Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. New Living Translation People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. English Standard Version For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them. Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them. New American Standard Bible For indeed, a person does not know his time: like fish that are caught in a treacherous net and birds caught in a snare, so the sons of mankind are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. NASB 1995 Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. NASB 1977 Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net, and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. Legacy Standard Bible Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish seized in an evil net and birds seized in a trap, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. Amplified Bible For man also does not know his time [of death]; like fish caught in a treacherous net, and birds caught in the snare, so the sons of men are ensnared in an evil time when a dark cloud suddenly falls on them. Christian Standard Bible For certainly no one knows his time: like fish caught in a cruel net or like birds caught in a trap, so people are trapped in an evil time as it suddenly falls on them. Holman Christian Standard Bible For man certainly does not know his time: like fish caught in a cruel net or like birds caught in a trap, so people are trapped in an evil time as it suddenly falls on them. American Standard Version 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, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Contemporary English Version None of us know when we might fall victim to a sudden disaster and find ourselves like fish in a net or birds in a trap. English Revised Version 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, even so, are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. GOD'S WORD® Translation No one knows when his time will come. Like fish that are caught in a cruel net or birds caught in a snare, humans are trapped by a disaster when it suddenly strikes them. Good News Translation You never know when your time is coming. Like birds suddenly caught in a trap, like fish caught in a net, we are trapped at some evil moment when we least expect it. International Standard Version In addition, no human being knows his time: Like fish captured in a cruel net, or as birds caught in a snare, so also are human beings caught by bad timing that surprises them. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible Surely, no one knows his appointed time! Like fish that are caught in a deadly net, and like birds that are caught in a snare--just like them, all people are ensnared at an unfortunate time that falls upon them suddenly. New Heart English Bible For man also doesn't know his time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them. Webster's Bible Translation 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. World English Bible For man also doesn’t know his time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor even man does not know his time; as fish that are taken hold of by an evil net, and as birds that are taken hold of by a snare, the sons of man are snared like these at an evil time when it falls on them suddenly. Young's Literal Translation For even man knoweth not his time; as fish that are taken hold of by an evil net, and as birds that are taken hold of by a snare, like these are the sons of man snared at an evil time, when it falleth upon them suddenly. Smith's Literal Translation For also man knew not his time: as the fishes being laid hold of in an evil net, and as the birds laid hold of in the snare, as they, the sons of men being snared for an evil time, as it will fall upon them suddenly. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMan knoweth not his own end: but as fishes are taken with the hook, and as birds are caught with the snare, so men are taken in the evil time, when it shall suddenly come upon them. Catholic Public Domain Version Man does not know his own end. But, just as fish are caught with a hook, and birds are captured with a snare, so are men seized in the evil time, when it will suddenly overwhelm them. New American Bible Human beings no more know their own time than fish taken in the fatal net or birds trapped in the snare; like these, mortals are caught when an evil time suddenly falls upon them. New Revised Standard Version For no one can anticipate the time of disaster. Like fish taken in a cruel net, and like birds caught in a snare, so mortals are snared at a time of calamity, when it suddenly falls upon them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor man knows not his time; but as fish that are taken in a treacherous net and as birds that are caught in the snares, so are the sons of men snared in an evil time when it falls suddenly upon them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated For a son of man does not know his time, like fish that are caught in an evil net; like the fowl that are taken in a snare, so are the children of men taken in an evil time when it will fall upon them from the stillness OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For 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, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Brenton Septuagint Translation For surely man also knows not his time: as fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as birds that are caught in a snare; even thus the sons of men are snared at an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Enjoy Your Portion in This Life…11I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. 12For 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. Cross References Matthew 24:44 For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / 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 12:39-40 But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. / You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” James 4:14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Job 14:5 Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed, 2 Peter 3:10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Matthew 25:13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Psalm 39:4-5 “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah Luke 21:34-35 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. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. Proverbs 29:6 An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom. Mark 13:32-33 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. / Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. Treasury of Scripture For man also knows 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 falls suddenly on them. man Ecclesiastes 8:5-7,11 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment… Luke 19:42-44 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes… 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) as the fishes Proverbs 7:22,23 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; … Habakkuk 1:14-17 And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? … 2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. the sons Job 18:8-10 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare… Psalm 11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. Psalm 73:18-20 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction… Jump to Previous Birds Caught Ensnared Evil Fall Falleth Falls Fish Fishes Moreover Net Snare Snared Suddenly Time Times TrappedJump to Next Birds Caught Ensnared Evil Fall Falleth Falls Fish Fishes Moreover Net Snare Snared Suddenly Time Times TrappedEcclesiastes 9 1. like things happen to good and bad4. there is a necessity of death unto men 7. Comfort is all their portion in this life 11. God's providence rules over all 13. wisdom is better than strength For surely no man knows his time The phrase "no man knows his time" underscores the unpredictability of life and death. The Hebrew word for "knows" is "yada," which implies an intimate understanding or awareness. This suggests that despite human wisdom or planning, the exact moment of one's death or significant life events remains beyond human comprehension. This echoes the broader biblical theme of human limitation and the sovereignty of God, reminding believers to live with humility and trust in God's timing. Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare so the sons of men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them "Beware lest ye, as in the meshes caught Hebrew Forכִּ֡י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction surely גַּם֩ (gam) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and no לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no man הָאָדָ֜ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being knows יֵדַ֨ע (yê·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know his time: עִתּ֗וֹ (‘it·tōw) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6256: Time, now, when Like fish כַּדָּגִים֙ (kad·dā·ḡîm) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1709: A fish caught שֶׁנֶּֽאֱחָזִים֙ (šen·ne·’ĕ·ḥā·zîm) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession in a cruel רָעָ֔ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil net בִּמְצוֹדָ֣ה (bim·ṣō·w·ḏāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4686: A net, capture, a fastness or birds וְכַ֨צִּפֳּרִ֔ים (wə·ḵaṣ·ṣip·po·rîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common plural Strong's 6833: A little bird trapped הָאֲחֻז֖וֹת (hā·’ă·ḥu·zō·wṯ) Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession in a snare, בַּפָּ֑ח (bap·pāḥ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6341: A, sheet, a spring net so men בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son are ensnared יֽוּקָשִׁים֙ (yū·qā·šîm) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3369: To lay a bait or lure in an evil רָעָ֔ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil time לְעֵ֣ת (lə·‘êṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6256: Time, now, when that suddenly פִּתְאֹֽם׃ (piṯ·’ōm) Adverb Strong's 6597: Suddenness, suddenly falls כְּשֶׁתִּפּ֥וֹל (kə·šet·tip·pō·wl) Preposition-k, Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie upon them. עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Ecclesiastes 9:12 NIVEcclesiastes 9:12 NLT Ecclesiastes 9:12 ESV Ecclesiastes 9:12 NASB Ecclesiastes 9:12 KJV Ecclesiastes 9:12 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 9:12 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 9:12 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 9:12 French Bible Ecclesiastes 9:12 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:12 For man also doesn't know his time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
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