Ecclesiastes 11:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Spread your giving widely and prepare wisely, since no one can foresee the hardships that may come.
What Does Ecclesiastes 11:2 Mean?
Continuing his counsel on generosity, the Preacher uses a numbered saying common in Hebrew wisdom: seven, and also eight. The pattern means give abundantly, beyond the minimum, dividing your portion among many.
Because the future is hidden, wisdom diversifies its kindness and its labor rather than trusting in a single basket. Open-handed living is also a kind of provision: the good we scatter today becomes a refuge when trouble comes. To give widely is to trust the God who holds tomorrow, sowing mercy against a day we cannot predict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 11:2
What does Ecclesiastes 11:2 mean?
Spread your giving widely and prepare wisely, since no one can foresee the hardships that may come.