Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.

Bible > Ecclesiastes > Chapter 12 > Verse 11

◄ Ecclesiastes 12:11 ►

New International Version
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.

New Living Translation
The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.

English Standard Version
The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.

Berean Standard Bible
The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.

King James Bible
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

New King James Version
The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.

New American Standard Bible
The words of the wise are like goads, and masters of these collections are like driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

NASB 1995
The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

NASB 1977
The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

Legacy Standard Bible
The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

Amplified Bible
The words of the wise are like [prodding] goads, and these collected sayings are [firmly fixed in the mind] like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

Christian Standard Bible
The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods, and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails. The sayings are given by one Shepherd.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sayings of the wise are like goads, and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails. The sayings are given by one Shepherd.

American Standard Version
The words of the wise are as goads; and as nails well fastened are the words of the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

Contemporary English Version
Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from a shepherd, and they are like nails that fasten things together.

English Revised Version
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails well fastened are the words of the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Words from wise people are like spurs. Their collected sayings are like nails that have been driven in firmly. They come from one shepherd.

Good News Translation
The sayings of the wise are like the sharp sticks that shepherds use to guide sheep, and collected proverbs are as lasting as firmly driven nails. They have been given by God, the one Shepherd of us all.

International Standard Version
Sayings from the wise are like cattle prods and well fastened nails; this masterful collection was given by one shepherd.

Majority Standard Bible
The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.

NET Bible
The words of the sages are like prods, and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails; they are given by one shepherd.

New Heart English Bible
The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of collections, which are given from one shepherd.

Webster's Bible Translation
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

World English Bible
The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Words of the wise [are] as the goads, and as nails planted [by] the masters of collections, they have been given by one Shepherd.

Young's Literal Translation
Words of the wise are as goads, and as fences planted by the masters of collections, they have been given by one shepherd.

Smith's Literal Translation
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails planted of the masters of the gatherings; they were given from one shepherd.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails deeply fastened in, which by the counsel of masters are given from one shepherd.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The words of the wise are like a goad, and like nails deeply fastened, which, through the counsel of teachers, are set forth by one pastor.

New American Bible
The sayings of the wise are like goads; like fixed spikes are the collected sayings given by one shepherd.

New Revised Standard Version
The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings that are given by one shepherd.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails deeply fastened, which are arranged by workmen and given from one master builder.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The words of the wise are like goads and like nails with which Masters nail door posts; they are given from one Shepherd

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails well fastened are those that are composed in collections; they are given from one shepherd.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails firmly fastened, which have been given from one shepherd by agreement.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Fear of God is Utmost
…10The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth. 11The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd. 12And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 1:6
by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Proverbs 15:23
A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

1 Corinthians 2:13
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

Proverbs 22:17-21
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge— / for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips. / So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you. ...

2 Peter 1:21
For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

Matthew 7:28-29
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, / because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Treasury of Scripture

The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

as goads

Jeremiah 23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

masters

John 3:10
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

given

Genesis 49:24
But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 80:1
To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

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Assemblies Collected Collections Composed Fastened Fences Firmly Fixed Goads Grouped Guide Hammer Masters Nails Planted Pointed Sayings Shepherd Together Wise Words

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Assemblies Collected Collections Composed Fastened Fences Firmly Fixed Goads Grouped Guide Hammer Masters Nails Planted Pointed Sayings Shepherd Together Wise Words

Ecclesiastes 12

1. the Creator is to be remembered in due time
8. The preacher's care to edify
13. the fear of God is the chief antidote for vanity

Berean Study Bible

The words of the wise
This phrase refers to the teachings and insights provided by those who possess wisdom, often seen as divinely inspired or guided by God. In the Hebrew context, "wise" (חֲכָמִים, chakamim) implies not just intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding of life and God's will. Wisdom literature in the Bible, including Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, emphasizes living in accordance with God's principles. The wise are those who fear the Lord and apply His truths to their lives, offering guidance that is both practical and spiritual.

