Translations
Modern
For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?
Traditional
For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Literal
For who knows what is good for man in life all the days of the life of his vapor, and he makes them like a shadow? For who can declare to man what will come to be after him under the sun?
Latin
Quid necesse est homini majora se quærere, cum ignoret quid conducat sibi in vita sua, numero dierum peregrinationis suæ, et tempore quod velut umbra præterit? aut quis ei poterit indicare quod post eum futurum sub sole sit?
Original
Hebrew
English
For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?
Notes
Who knows?... Who can tell?: These questions have already been answered. We should spend our days living wisely, enjoying our work, and appreciating God's gifts (Ecclesiastes 2:13–14, 24; 3:22; 5:18). What will happen on this earth has already happened (Ecclesiastes 1:9, 10; 3:15).
like a shadow: Compare Psalms 39:4–6; 90:3–6, 10–12; 109:23; 144:4.
God's control over everything is serious, but it gives us hope.
Glossary
Topics
Ignorance: General Scriptures Concerning Life: Brevity and Uncertainty of Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Natural Life is Compared to a Shadow Natural Life: Vain Natural Life: we Know not What is Good for Us In Vanity: The Days of Man Are Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning