Ecclesiastes 11:4

What does Ecclesiastes 11:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 11:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He who is watching the wind will not get the seed planted, and he who is looking at the clouds will not get in the grain.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Whoso is observing the wind soweth not, And whoso is looking on the thick clouds reapeth not.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He that observeth the wind, shall not sow: and he that considereth the clouds, shall never reap.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He that observeth the wind will not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds will not reap.

Context

v.3If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there shall it be.

v.4This passage

v.5As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 20:4

    The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

  • Proverbs 3:27

    Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.

  • Proverbs 22:13

    The sluggard saith, There is a lion without; I shall be slain in the streets.

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