Ecclesiastes 6:11
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵשׁ
Seeing there be
H3426
יֵשׁ
Seeing there be
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
2 of 9
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
דְּבָרִ֥ים
things
H1697
דְּבָרִ֥ים
things
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הָ֑בֶל
vanity
H1892
הָ֑בֶל
vanity
Strong's:
H1892
Word #:
6 of 9
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 4:16There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.Ecclesiastes 5:7For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued concise, memorable sayings (as in Proverbs). The Preacher's critique of multiplied words reflects frustration with verbose philosophy that obscures rather than reveals truth. Greek philosophy, which later dominated the Mediterranean world, would prove his point.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'many words' in your spiritual life might be multiplying vanity instead of producing fruit?
- How does Jesus, the living Word (John 1:1), cut through futile religious verbosity to offer true life?
Analysis & Commentary
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity (כִּי יֵשׁ־דְּבָרִים הַרְבֵּה מַרְבִּים הָבֶל)—The Hebrew structure emphasizes multiplication: 'many words multiplying vapor.' More talking, philosophizing, and human effort only compounds futility. What is man the better? (מַה־יֹּתֵר לָאָדָם)—Again the question of yōtēr, 'profit' or 'advantage.'
This anticipates Jesus's warning: 'Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven' (Matt 7:21). Mere words—even religious words—profit nothing without divine grace. James 1:22 similarly warns against being 'hearers only' who multiply words without obedient action.