For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
People don't know when their time will come: like fish caught in a cruel net, and like birds trapped in a snare, people are caught off guard when trouble suddenly falls on them.
The writer is saying that people can't predict when disaster or death will strike, it comes unexpectedly, just like animals getting trapped.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon and written during ancient Israel's monarchy around the 10th century BC, a time when people grappled with the fleeting nature of life and human endeavors. In this verse, the author uses everyday images like fish caught in nets and birds in snares, drawn from the common experiences of fishing and hunting in that agrarian society, to illustrate how unexpected events can suddenly trap people. This reflects the broader theme of the book, which explores the unpredictability of life under the sun and the need for wisdom in the face of uncertainty.
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