Bible Strands
Ecclesiastes 11:2
Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Teacher addresses all people in a reflective moment on life's uncertainty, immediately following advice to invest resources despite unknown returns. The words — חֵ֥לֶק (Che.lek) = a portion, and שִׁבְעָה (shiv'ah) = seven, anchor the command to distribute wealth widely rather than hoard it. The thread — This theme of strategic generosity and divine protection from calamity runs through Job 5:19, Psalms 112:9, and 1 Timothy 6:18. Why it lands — The text commands readers to diversify their resources because unknown disasters can strike, demanding practical foresight over fear-driven hoarding.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
- Job 5:19 He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven.
- Psalms 112:9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
- Proverbs 6:16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him:
- Luke 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back.
- Nehemiah 8:10 Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
- Esther 9:19 This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another.
- Daniel 4:27 Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”
- Micah 5:5 And He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land and tramples our citadels. We will raise against it seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.
- Acts 11:28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.)