What seems to be an independent clause is actually linked directly with verse 10 by the introductory particle ki, meaning “for,” “because.” Thus it provides the justification for the statement in verse 10. This relationship is an important one, for it demonstrates that the “dispute” in that verse is essentially a verbal one, as we have indicated. Here in verse 11 Qoheleth is referring to things people say.

The more words: the verse needs to be provided with an introduction such as “For,” or “The reason is that….” The Hebrew noun phrase The more words is literally “there are many words.” This sense can be well rendered by a verb phrase such as “the more we talk” or “the more we have to say.” In the context of verse 10, this general saying takes on a narrower meaning, namely, “the more you argue with someone.” This is the basis for Good News Translation “The longer you argue.”

The more vanity repeats in verb form the root rab “much” or “many.” As the number of words increases so does the amount of vanity. Since we understand this word to mean something that cannot be explained, our translation will be something like “the more we talk [or, argue], the further we are from a solution” or “the more we debate an issue, the more complex it seems to get.” In this way Qoheleth makes the point that no matter how much we debate and discuss the question of “lasting benefit,” it is like trying to win an argument with someone far more skilled than we are. The result is that we still have no final answer.

Some languages find it difficult to express the construction “the more … the more….” Therefore it may help to restructure the sentence using a time or a conditional construction: “When people use a lot of words, there is a lot of confusion” or “If you talk too much, you just get further from the solution.” Another possible restructuring is “You can talk and talk, but you will never solve the problem.”

And what is man the better?: this is actually Qoheleth’s key question reappearing again. It is the briefest form in which the question occurs. See comments on 1.3; 2.22; 3.9; 6.8 for its meaning and significance. We can render it as “What benefit does a person derive from it?” or “Does that bring us any closer to ‘lasting benefit’?” or “What good does it do a person?” or “What does it gain you?” Good News Translation “you are no better off” adopts a statement form rather than using a question. The rhetorical question can be treated in this manner. In some cases it may be necessary to refer to the context: “What does all this discussion gain you?” or “What lasting benefit does a person derive from all this talk?” The noun man is collective, referring to all people.

If the transition between verses 10 and 11 is a problem, it may be necessary to state the rhetorical question at the beginning of verse 11 rather than at its close:

• (10) … you can never win an argument against someone who is more powerful than you are. (11) What good comes out of it? The more words, the more confusion.

The fact that we are dealing with the key question about “lasting benefit” places the debate or discussion in this section into a particular context. Qoheleth is debating whether yithron is available, and if so, where it may be found. Thus the content of The more words refers to the debate about “lasting benefit.” When Qoheleth admits that this is hevel, he is saying that there is no rational or practical way he can demonstrate that yithron “benefit” is available. We can never solve the question of yithron by debate and argument. It is this fact that allows us to understand what the two questions in verse 12 refer to.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Zogbo, Lynell. A Handbook on the Book of Ecclesiates. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .