Ecclesiastes 9:8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 9:4-10

Solomon, in a fret, had praised the dead more than the living (Eccl. 4:2); but here, considering the advantages of life to prepare for death and make sure the hope of a better life, he seems to be of another mind. I. He shows the advantages which the living have above those that are dead, Eccl. 9:4-6. 1. While there is life there is hope. Dum spiro, spero?While I breathe, I hope. It is the privilege of the living that they are joined to the living, in relation, commerce, and conversation, and,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 9:8

Let thy garments be always white ,.... That is, neat and clean, not vile and sordid; what is comely and decent, and suitable to a man's circumstances; this colour is particularly mentioned because much used in the eastern countries, and in Judea; hence we so often read of washing garments, and of fullers that whitened them; and especially on festival days and days of rejoicing, to which Horace F1 "Ille repotia natales aliosque dierum, festos albatus celebret". Satyr. l. 2. Sat. 2. v. 60,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 9:8

Let thy garments be always white - The Jews wore white garments on festal occasions, as emblems of joy and innocence. Be always pure, and always happy. The inhabitants of India are all dressed in clean white cotton, and to this is the allusion in the text. The Targum says: "At all times let thy garments be washed and pure from the stain of sin. Acquire a good name, which is likened to the oil of anointing, that blessings may be called down up thy head, and goodness not forsake thee." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 9:7-12

These verses give the application of the facts just mentioned. The inscrutability of the moral government of the world, the uncertainty of life, the condition of the dead, lead to the conclusion again that one should use one's life to the best advantage; and Koheleth repeats his caution concerning the issues and duration of life. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 9:8

Let thy garments be always white . The Preacher brings into prominence certain particulars of enjoyment, more noticeable than mere eating and drinking. White garments in the East (as among ourselves) were symbols of joy and purity. Thus the singers in Solomon's temple were arrayed in white linen ( 2 Chronicles 5:12 ). Mordecai was thus honored by King Ahasuerus ( Esther 8:15 ), the angels are seen similarly decked ( Mark 16:5 ), and the glorified saints are clothed in white ( ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 9:7-12

Read these six verses connectedly, in order to arrive at the meaning of the writer; and compare Ecclesiastes 2:1-12.After the description Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 of the portionless condition of the dead, the next thought which occurs is that the man who is prosperous and active should simply enjoy his portion all through this life Ecclesiastes 9:7-10; and then Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 follows the correcting thought (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 note), introduced as usual Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 4:1,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 9:7-9

Ecclesiastes 9:7-9. Go thy way Make this use of what I have said. Eat thy bread Thy necessary and convenient food; with joy, &c. Cheerfully enjoy thy comforts, avoiding all distracting care and grief for the occurrences of this world. For God now accepteth thy works Whosoever thou art, that art truly pious and upright before him, he is gracious unto thee, accepts thy services for his honour, and allows thee a comfortable enjoyment of his blessings. Let thy garments be always... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

Life’s opportunities (9:1-12)A person may believe that life is under the control of God, but still not know whether the experiences one meets in life are a sign of God’s pleasure or a sign of his anger. The same fate, death, comes to all (9:1-3). Good people have no advantage over the bad. The only advantage is that of the living over the dead. The living can still do things, but the dead are useless and forgotten (4-6).Therefore, people should enjoy life to the full while they have the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 9:8

ointment = perfume. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 9:8

8. white—in token of joy ( :-). Solomon was clad in white (JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 8:7,3); hence his attire is compared to the "lilies" ( :-), typical of the spotless righteousness of Jesus Christ, which the redeemed shall wear (Revelation 3:18; Revelation 7:14). ointment— (Revelation 7:14- :), opposed to a gloomy exterior (2 Samuel 14:2; Psalms 45:7; Matthew 6:17); typical, also (Ecclesiastes 7:1; Song of Solomon 1:3). read more

Group of Brands