Translations
Modern
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.
Traditional
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Literal
…for the living know that they will die, and the dead cannot know anything, and there is not anymore for them a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.
Latin
Viventes enim sciunt se esse morituros; mortui vero nihil noverunt amplius, nec habent ultra mercedem, quia oblivioni tradita est memoria eorum.
Original
Hebrew
English
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.
Notes
Hope for enjoyment exists only if the person hoping is alive. So, it is better to be alive (compare Ecclesiastes 6:3; 7:1).
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).
Glossary
Topics
Conspiracies Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Hades: The Realm (State) of the Dead Memory After Death Paranormal Praying to the Dead The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Too Soon Forgotten What Happens When you Die