Ecclesiastes 9:12 “For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or b…”

Ecclesiastes 9:12

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James 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; 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.

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

For neither doth man knowe his time, but as the fishes which are taken in an euill net, and as the birdes that are caught in the snare: so are the children of men snared in the euill time when it falleth vpon them suddenly.

Darby Translation

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are taken with the snare, like them are the children of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

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.

Bible in Basic English

Even man has no knowledge of his time; like fishes taken in an evil net, or like birds taken by deceit, are the sons of men taken in an evil time when it comes suddenly on them.

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Cross references

“man”

Ecclesiastes 8:5–7 Luke 19:42–44 2 Corinthians 6:2 Ecclesiastes 8:11 1 Peter 2:12

Ecclesiastes 8:5–7 · BSB

Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

Luke 19:42–44 · BSB

and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.

2 Corinthians 6:2 · BSB

For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

Ecclesiastes 8:11 · BSB

When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.

1 Peter 2:12 · BSB

Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

“as the fishes”

2 Timothy 2:26 Habakkuk 1:14–17 Proverbs 7:22 Proverbs 7:23

2 Timothy 2:26 · BSB

Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

Habakkuk 1:14–17 · BSB

You have made men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler.

Proverbs 7:22 · BSB

He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,

Proverbs 7:23 · BSB

until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life.

“the sons”

1 Thessalonians 5:3 Luke 21:34–36 Proverbs 6:15 Job 18:8–10 Psalm 73:18–20 Proverbs 29:6

1 Thessalonians 5:3 · BSB

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 21:34–36 · BSB

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.

Proverbs 6:15 · BSB

Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.

Job 18:8–10 · BSB

For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh.

Psalm 73:18–20 · BSB

Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.

Proverbs 29:6 · BSB

An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

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.

13I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:

Read Ecclesiastes 9