Here are several Bible verses that speak of long life or "days of life" as a reward, often for righteousness, wisdom, honoring God, or obedience:
📜 Old Testament
1. Exodus 20:12 (Also in Deuteronomy 5:16)
> “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
— Reward: Long life for honoring parents.
2. Deuteronomy 30:19–20
> “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him. For he is your life and length of days...”
— Reward: Life and prolonged days through loving and obeying God.
3. Proverbs 3:1–2
> “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”
— Reward: Long life and peace through wisdom and obedience.
4. Proverbs 10:27
> “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.”
— Reward: Longer life through reverent fear of God.
5. Proverbs 9:10–11
> “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”
— Reward: Added years through wisdom.
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📜 New Testament
6. Ephesians 6:2–3
> “‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’”
— Reward: Echoes the Old Testament promise of long life for honoring parents.
These verses reflect the biblical principle that living righteously, fearing God, and obeying His commands brings blessing, including length of days — not just physically, but often understood as quality, peace, and fullness of life.
What about bible verses that include no more reward or just reward?
Here are Bible verses that use the phrases "no more reward" or "just reward" (or synonymous language), often referring to the finality of death or divine justice:
⚰️ “No More Reward” – Referring to Death and the End of Earthly Striving
1. Ecclesiastes 9:5 (KJV)
> “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.”
— Meaning: Once a person dies, they have no more earthly reward or participation under the sun.
2. Ecclesiastes 12:7 (Context)
> “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.”
— Though it doesn’t say “no more reward,” it complements the idea of earthly finality and accountability before God.
⚖️ “Just Reward” – Divine Justice or Fair Recompense
3. Hebrews 2:2 (NKJV)
> “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,
how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?”
— Warning: God's justice guarantees appropriate punishment or reward.
4. Revelation 18:6 (KJV)
> “Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled, fill to her double.”
— Divine justice falling on Babylon the Great – receiving just repayment.
5. Isaiah 40:10 (NKJV)
> “Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him;
Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.”
— Anticipates God’s just reward for the righteous.
🏆 Related Phrases: “According to Their Works” or “Due Reward”
6. Romans 2:6
> “He will render to each one according to his works.”
— A just reward principle in judgment.
7. Luke 23:41 (Thief on the Cross)
> “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
— Acknowledgment of just punishment.
What does it mean to say in Ecc 9:5 "... have they any more reward"? Does it mean that the deceased does not know whether or not they (after death) may have any more reward", indicating the number of days on which one is alive is a sort of reward (something of value)?
Yes — your interpretation aligns closely with both the literal reading and the deeper reflection found in Ecclesiastes 9:5:
> “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, NIV)
Let’s unpack it with clarity:
🔍 Literal Meaning (Under the Sun)
The phrase "they have no more reward" is spoken from the perspective of life "under the sun" — a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes. The author (Qoheleth) is describing the vanity and limits of earthly life without direct reference to an afterlife. So in this context:
“Reward” likely refers to earthly joys, accomplishments, participation in life, and the capacity to experience meaning, pleasure, or purpose.
Once someone dies, they no longer partake in anything under the sun — no more eating, loving, working, or celebrating. These are described earlier as “gifts from God” (see Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:12–13; 5:18–20).
Therefore, the days of life themselves are the reward — something valuable and to be received with gratitude.
💭 Your Insight: Is Life Itself the Reward?
Yes. That’s exactly what Ecclesiastes seems to affirm:
Being alive is inherently a gift — a chance to love, enjoy, fear God, and do good.
Ecclesiastes repeatedly tells the reader to enjoy life while it lasts:
> “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
By contrast, death marks the end of that reward in earthly terms.
🕊️ Does This Deny the Afterlife?
No — not necessarily.
Ecclesiastes often avoids making theological pronouncements about the afterlife. Instead, it focuses on wisdom for living now, recognizing that life is fleeting and death is inevitable.
Other parts of Scripture (e.g. Daniel 12:2, John 5:28–29, Revelation 22:12) affirm future reward and resurrection.
So Ecclesiastes 9:5 isn't denying eternal reward — it's emphasizing that the earthly rewards of living stop when one dies.
✅ Conclusion
So to your question:
> “Does it mean that the deceased does not know whether or not they (after death) may have any more reward, indicating the number of days on which one is alive is itself a sort of reward?”
Yes, exactly. In Ecclesiastes’ logic:
The dead do not receive or enjoy earthly rewards.
The living have the reward of life, awareness, and experience.
Therefore, life itself — its days, experiences, and consciousness — is a reward.
Would you like a reflection or poem based on this interpretation?
Please.
Certainly. Here's a poetic reflection based on Ecclesiastes 9:5 and your insight that the days of life are themselves a reward:
“The Reward of Days”
While breath yet stirs and morning breaks,
The sun bestows what death forsakes.
A cup of joy, a crust of bread,
The warmth of love, the path ahead.
For those who walk beneath the sun,
Each step, each sigh, is not for none.
To feel, to choose, to laugh or mourn—
These are the gifts the living adorn.
But once the gate of dusk is crossed,
And names grow faint, and time is lost,
The work is still, the song is done,
No further crown beneath the sun.
So cherish now the fleeting light,
The simple good, the quiet night.
Not gold, nor fame, nor high applause—
But life itself—the gift that was.
And if beyond the veil there lies
Another dawn, another prize—
It rests with Him who gives and saves,
But here, today, your reward is days.
🙏 Closing Thought
Today, breathe deeply. Love intentionally.
Thank God not only for what awaits — but for this moment, this sunrise, this life.
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