New International VersionThe wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.
New Living TranslationThe wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles.
English Standard VersionThe wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns.
Berean Standard BibleThe wind blows southward, then turns northward; round and round it swirls, ever returning on its course.
King James BibleThe wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
New King James VersionThe wind goes toward the south, And turns around to the north; The wind whirls about continually, And comes again on its circuit.
New American Standard BibleBlowing toward the south, Then turning toward the north, The wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns.
NASB 1995Blowing toward the south, Then turning toward the north, The wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns.
NASB 1977Blowing toward the south, Then turning toward the north, The wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns.
Legacy Standard BibleGoing toward the south, Then circling toward the north, The wind goes circling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns.
Amplified BibleThe wind blows toward the south, Then circles toward the north; The wind circles and swirls endlessly, And on its circular course the wind returns.
Christian Standard BibleGusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles.
Holman Christian Standard BibleGusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles.
American Standard VersionThe wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth about continually in its course, and the wind returneth again to its circuits.
Contemporary English VersionThe wind blows south, the wind blows north; round and round it blows over and over again.
English Revised VersionThe wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth about continually in its course, and the wind returneth again to its circuits.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe wind blows toward the south and shifts toward the north. Round and round it blows. It blows in a full circle.
Good News TranslationThe wind blows south, the wind blows north--round and round and back again.
International Standard VersionThe wind blows southward, then northward, constantly circulating, and the wind comes back again in its courses.
NET BibleThe wind goes to the south and circles around to the north; round and round the wind goes and on its rounds it returns.
New Heart English BibleThe wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses.
Webster's Bible TranslationThe wind goeth towards the south, and turneth about to the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to its circuits. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe wind blows southward, then turns northward; round and round it swirls, ever returning on its course.
World English BibleThe wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionGoing to the south, and turning around to the north, turning around, turning around, the wind is going, and by its circuits the wind has returned.
Young's Literal Translation Going unto the south, and turning round unto the north, turning round, turning round, the wind is going, and by its circuits the wind hath returned.
Smith's Literal TranslationGoing to the south and turning round about to the north, it turned round about; the wind turned round about, going, and the wind turned back upon its circuits. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMaketh his round by the south, and turneth again to the north: the spirit goeth forward surveying all places round about, and returneth to his circuits.
Catholic Public Domain Versionit circles through the south, and arcs toward the north. The spirit continues on, illuminating everything in its circuit, and turning again in its cycle.
New American BibleShifting south, then north, back and forth shifts the wind, constantly shifting its course.
New Revised Standard VersionThe wind blows to the south, and goes around to the north; round and round goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe wind blows toward the south, and turns about to the north; it whirls continually, and returns again according to its circuits.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedIt goes to the South and is circled to the North and the wind goes to its circuits and the wind returns OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The wind goeth toward the south, And turneth about unto the north; It turneth about continually in its circuit, And the wind returneth again to its circuits.
Brenton Septuagint Translationarising there it proceeds southward, and goes round toward the north. The wind goes round and round, and the wind returns to its circuits.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Everything is Futile… 5The sun rises and the sun sets; it hurries back to where it rises. 6The windblowssouthward,then turnsnorthward;roundand roundit swirls,ever returningonitscourse.7All the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place from which the streams come, there again they flow.…
Cross References John 3:8The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Psalm 135:7He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.
Jeremiah 10:13When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.
Job 37:9-10The tempest comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds. / By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen.
Job 28:25When God fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters,
Amos 4:13For behold, He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind and reveals His thoughts to man, who turns the dawn to darkness and strides on the heights of the earth—the LORD, the God of Hosts, is His name.”
Matthew 24:31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Acts 2:2Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Genesis 8:1But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside.
1 Kings 18:45Meanwhile, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain began to fall. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel.
2 Kings 3:17For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’
Isaiah 40:7The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass.
Isaiah 40:24No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like stubble.
Ezekiel 37:9Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!”
Zechariah 2:6“Get up! Get up! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the LORD, “for I have scattered you like the four winds of heaven,” declares the LORD.
