The Book of the Preacher

otherwise called Ecclesiastes click on links to see the changes made: birth breath business comforter despised duty escape mind proud science vexation want wine riches remove evil

The Book of the Preacher 2:3 So I thought in my heart, *to withdraw myself from wine, to apply my mind unto wisdom, and to comprehend foolishness until the time that among all things which are under the Sun, I might see what were best for men do, so long as they live under heaven.

NIV 3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

KJV 3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

NASB 3 I explored with my [1] mind how to <*1> stimulate my body with wine while my [2] mind was guiding me wisely, and how to take hold of <*2> folly, until I could see <*3> what good there is for the sons of men to do under heaven the few years of their lives.

RSV 3 I searched with my mind how to cheer my body with wine--my mind still guiding me with wisdom--and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven during the few days of their life.

DARBY 3 I searched in my heart how to cherish my flesh with wine, while practising my heart with wisdom; and how to lay hold on folly, till I should see what was that good for the children of men which they should do under the heavens all the days of their life.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 3 I have sought in my heart to draw out with wine my appetite, (and my heart leading in wisdom), and to take hold on folly till that I see where [is] this -- the good to the sons of man of that which they do under the heavens, the number of the days of their lives.

NKJV 3 I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives.

Douay (catholic) I an NOT able to find similtude or near sameness in the Ecclesiastes of the latinists ...for the text is completely changed ...for their source is of the Greek and not the Hebrew ...calflick bile

The Book of the Preacher 3:18-20 I communed with mine own heart also concerning the children of men: how that God hath chosen them, and yet letteth them appear as though they were beasts: For it happeneth unto men as it doth unto beasts, and as one dieth, so dieth the other: yee they have both one manner of *birth, (kjv =breath) so that ( in this ) a man hath no preeminence above a beast, but all are subdued unto vanity. They go all unto one place, for as they all be of dust, so shall they all turn unto dust again.

NIV 18 I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals.19 Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath [1] ; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.

KJV 18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

NASB 18 I said [1] to myself concerning the sons of men, ""God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts.''19 For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts [2] is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is [3] vanity. 20 All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust.

RSV 18 I said in my heart with regard to the sons of men that God is testing them to show them that they are but beasts. 19 For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts; for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.

DARBY 18 I said in my heart, It is thus with the children of men, that God may prove them, and that they should see that they themselves are but beasts. 19 For what befalleth the children of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other, and they have all one breath; and man hath no pre-eminence above the beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place: all are of the dust, and all return to dust.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 18 I said in my heart concerning the matter of the sons of man that God might cleanse them, so as to see that they themselves [are] beasts. 19 For an event [is to] the sons of man, and an event [is to] the beasts, even one event [is] to them; as the death of this, so [is] the death of that; and one spirit [is] to all, and the advantage of man above the beast is nothing, for the whole [is] vanity. 20 The whole are going unto one place, the whole have been from the dust, and the whole are turning back unto the dust.

NKJV 18 I said in my heart, "Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals." 19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

The Book of the Preacher 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the breath (kjv = spirit) of the beast that goeth down into the earth?

NIV 21 Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal [1] goes down into the earth?"

KJV 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

NASB 21 Who knows that the <*1> breath of man ascends upward and the breath of the beast descends downward to the earth?

RSV 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down to the earth?

DARBY 21 Who knoweth the spirit of the children of men? Doth it go upwards? and the spirit of the beasts, doth it go downwards to the earth?

YLT (youngs lose trans) 21 Who knoweth the spirit of the sons of man that is going up on high, and the spirit of the beast that is going down below to the earth?

NKJV 21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?

The Book of the Preacher 4:1 So I returned me, and considered all the violent wrong that is done under the Sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and there *was no man to comfort them (kjv =had no comforter) or that would deliver and defend them from the violence of their oppressors.

NIV 1 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed-- and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors-- and they have no comforter.

KJV 1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

NASB 1 Then I looked again at all the acts of <*1> oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had <*2> no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them.

RSV 1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are practiced under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them.

DARBY 1 And I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors was power, and they had no comforter.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 1 And I have turned, and I see all the oppressions that are done under the sun, and lo, the tear of the oppressed, and they have no comforter; and at the hand of their oppressors [is] power, and they have no comforter.

NKJV 1 Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, But they have no comforter--On the side of their oppressors there is power, But they have no comforter.

