Ecclesiastes 9:11
"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."

Commentary

Gill's Exposition

I returned, and saw under the sun,.... The wise man returned to his former subject, concerning the same events happening to all sorts of persons, righteous and wicked, wise and unwise, Ecc 10:1 ; and enlarged upon it in his mind; and took notice of various things done under the sun, and made the following remarks: and whereas he had exhorted men to use all their might in doing the duties of their calling while they lived here; he suggests, that they should not depend upon, and promise themselves, anything from their own strength and wisdom; but have a regard to the providence of God, that superintends all affairs, and gives or withholds success as he pleases; since it may be observed, that the race is not to the swift; swiftness oftentimes is of no service to a man to escape dangers, as may be seen in the case of Asahel and others, Sa2 2:18 ; so the Targum, "men who are swift as eagles are not helped by running to escape from death in battle.'' Or the sense may be, that the swift are not always made use of in

running a race; or, if they are, they do not always win the prize, something or other happens to hinder them; they fall, or become lame, when one more slow gets the advantage of them, Co1 9:24 ; and so in spiritual things, one that is ready to halt, as David says of himself, gets to heaven, and is saved, Psa 38:17 ; when others, at first starting or setting out in a profession, run well for a while, as the Galatians did, Gal 5:7 ; but afterwards drop and fall short; for "it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God, that sheweth mercy", Rom 9:16 ; nor the battle to the strong: as not to the Midianites, nor to Goliath, nor to Abner, in whom Jarchi instances; victory is not always on the side of the mighty and the many, but oftentimes on the side of the weak and few; see Ch2 14:9 ; so in spirituals, such who go forth in their own strength against an enemy, trusting in it, fall; while weak believers, depending on the grace and strength of Christ, wrestle with principalities and powers, and come off victorious; neither yet bread to the wise: the Targum adds, in a time of famine, when their wisdom cannot help them; but the sense rather is, that skilful artificers, in any trade or business, do not always get the best livelihood, yea, sometimes want the necessaries of life, or eat the bread of sorrow, when persons of meaner capacities shall thrive and flourish; and even the wisest of men sometimes have been obliged to others for bread, as was the case of David, Sa1 21:3 ; and even of a wiser than he, our Lord himself, Luk 8:2 ; and as for the wise men of this world, the bread of life, Christ Jesus, is neither enjoyed nor sought after by them; nor yet riches to men of understanding; mention is afterwards made of a wise man that was poor, Jarchi instances in Job; and, on the other hand, sometimes fools are rich, as Nabal and others; and as for the riches of grace, and treasures of spiritual knowledge, they are not usually given to the wise and prudent Mat 11:25 ; Nor yet favour to men of skill; to men of knowledge and learning, whose genius and abilities might be thought sufficient to recommend them to the favour, affection, and applause of men, and yet oftentimes fall herein; such who have the art of address and persuasion are not always able to ingratiate themselves, and gain the esteem of men: Jarchi interprets it of the favour of God, and instances in Moses; than whom there was not a more knowing and understanding man in Israel, yet could not by his prayer find grace and favour to enter into the land: but the Targum is better; "neither they that know understanding are helped by their knowledge to find favour in the eyes of a king;'' but time and chance happeneth to them all; to the swift and strong, the wise, understanding, and skilful; or to the swift and slow, to the strong and weak, to the wise and unwise; everything befalls them just as it is ordered by divine Providence; for there is a certain "time" fixed by the Lord for every event; and whatever seems casual and contingent to man, and which he is ready to call "chance", is noticing but "decree" with God, firm and unalterable; Plato (e) has the same expression. The word signifies "occurrence" (f), or event, which is under the wise direction and order of the providence of God, with respect to whom nothing comes by chance; and it is rendered "occurrent", Kg1 5:4 ; and so it is here, by the Septuagint version, "occurrence" or "event"; and in the Targum, event by their star, which is fate: and Aben Ezra interprets it , the "superior ordination"; it is something we meet, or meets us, by divine appointment. Aben Ezra and Kimchi, who are followed by others, think that, from Ecc 10:4 ; to this, Solomon is speaking in the person of epicures and atheists; which is not likely, since it is not in character for such persons to talk of God's acceptance of men's works; of living joyfully with a wife; of this life being a life of vanity; and of death and the grave; and of diligence in working while the present life lasts. (e) , Plato de Leg. l. 4. p. 827. (f) "occursus", Montanus; "sive eventus", Mercerus, Rambachius; "occurrent", Broughton,

