Keraia
Ecclesiastes 12

Ecclesiastes 12:11

The Whole Duty of Man · Ecclesiastes 12:9–14
Read Ecclesiastes 12

Translations

Modern
The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.
Traditional
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Literal
The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails implanted by the masters of collections, given by one Shepherd.
Latin
Verba sapientium sicut stimuli, et quasi clavi in altum defixi, quæ per magistrorum consilium data sunt a pastore uno.

Original

Hebrew
English
The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.

Notes

Ecclesiastes 12:11

  • goads...firmly embedded nails: Sometimes, painful lessons guide us to paths we prefer to avoid.

  • a single Shepherd: This word might refer to God as the shepherd of his people (Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:11). The sentence could also compare the wise person's words to a shepherd's work in caring for his flock.

Ecclesiastes 12:9–14

This final note by the editor (see “Author and Recipients” in the Book Introduction) shows respect for the Teacher. It urges readers to apply the Teacher's lessons and shares the editor’s conclusion from studying the Teacher (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon’s Wisdom

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes

Topics

Goad of Mental Incentive Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Investigation: General Scriptures Concerning Speaking: Wisdom In Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to Word of God: Inspiration of Word of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Words of the Wise: As Goads, and As Well-Fastened Nails