Ecclesiastes 9:12 - Exposition

Man also knoweth not his time ; Vulgate, Neseit homo finem suum, understanding "his time" to mean his death-hour; but it may include any misfortune or accident. The particle gam, "also," or "even," belongs to "his time." Not only are results out of man's control ( Ecclesiastes 9:11 ), but his life is in higher hands, and he is never sure of a day. As the fishes that are taken in an evil net , etc. The suddenness and unforeseen nature of calamities that befall men are here expressed by two forcible similes (comp. Proverbs 7:23 ; Ezekiel 12:13 ; Ezekiel 32:3 ). Thus Homer ('Iliad,' 5.487)—

"Beware lest ye, as in the meshes caught

Of some wide-sweeping net, become the prey

And booty of your foes."

(Derby.)

So are the sons of men snared in an evil time . Men are suddenly overtaken by calamity, which they are totally unable to foresee or provide against. Our Lord says ( Luke 21:35 ) that the last day shall come as a snare on all that dwell in the earth (comp. Ezekiel 7:7 , Ezekiel 7:12 ).