Ecclesiastes 7 27

Ecclesiastes 7:27 kjv

Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:

Ecclesiastes 7:27 nkjv

Here is what I have found," says the Preacher, "Adding one thing to the other to find out the reason,

Ecclesiastes 7:27 niv

"Look," says the Teacher, "this is what I have discovered: "Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things?

Ecclesiastes 7:27 esv

Behold, this is what I found, says the Preacher, while adding one thing to another to find the scheme of things ?

Ecclesiastes 7:27 nlt

"This is my conclusion," says the Teacher. "I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle.

Ecclesiastes 7 verses

Ecclesiastes 7 27 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 7:27 describes the Preacher, Qoheleth, detailing his rigorous and meticulous investigative process for understanding the complexities of life, wisdom, and folly. He explains that his conclusions are not mere speculation but are derived from a painstaking, step-by-step examination of various aspects of human existence, with the ultimate goal of arriving at a comprehensive "account" or a definitive conclusion.

Ecclesiastes 7 27 Context

Ecclesiastes 7:27 is nestled within a larger discourse in chapter 7 where Qoheleth reflects on the challenging and often paradoxical nature of wisdom, folly, righteousness, and sin in life "under the sun." Immediately preceding it, verse 26 laments the danger and bitterness of a specific type of wicked woman, depicting her as a snare from which only God's favored escape. This lament sets the stage for Qoheleth's further investigations into the scarcity of upright individuals.

Verse 27 serves as an interlude, describing the method by which Qoheleth arrived at the stark conclusions he is about to reveal in verse 28 regarding the extreme rarity of truly wise and virtuous men and women. He clarifies that his observations are not arbitrary but the result of a deliberate, inductive, and rigorous examination. This verse acts as Qoheleth's methodological statement, authenticating the subsequent, often grim, findings that highlight humanity's deviation from God's original creation (7:29). The overall chapter wrestling with life's enigmatic difficulties.

Ecclesiastes 7 27 Word analysis

• Behold (Hineh, הִנֵּה): An interjection demanding attention. It introduces a significant statement or a revelation, signaling that what follows is important and worth noting.
• this I have found (mātsāʾtî zot, מָצָא אֲנִי זֹאת): "Mātsāʾ" means "to find," "to reach," "to discover." "Zot" refers to "this," indicating a specific conclusion or insight. The phrase signifies that Qoheleth's findings are the result of an intentional and often arduous search, not just casual observation or inherited knowledge. It asserts personal experience and authoritative discovery.
• saith the Preacher (ʾāmār Qōheleth, אָמַר קֹהֶלֶת): "ʾĀmār" means "said," "declared." "Qōheleth" (also spelled Koheleth) refers to the author/speaker of the book of Ecclesiastes, often translated as "Preacher," "Teacher," or "Assembler." The name suggests one who gathers an assembly to address them, or one who gathers wisdom and experiences. This phrase validates the source of the observation, emphasizing the authority and perspective of Qoheleth's reflections.
• counting one by one (ʾaḥat ləʾaḥat, אַחַת לְאַחַת): This Hebrew idiom literally means "one to one," "one after another." It conveys a painstaking, meticulous, step-by-step, or inductive approach. Qoheleth didn't make generalizations lightly but systematically examined individual cases or elements to arrive at a cumulative understanding. It signifies an empirical and detailed investigation, distinguishing his method from mere conjecture.
• to find out the account (limṣōʾ ḥeshbôn, לִמְצֹא חֶשְׁבּוֹן): "Limṣōʾ" means "to find." "Ḥeshbôn" (from the root "ḥāšab," meaning "to reckon," "think," "consider") refers to a reckoning, calculation, result, reason, or outcome. Qoheleth's goal in his methodical examination was to arrive at a logical sum, a comprehensive understanding, or the underlying rationale for the observed phenomena. It speaks to a desire for intellectual resolution and meaning.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Behold, this I have found, saith the Preacher": This opening establishes Qoheleth's personal discovery and underscores the weight and validity of his subsequent statements. It sets the tone for a direct declaration of hard-won truth from an authoritative figure.
• "counting one by one, to find out the account": This phrase precisely details Qoheleth's rigorous investigative methodology. It emphasizes his methodical, itemized analysis (inductive reasoning) aimed at reaching a reasoned conclusion or an ultimate explanation (the "account" or "reckoning") concerning the profound mysteries and contradictions of life.

Ecclesiastes 7 27 Bonus section

Qoheleth’s "counting one by one, to find out the account" represents an ancient form of empirical research, systematically accumulating observations to form a reasoned conclusion. This methodological statement contrasts with passive reflection, demonstrating an active pursuit of understanding akin to an ancient philosopher or sage gathering data points. However, the recurring theme in Ecclesiastes is that even the most thorough human investigation into life "under the sun" ultimately encounters vanity, limitation, and mystery, pushing one towards a conclusion that true wisdom and ultimate answers reside beyond human reach alone, in the fear of God. His painstaking search, therefore, underscores the profundity of his later admission that despite all efforts, only a foundational reverence for the Creator can provide meaning.

Ecclesiastes 7 27 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:27 provides crucial insight into the Preacher's investigative mindset. It reveals that Qoheleth’s conclusions, particularly the somber ones found later in the chapter and throughout the book, are not borne of mere cynicism or despair but are the outcome of a diligent, even academic, process of inquiry. He meticulously examines the evidence of life, dissecting each aspect ("one by one") to ascertain its true "account" or ultimate significance. This verse highlights Qoheleth’s intellectual integrity and persistence in seeking wisdom within the framework of human experience "under the sun." Yet, even with such rigor, human understanding often hits a wall, emphasizing the limitations of human wisdom apart from divine revelation. It points to the vanity of seeking full answers solely through human reasoning, foreshadowing the divine wisdom needed to reconcile life’s paradoxes.