10 Whatever exists was given its name long ago,[a](A) and it is known what mankind is. But he is not able to contend with the one stronger than he.(B) 11 For when there are many words, they increase futility.(C) What is the advantage for mankind? 12 For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow?(D) Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?

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Footnotes

  1. 6:10 Lit name already

10 Whatever exists has been named already;[a]
    people know what it means[b] to be human—
        and a person cannot defeat one who is more powerful than he.
11 Because many words lead to pointlessness,
    how do people benefit from this?

12 Who knows what is best for people in this life, every day of their pointless lives that they pass through[c] like a shadow? Who informs people on earth what will come along after them?

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 6:10 I.e. its destiny is known
  2. Ecclesiastes 6:10 Lit. already; it is known
  3. Ecclesiastes 6:12 Or they spend