation is, For if a man live many years, he ought to rejoice in them all . Koheleth has said ( Ecclesiastes 11:7 ) that life is sweet and precious; now he adds that it is therefore man's duty to enjoy it;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth . Koheleth continues to inculcate the duty of rational enjoyment. "In youth" is during youth; not in the exercise of, or by reason of, thy fresh, unimpaired powers. The author urges his hearers to begin betimes to enjoy the blessing with which God surrounds them. Youth is the season of innocent, unalloyed pleasure; then, if ever, casting aside all tormenting anxiety concerning an unknown future, one may, as it is called, enjoy life. Let thy heart cheer... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

The preceding exhortation to a life of labor in the sight of God is now addressed especially to the active and the young; and is enforced by another consideration, namely, the transitory character of all that sustains youth.Ecclesiastes 11:7The light ... the sun - Gifts of God which cheer man’s toil, but which he almost ceases to appreciate in his old age.Ecclesiastes 11:8Days of darkness - The time of old age, and perhaps any time of sorrow or misfortune. Compare Ecclesiastes 12:2.All that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 11:7-8

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8. Truly, the light is sweet It cannot be denied, that this present life is in itself a great blessing, and desirable; but it is not perpetual nor satisfactory: for, if a man live many years Which is a privilege granted but to few persons comparatively; and rejoice in them all Enjoy all the comforts, and escape all the imbitterness of human life all his days; yet let him remember the days of darkness Of death, or the state of the dead, often expressed by darkness, as... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Ecclesiastes 11:9. Rejoice, &c. This is an ironical concession, like many which occur in the Scriptures, (see 1Ki 18:27 ; 1 Kings 22:15; Ezekiel 28:3-4; Matthew 26:45,) and in other authors: O young man, in thy youth He speaks to young men particularly, because they have both the greatest ability and the strongest inclination to pursue sensual pleasure, and are most impatient, either of restraint or admonition, Let thy heart cheer thee, &c. Indulge thy humour. and take thy fill... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:1-8

11:1-12:14 HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO LIFEBoldness in spite of uncertainty (11:1-8)It is typical of the writer that he encourages a positive attitude to life. True, life may be uncertain, but that is no reason to refuse to act positively. Regardless of what people decide to do, they must work at it boldly in spite of the risks, expecting results in due time. However, they should not put all their goods or money into one project. Then, if they meet misfortune in one place, the rest of the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Advice to young people (11:9-12:8)God’s will is that people enjoy life. In fact, they have a responsibility to do so. The writer urges young people especially to take note of this and not to misuse their mental or physical powers through developing wrong attitudes to life. However, their enjoyment of life must be according to a proper understanding of God and his character. They, like all others, are answerable to him for their behaviour (9-10).Young people should remember that God is the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 11:8

man. Hebrew. 'adam (with Art.) App-14 . See note on Ecclesiastes 1:13 . and rejoice = let him rejoice. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, &c. A positive command, not irony; qualified by the solemn fact: "but know thou", &c. young man = a chosen youth, implying beauty and strength. youth = childhood. thy youth. Same word as "young man". judgment = the judgment. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 11:7

THE SECOND REMEDY"Truly the light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold the sun. Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment."Deane... read more