Ecclesiastes 11:10
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
Original Language Analysis
מִלִּבֶּ֔ךָ
from thy heart
H3820
מִלִּבֶּ֔ךָ
from thy heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְהַעֲבֵ֥ר
and put away
H5674
וְהַעֲבֵ֥ר
and put away
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 10
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
מִבְּשָׂרֶ֑ךָ
from thy flesh
H1320
מִבְּשָׂרֶ֑ךָ
from thy flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
6 of 10
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.2 Timothy 2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Ecclesiastes 12:1Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;Ecclesiastes 1:14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.Ecclesiastes 1:2Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.Psalms 39:5Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.Job 20:11His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.Job 13:26For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.Psalms 25:7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
Historical Context
Ancient life expectancy was lower than today, making youth's brevity even more pronounced. Many didn't survive childhood; those who did faced adulthood's responsibilities quickly. The 'vapor' imagery reflected daily observation of morning mist burning off under sun.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'vexations' and 'evils' might you need to intentionally remove from your life to embrace youth (or whatever season you're in) well?
- How does recognizing youth's fleeting nature change priorities and daily choices?
- What does it look like to 'remember your Creator in the days of your youth' (12:1) by removing sorrow and evil now?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart (וְהָסֵר כַּעַס מִלִּבֶּךָ, vehaser ka'as milibbekha)—'and remove vexation from your heart,' from sur (to turn aside, remove) and ka'as (vexation, anger, grief). And put away evil from thy flesh (וְהַעֲבֵר רָעָה מִבְּשָׂרֶךָ, veha'aver ra'ah mibsarekha)—'and cause evil to pass from your flesh,' using avar (to pass over, remove). For childhood and youth are vanity (כִּי־הַיַּלְדוּת וְהַשַּׁחֲרוּת הָבֶל, ki-hayaldut vehashacharut havel)—'for childhood and the dawn-of-life are vapor,' using yaldut (childhood) and shacharut (youth, from shachar, dawn).
Following Ecclesiastes 11:9's exhortation to rejoice in youth while remembering coming judgment, verse 10 adds urgency: remove ka'as (internal turmoil—anger, worry, grief) and ra'ah (evil, harm) from basar (flesh—physical life). Why? Because yaldut and shacharut—childhood and youth, that precious 'dawn' of life—are havel (vapor, breath, fleeting). The message: youth passes quickly, so don't waste it on anxiety or evil. Paul counseled Timothy similarly: 'Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness' (2 Timothy 2:22). The Preacher isn't promoting recklessness but mindful enjoyment—remove what harms, embrace what edifies, because this season vanishes. James 4:14 echoes: 'What is your life? You are a mist that appears briefly.'