The Book of the Preacher 4:4-7 Again, I saw that all travail and diligence of labor was hated of every man. This is also a vain thing, and a vexation to the *mind. (still in kjv = spirit) The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth up his own flesh. One handful (sayeth he) is better with rest, then both hands full with labor and travail. Moreover, I turned me, and behold yet another vanity under the *Son. (again,SON this is not a misprint)

NIV 4 And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 5 The fool folds his hands and ruins himself.6 Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. 7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:

KJV 4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

NASB 4 I have seen that every labor and every <*1> skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is [1] <*2> vanity and striving after wind.5 The fool <*3> folds his hands and <*4> consumes his own flesh.6 One hand full of rest is <*5> better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.7 Then I looked again at vanity under the sun.

RSV 4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.5 The fool folds his hands, and eats his own flesh.6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun:

DARBY 4 And I saw all labour, and all success of work, that it is man's jealousy of his neighbour. This also is vanity and pursuit of the wind.5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.6 Better is a handful with quietness, than both hands full with labour and pursuit of the wind.7 And I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 4 And I have seen all the labour, and all the benefit of the work, because for it a man is the envy of his neighbour. Even this [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.5 The fool is clasping his hands, and eating his own flesh:6 `Better [is] a handful [with] quietness, than two handfuls [with] labour and vexation of spirit.'7 And I have turned, and I see a vain thing under the sun:

NKJV 4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. 5 The fool folds his hands And consumes his own flesh. 6 Better a handful with quietness Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun:

The Book of the Preacher 4:16 As for the people that have been before him, and that come after him, they are innumerable: yet is not their joy greater through him. This is also a vain thing and a vexation of the mind. (kjv =spirit)

NIV 16 There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

KJV 16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

NASB 16 There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is <*1> vanity and striving after wind. 5

RSV 16 there was no end of all the people; he was over all of them. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

DARBY 16 [There is] no end of all the people, of all that stood before them; those however that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after the wind.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 16 there is no end to all the people, to all who were before them; also, the latter rejoice not in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

NKJV 16 There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

The Book of the Preacher 7:8 The end of a thing is better than the beginning. The patient of spirit is better than the* high minded.

NIV 8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

KJV 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

NASB 8 The <*1> end of a matter is better than its beginning; <*2> Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.

RSV 8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

DARBY 8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a proud spirit.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 8 Better [is] the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better [is] the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.

NKJV 8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

The Book of the Preacher 7:11-12 Wisdom is better than riches, yee much more worth than the eyesight. For wisdom defendeth as well as money, and the excellent knowledge and wisdom giveth life to him that have it in possession.

NIV 11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.

KJV 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

NASB 11 Wisdom along with an inheritance is good And an <*1> advantage to those who see the sun.12 For <*2> wisdom is [1] protection just as money is [2] protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that <*3> wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.

RSV 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.12 For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money; and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

DARBY 11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, and profitable to them that see the sun.12 For wisdom is a defence [as] money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, [that] wisdom maketh them that possess it to live.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 11 Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance, And an advantage [it is] to those beholding the sun.12 For wisdom [is] a defense, money [is] a defence, And the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom [is], She reviveth her possessors.

NKJV 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And profitable to those who see the sun.12For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense,But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

The Book of the Preacher 7:15-18 These two things also have I considered in the time of vanity: that the just man perisheth for his righteousness sake, and the ungodly liveth in his wickedness. Therefore be thou neither too righteous or over wise, that thou perish not: be neither too unrighteous also nor too foolish, lest thou die before thy time. It is good for thee to take hold of this, and not to let that go out of thy hand. For he that feareth God shall *escape them all.

NIV 15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise-- why destroy yourself?17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool-- why die before your time?18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all [extremes]. [1]

KJV 15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

NASB 15 I have seen everything during my [1] <*1> lifetime of futility; there is <*2> a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is <*3> a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness.16 Do not be excessively <*4> righteous and do not <*5> be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself?17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you <*6> die before your time?18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not [2] let go of the other; for the one who <*7> fears God comes forth with [3] both of them.

RSV 15 In my vain life I have seen everything; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evil-doing.16 Be not righteous overmuch, and do not make yourself overwise; why should you destroy yourself?17 Be not wicked overmuch, neither be a fool; why should you die before your time?18 It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand; for he who fears God shall come forth from them all.

DARBY 15 All [this] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a righteous [man] that perisheth by his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his days] by his wickedness.16 Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?17 Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God cometh forth from them all.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 15 The whole I have considered in the days of my vanity. There is a righteous one perishing in his righteousness, and there is a wrong-doer prolonging [himself] in his wrong.16 Be not over-righteous, nor show thyself too wise, why art thou desolate?17 Do not much wrong, neither be thou a fool, why dost thou die within thy time?18 [It is] good that thou dost lay hold on this, and also, from that withdrawest not thy hand, for whoso is fearing God goeth out with them all.

