Ecclesiastes 11:6In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening don't withhold your hand; for you don't know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both will be equally good.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. Dawn and dusk in agricultural fields around Jerusalem, Israel. Farmers work both shifts to maximize harvest...
The emotion here: determined optimism despite uncertainty
The original word
zara (זָרַע) — to scatter seed broadly, to cast widely without knowing which will take root
Why it matters
Ancient farmers planted twice daily because they had no irrigation - morning dew and evening moisture were crucial
Read with care
What most readers miss in Ecclesiastes 11:6
This isn't just about farming - the Hebrew 'seed' can mean children, ideas, investments, any venture
Common misconceptionPeople think this means scatter your efforts randomly. Actually, Solomon is teaching strategic diversification - work consistently in multiple areas because you don't know which will succeed.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Ecclesiastes 11:6
Bible Genome reading
Ecclesiastes 11:6 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Ecclesiastes 11:6 comes from the book of Ecclesiastes, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is starting, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include diligence, perseverance, uncertainty. Notable phrases: morning sow your seed; evening don't withhold; you don't know which will prosper.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same starting
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
— Genesis 1:1
“God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.”
— Genesis 1:3
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and t…”
— Acts 1:8
“Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receiv…”
— Acts 2:38
Your reflection
What does Ecclesiastes 11:6 mean to you, today?
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