Ecclesiastes 9:8
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Let your clothing be white at all times, and let not your head be without oil.
Webster's Revision
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
World English Bible
Let your garments be always white, and don't let your head lack oil.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack ointment.
Definitions for Ecclesiastes 9:8
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 9:8 Bible Commentary
Let thy garments be always white - The Jews wore white garments on festal occasions, as emblems of joy and innocence. Be always pure, and always happy. The inhabitants of India are all dressed in clean white cotton, and to this is the allusion in the text.
The Targum says: "At all times let thy garments be washed and pure from the stain of sin. Acquire a good name, which is likened to the oil of anointing, that blessings may be called down up thy head, and goodness not forsake thee."
Barnes's Ecclesiastes 9:8 Bible Commentary
White garments and perfume are simply an expressive sign of joy.
Wesley's Ecclesiastes 9:8 Bible Commentary
9:8 White - The eastern people of the best sort, used white garments, especially in times of rejoicing. Ointment - Which upon joyful occasions was poured upon mens heads.