NKJV 15I have seen everything in my days of vanity: There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness. 16Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise:Why should you destroy yourself?17Do not be overly wicked,Nor be foolish:Why should you die before your time?18It is good that you grasp this,And also not remove your hand from the other; For he who fears God will escape them all.

The Book of the Preacher 7:23-26 All these things I have proved because of wisdom: For I thought to be wise, but she went farther from me than she was before, yee and so deep that i might not reach unto her. I applied my mind also to knowledge, and to seek out *science, ( kjv = wisdom) wisdom and understanding: to know the foolishness of the ungodly, and the error of the doting fools. And I found, that a woman is bitterer than death: for she is a very *angle, (hook) her heart is a net, and her hands are chains. Who so pleaseth God shall escape from her.

NIV 23 All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"-- but this was beyond me.24 Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound-- who can discover it?25 So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.26 I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.

KJV 23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

NASB 23 I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, ""I will be wise,'' <*1> but it was far from me.24 What has been is remote and <*2> exceedingly [1] mysterious. <*3> Who can discover it?25 I [2] <*4> directed my [3] mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness.26 And I discovered more <*5> bitter than death the woman whose heart is <*6> snares and nets, whose hands are chains. <*7> One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but <*8> the sinner will be captured by her.

RSV 23 All this I have tested by wisdom; I said, "I will be wise"; but it was far from me.24 That which is, is far off, and deep, very deep; who can find it out?25 I turned my mind to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the sum of things, and to know the wickedness of folly and the foolishness which is madness.26 And I found more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are fetters; he who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is taken by her.

DARBY 23 All this have I tried by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.24 Whatever hath been, is far off, and exceeding deep: who will find it out?25 I turned, I and my heart, to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom and reason, and to know wickedness to be folly, and foolishness to be madness;26 and I found more bitter than death the woman whose heart is nets and snares, [and] whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be caught by her.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 23 All this I have tried by wisdom; I have said, `I am wise,' and it [is] far from me.24 Far off [is] that which hath been, and deep, deep, who doth find it?25 I have turned round, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and of foolishness the madness.26 And I am finding more bitter than death, the woman whose heart [is] nets and snares, her hands [are] bands; the good before God escapeth from her, but the sinner is captured by her.

NKJV 23All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, "I will be wise"; But it was far from me.24As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep, Who can find it out? 25I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things, To know the wickedness of folly, Even of foolishness and madness. 26And I find more bitter than death The woman whose heart is snares and nets, Whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God shall escape from her, But the sinner shall be trapped by her.

The Book of the Preacher 8:16-17 When I applied mine mind to learn wisdom, and to *know the *travail that is in the world ( kjv business) that is done upon the earth): (and that of such fashion, that I suffered not my eyes to sleep neither day ner night ) I understood of all the works of God, that it is not impossible for a man, to attain unto works that are done under the *Son: and though he bestow his labor to seek them out, yet can he not reach unto them: yee though a wise man would undertake to know them, yet he might not find them.

NIV 16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth--his eyes not seeing sleep day or night--17 then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.

KJV 16 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

NASB 16 When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should [1] <*2> never sleep day or night),17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that <*3> man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and <*4> though the wise man should say, ""I know,'' he cannot discover. 9

RSV 16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night one's eyes see sleep;17 then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out; even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

DARBY 16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes),17 then I saw that all [is] the work of God, [and] that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because however man may labour to seek [it] out, yet doth he not find [it]; and even, if a wise [man] think to know [it], he shall not be able to find [it] out.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 16 When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that hath been done on the earth, (for there is also a spectator in whose eyes sleep is not by day and by night),17 then I considered all the work of God, that man is not able to find out the work that hath been done under the sun, because though man labour to seek, yet he doth not find; and even though the wise man speak of knowing he is not able to find.

NKJV 16When I applied my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that is done on earth, even though one sees no sleep day or night, 17then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it; moreover, though a wise man attempts to know it, he will not be able to find it.

The Book of the Preacher 9:8 Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head *want (kjv = lack) none ointment.

NIV 8 Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.

KJV 8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

NASB 8 Let your <*1> clothes be white all the time, and let not <*2> oil be lacking on your head.

RSV 8 Let your garments be always white; let not oil be lacking on your head.

DARBY 8 Let thy garments be always white, and let not thy head lack oil.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 8 At all times let thy garments be white, and let not perfume be lacking on thy head.

NKJV 8 Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil.

