Ecclesiastes 9:12

Translations

Modern

For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.

Traditional

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Literal

For even the man does not know his time; like the fish taken in a cruel net, and like the birds that are grabbed by the snare, so for them: The sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls upon them suddenly.

Latin

Nescit homo finem suum; sed sicut pisces capiuntur hamo, et sicut aves laqueo comprehenduntur, sic capiuntur homines in tempore malo, cum eis extemplo supervenerit.

Original

Hebrew

English

For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.

Notes

Ecclesiastes 8:16–9:12

From observing life, it seems death often lacks meaning. Why do some people die while others live longer? God's decision on this is unpredictable (Ecclesiastes 7:13–14).

Related verses

1 Thessalonians 5:3
While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Luke 21:34–36
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
Proverbs 6:15
Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.
Luke 12:20
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’
Proverbs 29:6
An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
Psalm 73:18–20
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
Job 18:8–10
For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh.
Ecclesiastes 8:5–7
Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.
2 Peter 2:12
These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.
Luke 19:42–44
…and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.
Proverbs 7:22–23
He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,
2 Corinthians 6:2
For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes Net

Topics

Birds: (Snaring) Death Fish: Caught with Nets Fishes of Men Ignorant of Future Events Good Luck Hunting: Fowling Ignorance: General Scriptures Concerning Net: Figurative Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time

Ecclesiastes 9:12

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