Source: Gill's Exposition (Public Domain)

Hebrew Word Studies (29 words)

H7725 שׁוּב
Definition:

33+, 3 feminine singularשָׁ֫בָהRuth 1:15+,וְשָׁבַתconsecutiveEzekiel 46:17(Ges§ 72o, but Co Toy Kraeוְשֶׁבָה), 2 masculine singularשַׁבְתָּPsalm 85:2, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singularיָשׁוּבHosea 11: 33+, 3 feminine singularשָׁ֫בָהRuth 1:15+,וְשָׁבַתconsecutiveEzekiel 46:17(Ges§ 72o, but Co Toy Kraeוְשֶׁבָה), 2 masculine singularשַׁבְתָּPsalm 85:2, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singularיָשׁוּבHosea 11:

Possible Meanings:
  • turn back (semantic_range)
  • return (semantic_range)
  • turn back (semantic_range)
  • return (semantic_range)
  • turn back (semantic_range)
H7200 רָאָה
Definition:

7, compareריחspectacleDeuteronomy 1:12; Sabeanראיsee, expectDHMZMG xxix (1875), 506,599; Arabicsee, so Ethiopicᵑ7רֵו,רֵיוָאhumanappearance, features, etc. (compare Hebrewרְָאִי2)); —Qal1141Perfect3mas 7, compareריחspectacleDeuteronomy 1:12; Sabeanראיsee, expectDHMZMG xxix (1875), 506,599; Arabicsee, so Ethiopicᵑ7רֵו,רֵיוָאhumanappearance, features, etc. (compare Hebrewרְָאִי2)); —Qal1141Perfect3mas

Possible Meanings:
  • vision (semantic_range)
H8478 תַּחַת
Definition:

4(Cooke320), Syriac); —1asadverb accusativeGenesis 49:25(=Deuteronomy 33:13) the deepרֹבֶצֶת תָּ֑חַתthat couchethbeneath; more usually withמִן,מִתָּחַתliterallyoff(מִן1c)the under part = beneath,Exodu 4(Cooke320), Syriac); —1asadverb accusativeGenesis 49:25(=Deuteronomy 33:13) the deepרֹבֶצֶת תָּ֑חַתthat couchethbeneath; more usually withמִן,מִתָּחַתliterallyoff(מִן1c)the under part = beneath,Exodu

Possible Meanings:
  • underneath (semantic_range)
  • below (semantic_range)
  • instead of (semantic_range)
H8121 שֶׁמֶשׁ
Definition:

14and masculineGenesis 19:23(AlbrZAW xv (1895), 324)sun; — absolute׳שׁJoshua 10:12+,שָׁ֑מֶשׁJudges 20:43+; suffixשִׁמְשֵׁךְIsaiah 60:20,שִׁמְשָׁךְJeremiah 15:9; plural suffixשִׁמְשֹׁתַ֫יִךְIsaiah 54:1 14and masculineGenesis 19:23(AlbrZAW xv (1895), 324)sun; — absolute׳שׁJoshua 10:12+,שָׁ֑מֶשׁJudges 20:43+; suffixשִׁמְשֵׁךְIsaiah 60:20,שִׁמְשָׁךְJeremiah 15:9; plural suffixשִׁמְשֹׁתַ֫יִךְIsaiah 54:1

Possible Meanings:
  • minister (semantic_range)
H3588 כִּי
Definition:

Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic, Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic,

Possible Meanings:
  • for (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H7031 קַל
Definition:

15+,קָ֑לvAmos 2:14; feminine singularקַלָּהJeremiah 2:23; pluralקַלִּיםIsaiah 18:2+; —קַל בְּרַגְלָיוlight with his feetAmos 2:15;2 Samuel 2:18;׳ק, alone,swift, messengersIsaiah 18:2, pursuersLamentat 15+,קָ֑לvAmos 2:14; feminine singularקַלָּהJeremiah 2:23; pluralקַלִּיםIsaiah 18:2+; —קַל בְּרַגְלָיוlight with his feetAmos 2:15;2 Samuel 2:18;׳ק, alone,swift, messengersIsaiah 18:2, pursuersLamentat