are like goads
Goads were sharp sticks used by farmers to drive oxen in the right direction. In this context, the words of the wise serve a similar purpose: they prod and guide individuals towards righteous living and spiritual growth. The Hebrew word for goad (דָּרְבָן, darban) suggests an instrument of motivation and correction. Just as a goad directs an animal, wise words direct a person towards God's path, sometimes causing discomfort but ultimately leading to beneficial outcomes.

and the anthologies of the masters
This phrase refers to collections of teachings or sayings from those who are recognized as authorities in wisdom. The term "masters" (בַּעֲלֵי, ba'alei) can denote ownership or mastery, indicating those who have a deep, authoritative understanding of wisdom. These anthologies serve as repositories of knowledge and guidance, much like the collected proverbs and teachings found in the Bible. They are meant to be studied and internalized, providing a foundation for living a life pleasing to God.

are like firmly embedded nails
Nails, when firmly embedded, provide stability and security. In this metaphor, the teachings of the wise are seen as providing a firm foundation for life. The Hebrew word for nails (מַסְמְרוֹת, masmerot) suggests something that is fixed and unmovable. Just as nails hold structures together, the wisdom of the masters holds together the moral and spiritual fabric of a person's life, offering strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

driven by a single Shepherd
The "single Shepherd" is a reference to God, who is often depicted as a shepherd in the Bible, guiding and caring for His flock. This imagery emphasizes the divine origin and authority of true wisdom. The Hebrew word for shepherd (רֹעֶה, ro'eh) conveys the idea of guidance, provision, and protection. In this context, it underscores that all true wisdom ultimately comes from God, the ultimate source of guidance and truth. The unity of the "single Shepherd" suggests that despite the diversity of wise sayings, they all originate from and are unified by God's singular purpose and direction for humanity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) Words of the wise.--In this and the next verse the weighty words of sages, such as was Koheleth, are contrasted with the volubility of modern bookmakers. Though the general purpose of the verses is plain, the words used are enigmatical, and one cannot feel great confidence in assigning their precise meaning. The translation of our version fairly represents the original, if it is observed that the words "by" and "which," which determine the meaning, are in italics. With regard to the "nail," compare Ezra 9:8; Isaiah 22:23. The word "masters" we have had twice in this book already in the sense of possessor, "master of the tongue" (Ecclesiastes 10:11), "master of wings" (Ecclesiastes 10:20). "Assemblies" is a word not coming from the same root as that from which Koheleth is derived. It might mean collections of sayings as well as of people. It is difficult to affix any meaning to the last clause, except that the sages, of whom the verse speaks, have been given for the instruction of the people by Israel's great Shepherd (Psalm 80:1).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 11. - The words of the wise are as goads. The connection of this verse with the preceding is maintained by the fact that the "acceptable words," etc., are words of the wise, emanate from the same persons. Herewith he proceeds to characterize them, with especial reference to his own work. The goad was a rod with an iron spike, or sharpened at the end, used in driving oxen (see Judges 3:31; 1 Samuel 13:21; Ecclus. 38:25; Acts 9:5). Words of wisdom are called goads because they rouse to exertion, promote reflection and action, restrain from error, impel to right; if they hurt and sting, the pain which they inflict is healthful, for good and not for evil. And as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies. The proposition "by" is an interpolation, and the sentence should run: Ant/ like nails fastened [are] the, etc. - masmeroth, "nails," as in Isaiah 41:7. There is much difficulty in explaining the next words, בַּעַלִי אַסֻפות (baale asuppoth). We have had similar expressions applied to possessors in Ecclesiastes 10:11, "lord of the tongue," and "lord of wings" (Ecclesiastes 10:20); and analogy might lead us to apply the phrase here to-persons, and not things; but in Isaiah 41:15 we find a threshing-instrument termed "lord of teeth;" and in 2 Samuel 5:20 a town is called Baal-Perazim, "Lord of breaches;" so we must be guided by other considerations in our exposition. The Septuagint, taking the whole sentence together, and regarding baals as a preposition, renders, "As nails firmly planted, (οι{ παρᾶ τῶν συνθεμάτων ἐδόθησαν ἐκ ποιμένος ἑνός) which from the collections were given from one shepherd." Schleus-her takes οι{ παρὰ τῶν συνθεμάτων to mean, "Ii quibus munus datum erat collectionem faciendi," i.e. the author, of collections. The Vulgate has, Verba... quae per magistrorum consilium data sunt a pastore uno. The "masters of assemblies" can only be the chiefs of some learned conclaves, like the great synagogue supposed to exist in the time of Ezra and later. The clause would then assert that these pundits are like fastened nails, which seems rather unmeaning. One might say that their uttered sentiments became fixed in the mind as nails firmly driven in, but one could not properly say this of the men themselves. A late editor, Gietmann, suggests that "lords of collection" may mean "brave men, heroes, gathered in line of battle," serried ranks, just as in Proverbs 22:20 the term shalishim, chariot-fighters, chieftains, is applied to choice proverbs. Thus he would say that the words of the wise are as goads because they stimulate the intellect, as nails because they readily find entrance, and like men in battle array when they are reduced to writing and marshaled in a book. This is certainly ingenious, but somewhat too artificial to be regarded as the genuine intention of the writer. It seems best to take the word translated "assemblies" as denoting collections, not of people, but of proverbs; and the compound phrase would thus mean proverbs of an excellent character, the best of their sort gathered together in writing. Such words are well compared to nails; they are no longer floating loosely about, they are fixed in the memory, they secure other knowledge, and, though they are separate utterances, they have a certain unity and purpose. Nails are often used proverbially as emblems of what is fixed and unalterable. Thus AEschyl., 'Suppl.,' 944 -