The Book of the Preacher 12:1-4 Put away displeasure out of thine heart, and remove evil from thy body: for childhood and youth is but vanity. Remember thy maker in thy youth, or ever the days of adversity come, and or the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say: I have no pleasure in them before the sun, the light, the moon and stars be darkened, and or the clouds turn again after the rain: when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and when the strong men shall bow themselves: when the millers stand still, because they be so few, and when the sight of the windows shall wax dim: when the doors in the streets shall be shut, and when the voice of the miller shall be layed down: when men shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and when all the daughters of music shall be brought low:

NIV 1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"--2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;3 when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim;4 when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint;

KJV 1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

NASB 1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the <*1> evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, ""I have no delight in them'';2 before the <*2> sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain;3 in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men <*3> stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and <*4> those who look through [1] windows grow dim;4 and the doors on the street are shut as the <*5> sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the <*6> daughters of song will [2] sing softly.

RSV 1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain;3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look through the windows are dimmed,4 and the doors on the street are shut; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low;

DARBY 1 And remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, of which thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;2 before the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, be darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows are darkened,4 and the doors are shut toward the street; when the sound of the grinding is subdued, and they rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low;

YLT (youngs lose trans) 1 Remember also thy Creators in days of thy youth, While that the evil days come not, Nor the years have arrived, that thou sayest, `I have no pleasure in them.'2 While that the sun is not darkened, and the light, And the moon, and the stars, And the thick clouds returned after the rain.3 In the day that keepers of the house tremble, And men of strength have bowed themselves, And grinders have ceased, because they have become few. And those looking out at the windows have become dim,4 And doors have been shut in the street. When the noise of the grinding is low, And [one] riseth at the voice of the bird, And all daughters of song are bowed down.

NKJV 1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say,"I have no pleasure in them": 2While the sun and the light,The moon and the stars,Are not darkened,And the clouds do not return after the rain; 3In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, And the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few,And those that look through the windows grow dim;4When the doors are shut in the streets,And the sound of grinding is low;When one rises up at the sound of a bird, And all the daughters of music are brought low.

The Book of the Preacher 12:5-8 When men shall fear in high places, and be afraid in the streets: when the Almond tree shall *be despised (kjv = flourish) the grasshopper born out, and when great poverty shall break in: when man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets. Or ever the silver lace be taken away, or the golden band broken: or the pot be broken at the well, and the wheel upon the cistern: Or dust be turned again unto the earth from whence it came, and the spirit return unto God, which gave it. All is but vanity ( saith the preacher ) all is but plain vanity.

NIV 5 when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags himself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets.6 Remember him--before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well,7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.8 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. [1] "Everything is meaningless!"

KJV 5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.

NASB 5 Furthermore, [1] men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal <*1> home while <*2> mourners go about in the street.6 Remember Him before the silver cord is [2] broken and the <*3> golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed;7 then the <*4> dust will return to the earth as it was, and the [3] <*5> spirit will return to <*6> God who gave it.8 ""<*7> Vanity of vanities,'' says the Preacher, ""all is vanity!''

RSV 5 they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along and desire fails; because man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets;6 before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

DARBY 5 they are also afraid of what is high, and terrors are in the way, and the almond is despised, and the grasshopper is a burden, and the caper-berry is without effect; (for man goeth to his age-long home, and the mourners go about the streets;)6 -- before the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be shattered at the fountain, or the wheel be broken at the cistern;7 and the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit return unto God who gave it.8 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher: all is vanity.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 5 Also of that which is high they are afraid, And of the low places in the way, And the almond-tree is despised, And the grasshopper is become a burden, And want is increased, For man is going unto his home age-during, And the mourners have gone round through the street.6 While that the silver cord is not removed, And the golden bowl broken, And the pitcher broken by the fountain, And the wheel broken at the well.7 And the dust returneth to the earth as it was, And the spirit returneth to God who gave it.8 Vanity of vanities, said the preacher, the whole [is] vanity.

NKJV 5Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms,The grasshopper is a burden,And desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home,And the mourners go about the streets.6Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain,Or the wheel broken at the well. 7Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "All is vanity."

The Book of the Preacher 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of things: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for *that toucheth all men: (kjv = whole duty of man.) For God shall judge all works and secret things, whether they be good, or evil.

NIV 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. .

KJV 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

NASB 13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: <*1> fear God and <*2> keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.14 For <*4> God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

RSV 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

DARBY 13 Let us hear the end of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole of man.14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

YLT (youngs lose trans) 13 The end of the whole matter let us hear: -- `Fear God, and keep His commands, for this [is] the whole of man.14 For every work doth God bring into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether good or bad.'

NKJV 13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.14For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

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