Possible Meanings:
  • voice (semantic_range)
H4793 מֵרוֹץ
Definition:

11.Topical LexiconDefinition and Semantic RangeMērôṣ conveys the idea of a swift, competitive race—an athletic contest in which speed is measured against others. In Scripture this lone occurrence poin 11.Topical LexiconDefinition and Semantic RangeMērôṣ conveys the idea of a swift, competitive race—an athletic contest in which speed is measured against others. In Scripture this lone occurrence poin

Possible Meanings:
  • running (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H1368 גִּבּוֹר
Definition:

95t.;גִּבֹּרGenesis 10:82t.;גִּבּוֺרָם1 Samuel 17:51; pluralגִּבּוֺרִיםJeremiah 46:927t.;גִּבֹּרִיםJoshua 10:221t.; constructגִּבּוֺרֵי1 Chronicles 11:2729t.;גִּבֹּרֵי1 Chronicles 9:264t.; suffixגִּבּ 95t.;גִּבֹּרGenesis 10:82t.;גִּבּוֺרָם1 Samuel 17:51; pluralגִּבּוֺרִיםJeremiah 46:927t.;גִּבֹּרִיםJoshua 10:221t.; constructגִּבּוֺרֵי1 Chronicles 11:2729t.;גִּבֹּרֵי1 Chronicles 9:264t.; suffixגִּבּ

Possible Meanings:
  • strong (semantic_range)
  • mighty (semantic_range)
H4421 מִלְחָמָה
Definition:

2,8;Exodus 1:10+; constructמִלְהֶ֫מֶת1 Samuel 13:22(מִכְמָשׁ׳מᵐ5Th We Bu HPS Ew§ 188 cKöii. 182 > absoluteThes and others); suffixמִלְחַמְתִּי2Chronicles 35:21;מִלְחַמְתְּךָ2 Samuel 11:25;מִלְחַמְתֶּ֑ 2,8;Exodus 1:10+; constructמִלְהֶ֫מֶת1 Samuel 13:22(מִכְמָשׁ׳מᵐ5Th We Bu HPS Ew§ 188 cKöii. 182 > absoluteThes and others); suffixמִלְחַמְתִּי2Chronicles 35:21;מִלְחַמְתְּךָ2 Samuel 11:25;מִלְחַמְתֶּ֑

Possible Meanings:
  • battle (semantic_range)
  • war (semantic_range)
H1571 גַּם
Definition:

6וַתִּתֵּן גַּם לְאִישָׁהּand gavealsoto her husband,Genesis 3:27and takealsoof the tree of life,Genesis 7:3;Genesis 19:21;Genesis 24:19;Genesis 26:21;Genesis 29:27;Genesis 30:15;Genesis 32:21(גַּם הִ 6וַתִּתֵּן גַּם לְאִישָׁהּand gavealsoto her husband,Genesis 3:27and takealsoof the tree of life,Genesis 7:3;Genesis 19:21;Genesis 24:19;Genesis 26:21;Genesis 29:27;Genesis 30:15;Genesis 32:21(גַּם הִ

Possible Meanings:
  • moreover (semantic_range)
  • yea (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H2450 חָכָם
Definition:

667t.; constructחֲכַםIsaiah 3:39t.; pluralחֲכָמִיםDeuteronomy 1:1339t.; constructחַכְמֵיExodus 28:34t.; suffixחֲכָמֶיךָIsaiah 19:12etc. + 8 t.;feminineחֲכָמָה2 Samuel 14:2;2 Samuel 20:16; constructחַכ 667t.; constructחֲכַםIsaiah 3:39t.; pluralחֲכָמִיםDeuteronomy 1:1339t.; constructחַכְמֵיExodus 28:34t.; suffixחֲכָמֶיךָIsaiah 19:12etc. + 8 t.;feminineחֲכָמָה2 Samuel 14:2;2 Samuel 20:16; constructחַכ

Possible Meanings:
  • wise (semantic_range)
  • skilful (semantic_range)
  • wise in the administration of affairs (semantic_range)
  • shrewd (semantic_range)
  • crafty (semantic_range)
H3899 לֶחֶם
Definition:

7and (rarely)feminineGenesis 49:20(see below, and Dr1Samuel 10:4)bread, food(Phoenicianלחםbread; Late Hebrewלֶחֶם; Aramaicלַחְמָא,, as Hebrew; Arabicflesh, meat, (compare Frä30)); — absolute׳לGenesis 7and (rarely)feminineGenesis 49:20(see below, and Dr1Samuel 10:4)bread, food(Phoenicianלחםbread; Late Hebrewלֶחֶם; Aramaicלַחְמָא,, as Hebrew; Arabicflesh, meat, (compare Frä30)); — absolute׳לGenesis

Possible Meanings:
  • feast (semantic_range)
H1571 גַּם
Definition:

6וַתִּתֵּן גַּם לְאִישָׁהּand gavealsoto her husband,Genesis 3:27and takealsoof the tree of life,Genesis 7:3;Genesis 19:21;Genesis 24:19;Genesis 26:21;Genesis 29:27;Genesis 30:15;Genesis 32:21(גַּם הִ 6וַתִּתֵּן גַּם לְאִישָׁהּand gavealsoto her husband,Genesis 3:27and takealsoof the tree of life,Genesis 7:3;Genesis 19:21;Genesis 24:19;Genesis 26:21;Genesis 29:27;Genesis 30:15;Genesis 32:21(גַּם הִ

Possible Meanings:
  • moreover (semantic_range)
  • yea (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H0995 בִּין
Definition:

1;בַּנְתָּהPsalm 139:2;בִּינֹתִיDaniel 9:2;ImperfectיָבִיןPsalm 19:1325t.וְיָבֵןJeremiah 9:112t.,וַיָּבֶן1 Samuel 3:82t.;אָבִינָהPsalm 73:174t.;יָבִינוּProverbs 28:512t.;ImperativeבִּיןDaniel 9:23;בִּ 1;בַּנְתָּהPsalm 139:2;בִּינֹתִיDaniel 9:2;ImperfectיָבִיןPsalm 19:1325t.וְיָבֵןJeremiah 9:112t.,וַיָּבֶן1 Samuel 3:82t.;אָבִינָהPsalm 73:174t.;יָבִינוּProverbs 28:512t.;ImperativeבִּיןDaniel 9:23;בִּ

Possible Meanings:
  • between (semantic_range)
H6239 עשֶׁר
Definition:

25riches; —׳עabsoluteGenesis 31:627t. constructEsther 1:4; suffixעָשְׁרוֺJeremiah 9:225t.,עָשְׁרָםPsalm 49:7;Proverbs 14:24; + (or "")כָּבוֺד1Kings 3:13;Proverbs 3:169t.;׳עָשָׂה עJeremiah 17:11, compa 25riches; —׳עabsoluteGenesis 31:627t. constructEsther 1:4; suffixעָשְׁרוֺJeremiah 9:225t.,עָשְׁרָםPsalm 49:7;Proverbs 14:24; + (or "")כָּבוֺד1Kings 3:13;Proverbs 3:169t.;׳עָשָׂה עJeremiah 17:11, compa

Possible Meanings:
  • a ten (semantic_range)
H1571 גַּם
Definition:

6וַתִּתֵּן גַּם לְאִישָׁהּand gavealsoto her husband,Genesis 3:27and takealsoof the tree of life,Genesis 7:3;Genesis 19:21;Genesis 24:19;Genesis 26:21;Genesis 29:27;Genesis 30:15;Genesis 32:21(גַּם הִ 6וַתִּתֵּן גַּם לְאִישָׁהּand gavealsoto her husband,Genesis 3:27and takealsoof the tree of life,Genesis 7:3;Genesis 19:21;Genesis 24:19;Genesis 26:21;Genesis 29:27;Genesis 30:15;Genesis 32:21(גַּם הִ

Possible Meanings:
  • moreover (semantic_range)
  • yea (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H3045 יָדַע
Definition:

1+;יָדָ֑עLeviticus 5:1+; suffixיְדָעוֺDeuteronomy 34:10;Job 28:7;יְדָעָהּGenesis 24:16;1 Kings 1:4;יְדָעָ֫נוּIsaiah 63:16; 3feminine singularיָָֽדְעָהJudges 11:394t.; 2 masculine singularיָדַעְתָּGene 1+;יָדָ֑עLeviticus 5:1+; suffixיְדָעוֺDeuteronomy 34:10;Job 28:7;יְדָעָהּGenesis 24:16;1 Kings 1:4;יְדָעָ֫נוּIsaiah 63:16; 3feminine singularיָָֽדְעָהJudges 11:394t.; 2 masculine singularיָדַעְתָּGene