Τῶν δ ἐφήλωται τορῶς`ΝΛ´Γόμφος διαμπὰξ ὡς μένειν ἀραρότως

"Through them a nail is firmly fixed, that they
May rest immovable." Cicero, 'Verr.,' 2:5.21, "Ut hoc beneficium, quemadmodum dicitur, trabali clave figeret;" i.e. to make it sure and steadfast (comp. Horace, 'Carm.,' 1:35. 17, et seq.). Which are given from one shepherd. All these words of the wise, collections, etc., proceed from one source, or are set forth by one authority. Who is] this shepherd? Some say that he is the archisynagogus, the president of the assemblies of wise men, to whose authority all these public utterances are subjected. But we do not know that such supervision existed or was exercised at the time when Koheleth wrote; and, as we saw above, there is probably no reference to any such assemblies in the passage. The "one shepherd" is doubtless Jehovah, who is called the Shepherd of Israel, who feeds his people like a flock, etc. (see Genesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24; Psalm 23:1; Psalm 80:1, etc.). The appellation is here used as concinnous with the thought of the ox-goad, intimating that God watches and leads his people like a tender shepherd and a skilful farmer. This is an important claim to inspiration. All these varied utterances, whatever form they take, whether his own or his predecessor's, are outcomes of wisdom, and proceed from him who is only wise, Almighty God. It is no disparagement of this work to imply that it is not the production of the true Solomon; Koheleth is ready to avow himself the writer, and yet claims a hearing as being equally moved by heavenly influence. It is like St. Paul's assertion (1 Corinthians 7:40), "I think that I also have the Spirit of God."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The words
דִּבְרֵ֤י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the wise
חֲכָמִים֙ (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

are like goads,
כַּדָּ֣רְבֹנ֔וֹת (kad·dā·rə·ḇō·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1861: A goad

and the anthologies
אֲסֻפּ֑וֹת (’ă·sup·pō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 627: A collection of, men

of the masters
בַּעֲלֵ֣י (ba·‘ă·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

are like firmly embedded
נְטוּעִ֖ים (nə·ṭū·‘îm)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 5193: To strike in, fix, to plant

nails
וּֽכְמַשְׂמְר֥וֹת (ū·ḵə·maś·mə·rō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4930: A peg

driven
נִתְּנ֖וּ (nit·tə·nū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

by a single
אֶחָֽד׃ (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

Shepherd.
מֵרֹעֶ֥ה (mê·rō·‘eh)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are like (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)