9:1 in the hand of God After again acknowledging the limits of wisdom (Eccl 8:16–17), the author gives another reminder that all lives are in God’s hands (3:11–14; 7:14).

no one knows anything The future is uncertain. Since human wisdom is limited, people must recognize God’s sovereignty whether the future brings adversity or prosperity.

9:2 fate A reference to death—the great equalizer which renders the gains of life useless. All people—whether wicked or righteous, wise or foolish (2:14–16)—share this fate. See note on 2:14.

the clean and to the unclean Normally refers to ritual cleanliness. See note on Lev 11:1–47.

so also those who fear oaths See note on Eccles 5:4.

9:4 has hope A contrast to earlier passages in which the author proclaimed that it is better to be dead than alive (4:2–3; 6:3–5). In those passages, the author was responding to injustice, oppression, and the inability to enjoy wealth.

a live dog is better than a dead lion Lions were respected as majestic, powerful predators (Gen 49:9; 2 Sam 17:10; Prov 28:1; 30:30; Mic 5:8). Dogs were looked down upon as despised scavengers (Exod 22:31; 1 Sam 17:43; 2 Sam 16:9; 1 Kgs 14:11; Psa 59:14–15; Prov 26:11).

9:5 They no longer have a reward The dead—unlike the living—can no longer enjoy life.

9:7 eat your food with joy Bread, wine, and oil (v. 8) were considered blessings from God and often used in celebrations (Deut 7:13; Psa 104:14–15; Jer 31:12; Joel 2:19).

God already has approved your deeds The Hebrew word ratsah means “to approve” or “to take pleasure in” (Pss 147:11; 149:4). The ability to enjoy life is not just a gift from God; it is His desire.

9:9 vain The word Hebrew word used here, hevel, literally means “breath” or “vapor.” Normally the author uses this term to indicate senselessness or absurdity (see note on Eccles 1:2). Here, however, the author seems to use its literal meaning to emphasize the brevity of life (Job 7:16; Pss 39:5; 78:33).

9:10 in Sheol The Hebrew term used here is Sheol, the standard word used for the place of the dead. See note on Gen 37:35; note on 1 Kgs 2:6.

Old Testament Theology of the Afterlife

9:11 time and chance It is unjust that “time and chance” can affect an outcome as much as (or more than) ability.

9:12 who are seized in a snare See note on Job 18:8.

9:18 one sinner destroys much good Possibly a reference to the fall in Gen 3 (see note on Eccles 7:29).