Treasury of Scripture The wind goes toward the south, and turns about to the north; it whirls about continually, and the wind returns again according to his circuits. Job 3:8 Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning. Acts 27:13-15 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtainedtheir purpose, loosingthence, they sailed close by Crete… Jump to Previous BlowingCirclingCircuitCircuitsCircularContinuallyContinuesCoursesGoesNorthReturnethReturningReturnsRoundSouthSwirlingTowardsTurnethTurningTurnsWhirlethWindJump to Next BlowingCirclingCircuitCircuitsCircularContinuallyContinuesCoursesGoesNorthReturnethReturningReturnsRoundSouthSwirlingTowardsTurnethTurningTurnsWhirlethWindEcclesiastes 1 1.the preacher shows that all human courses are vain4.because the creatures are restless in their courses9.they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten12.and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdomThe wind blows southwardThis phrase reflects the natural observation of wind patterns, which were well-known in the ancient Near East. The southward movement of the wind could symbolize the transient and unpredictable nature of life, a theme prevalent in Ecclesiastes. In biblical symbolism, the south often represents warmth and life, as the south wind brings warmth ( Job 37:17). This movement can also be seen as a metaphor for the human pursuit of meaning, which often seems to lead in one direction before changing course. then turns northward
The northward turn of the wind suggests a reversal or change in direction, highlighting the cyclical and unpredictable nature of earthly phenomena. In biblical geography, the north is often associated with judgment or adversity (Jeremiah 1:14). This could imply that life's journey is not straightforward and is subject to divine sovereignty, as God controls the winds (Psalm 135:7). The northward movement complements the southward, emphasizing the completeness of the cycle. round and round it swirls
This phrase captures the repetitive and seemingly futile nature of the wind's movement, echoing the theme of vanity and the cyclical nature of life found throughout Ecclesiastes. The swirling wind can be seen as a metaphor for human endeavors, which often seem to lack a clear purpose or end. This imagery is reminiscent of the cycles of nature described in other parts of Scripture, such as the water cycle inJob 36:27-28, reinforcing the idea that human life is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated order. ever returning on its course
The wind's perpetual return to its course underscores the idea of inevitability and the constancy of natural laws established by God. This reflects the biblical understanding of creation's order and God's sovereignty over it (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The phrase suggests that despite human efforts to find new paths or meanings, life often returns to familiar patterns, pointing to the need for divine wisdom and guidance. This cyclical nature can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment and purpose of life's journey, offering redemption and eternal significance beyond the repetitive cycles of earthly existence. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the futility of human endeavors without God. 2. Jerusalem- The city where Solomon reigned as king. It serves as the backdrop for his reflections and teachings in Ecclesiastes. 3. The Wind- A natural phenomenon used metaphorically by Solomon to illustrate the repetitive and seemingly purposeless cycles of life. Teaching Points The Cyclical Nature of LifeLife often feels repetitive and monotonous, much like the wind's constant movement. Recognizing this can lead us to seek deeper meaning beyond the surface of daily routines. God's Sovereignty Over CreationThe wind's course is not random but part of God's ordered creation. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst life's uncertainties. The Search for MeaningSolomon's observation of the wind's cycles invites us to reflect on where we find meaning. True fulfillment is found in a relationship with God, not in the endless cycles of worldly pursuits. Embracing Change and ConstancyJust as the wind changes direction yet remains constant in its presence, we can embrace life's changes while holding onto the constancy of God's presence. Reflecting on Our Life's CourseLike the wind, our lives have a course. Reflecting on our direction and purpose can help us align our lives with God's will. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 1
Ecclesiastes 6:9-12 - Do these verses' pessimistic tone and emphasis on life's vanity contradict the Bible's broader themes of hope and purpose?
In Ecclesiastes 11:6, does the advice to sow seed 'morning and evening' ignore practical limitations like weather, climate, and resources?
Ecclesiastes 6:6 - Is the mention of living 'a thousand years twice' literal, and how does it align with known human lifespans?
In Ecclesiastes 7:16, being 'overly righteous' is discouraged--doesn't this conflict with biblical commands to live righteously (e.g., Matthew 6:33)?(6) The order of the Hebrew words permits the first clause, "going towards the south and returning towards the north," to be understood in continuation of the description of the movements of the sun, and so some interpreters have taken them, but probably erroneously. The verse gains in liveliness if more literally rendered, "going towards the south and circling towards the north, circling, circling goes the wind, and to its circles the wind returns." Verse 6. - The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; literally, going towards the south, and circling towards the north. These words, as we have seen above, are referred to the sun by the Septuagint, Vulgate, and Syriac; but it is best to make this verse refer only to the wind - a fresh example of motion continually repeated with no real progress to an end. Thus each verse comprises one subject and idea, ver. 4 being concerned with the earth, ver. 5 with the sun, ver. 6 with the wind, and ver. 7 with the waters. There seems to be no particular force in the naming of north and south, unless it be in contrast to the sun's motion from east to west, mentioned in the preceding verse. The words following show that these two directions are not alone intended. Thus the four quarters are virtually included. It whirleth about continually. The original is more forcible, giving by its very form the idea of weary monotony. The subject is delayed till the last, thus: Going towards the south... circling, circling, goeth the wind; i. e. it blows from all quarters at its own caprice. And the wind returneth again according to his circuits. And on its circlings returneth the wind; it comes back to the point whence it started. The wind, seemingly the freest of all created things, is bound by the same law of immutable changeableness, insensate repetition.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Blowingהוֹלֵךְ֙(hō·w·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walksouthward,דָּר֔וֹם(dā·rō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1864:The south, poet, the south windthen turningוְסוֹבֵ֖ב(wə·sō·w·ḇêḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5437:To turn about, go around, surroundnorthward,צָפ֑וֹן(ṣā·p̄ō·wn)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828:Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarterroundסוֹבֵ֤ב ׀(sō·w·ḇêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5437:To turn about, go around, surround[and] roundסֹבֵב֙(sō·ḇêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5437:To turn about, go around, surroundthe windהָר֔וּחַ(hā·rū·aḥ)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307:Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spiritswirls,הוֹלֵ֣ךְ(hō·w·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkever returningשָׁ֥ב(šāḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againonוְעַל־(wə·‘al-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against[its]הָרֽוּחַ׃(hā·rū·aḥ)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307:Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spiritcourse.סְבִיבֹתָ֖יו(sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯāw)Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5439:A circle, neighbour, environs, around
Links Ecclesiastes 1:6 NIVEcclesiastes 1:6 NLTEcclesiastes 1:6 ESVEcclesiastes 1:6 NASBEcclesiastes 1:6 KJV
Ecclesiastes 1:6 BibleApps.comEcclesiastes 1:6 Biblia ParalelaEcclesiastes 1:6 Chinese BibleEcclesiastes 1:6 French BibleEcclesiastes 1:6 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:6 The wind goes toward the south (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
