Bible study online

Ecclesiastes 10:11

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Ecclesiastes 10:11

Verse 11 of 20

Scripture focus

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

Ecclesiastes 10:11 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:11

Theological / Devotional

Without enchantment. Or, “before it is charmed” (RSV). The meaning is that if the snake bites the snake charmer before he has charmed it, there is no profit from any ability he may have as a charmer.

A babbler is no better. Literally, “there is no advantage to the owner of the tongue.” The phrase “owner of the tongue,” here translated “babbler,” refers specifically to the snake charmer. Snake charming was apparently done by uttering sibilant, hissing whispers.

By SdaBc