Ecclesiastes 9:6

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 9:6 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to Ecclesiastes, a book traditionally linked to King Solomon. The writer looks at life “under the sun,” meaning from a purely earthly viewpoint. In chapter 9, he contrasts the living with the dead. Verse 5 says the dead know nothing of this world’s affairs, and verse 6 completes that thought by describing the end of their emotions and shares.

Meaning

The verse names love, hatred, and envy as examples of all human passions. These have “perished” for the dead, meaning they no longer feel or act on them. The word “portion” (Hebrew: cheleq) appears often in Ecclesiastes to describe one’s lot in life, as in Ecclesiastes 2:10 and 9:9. Here it is denied absolutely: the dead have no share “for ever” in anything done under the sun. This is a sobering statement about death’s finality.

Biblical connections

The Preacher’s perspective is limited to what can be observed in this life. He does not deny life after death, but he stresses that the dead no longer participate in earthly activities. This connects with the book’s repeated call to enjoy the present as God’s gift, since this life is the only place for active love and service.

Application

Because death ends all earthly pursuits, we should not build our hopes on things that perish. The verse warns against letting hatred or envy rule us, for these too will pass. Instead, we are urged to use our time to love, serve, and work for God, and to find our true portion in Him.

Reflection

This verse invites us to examine where we place our affections. If all earthly emotions and achievements fade, what remains? The answer points beyond the sun to a lasting inheritance in Christ, where our true portion is secure.