Possible Meanings:
  • know (semantic_range)
  • know (semantic_range)
  • cause to know (semantic_range)
  • inform (semantic_range)
H2580 חֵן
Definition:

3favour, grace; —׳חGenesis 6:867t.; suffixחִנּוֺGenesis 39:21; —1favour, grace, elegance:a.ofform and appearance, of a woman ""יֹ֑פִיProverbs 31:30;אֵשֶׁת חֵןProverbs 11:16;זונה טובת חןNahum 3:4; of a 3favour, grace; —׳חGenesis 6:867t.; suffixחִנּוֺGenesis 39:21; —1favour, grace, elegance:a.ofform and appearance, of a woman ""יֹ֑פִיProverbs 31:30;אֵשֶׁת חֵןProverbs 11:16;זונה טובת חןNahum 3:4; of a

H3588 כִּי
Definition:

Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic, Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic,

Possible Meanings:
  • for (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
H6256 עֵת
Definition:

13and (seldom, mostly late)masculineEzra 10:14time(Late Hebrewid.; Phoenicianעת; Assyrianinu, ittu,time; Talmudעַנְתָּא; clearly from a √ענה, but doubtful whether I.׳ע); — absolute׳עHosea 10:12+, cons 13and (seldom, mostly late)masculineEzra 10:14time(Late Hebrewid.; Phoenicianעת; Assyrianinu, ittu,time; Talmudעַנְתָּא; clearly from a √ענה, but doubtful whether I.׳ע); — absolute׳עHosea 10:12+, cons

Possible Meanings:
  • usual time (semantic_range)
  • proper (semantic_range)
  • suitable time (semantic_range)
H6294 פֶגַע
Definition:

18eviloccurrence;Ecclesiastes 9:11time andchance.Topical LexiconMeaning And Nuanceפֶגַע (pegaʿ) denotes an event that overtakes a person—an “occurrence” that can be either morally neutral (Ecclesiaste 18eviloccurrence;Ecclesiastes 9:11time andchance.Topical LexiconMeaning And Nuanceפֶגַע (pegaʿ) denotes an event that overtakes a person—an “occurrence” that can be either morally neutral (Ecclesiaste

H7136 קָרָה
Definition:

A primitive root; to light upon (chiefly by accident); causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor) -- appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto) A primitive root; to light upon (chiefly by accident); causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor) -- appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto)

Possible Meanings:
  • lay the beams of (semantic_range)
  • furnish with beams (semantic_range)
H0853 אֵת
Definition:

33,אֹתָ֑ךְ,אֹתָ֑כָהExodus 29:35, feminineאֹתָךְ;אֹתוֺetc.; 2 pluralאֶתְכֶם, once˜אוֺתְכֶםJoshua 23:15; 3masculine plural regularlyאֹתָם, rarelyאֶתְהֶםGenesis 32:1;Exodus 18:20;Numbers 21:3;Ezekiel 34: 33,אֹתָ֑ךְ,אֹתָ֑כָהExodus 29:35, feminineאֹתָךְ;אֹתוֺetc.; 2 pluralאֶתְכֶם, once˜אוֺתְכֶםJoshua 23:15; 3masculine plural regularlyאֹתָם, rarelyאֶתְהֶםGenesis 32:1;Exodus 18:20;Numbers 21:3;Ezekiel 34:

Possible Meanings:
  • sign (semantic_range)
H3605 כֹּל
Definition:

8 Kt.),noun masculinethe whole, all(Moabite, Phoenician,id.; Aramaicכּוֺל,; Arabic; Sabeanכל, compare DHMEpigr. Denk. 36-38; EthiopicAssyriankullatu) — absoluteכֹּל, constructכֹּלGenesis 2:5,16,20 #NA 8 Kt.),noun masculinethe whole, all(Moabite, Phoenician,id.; Aramaicכּוֺל,; Arabic; Sabeanכל, compare DHMEpigr. Denk. 36-38; EthiopicAssyriankullatu) — absoluteכֹּל, constructכֹּלGenesis 2:5,16,20 #NA

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