Ecclesiastes 8 1

Ecclesiastes 8:1 kjv

Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 nkjv

Who is like a wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 niv

Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person's wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 esv

Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 nlt

How wonderful to be wise,
to analyze and interpret things.
Wisdom lights up a person's face,
softening its harshness.

Ecclesiastes 8 verses

Ecclesiastes 8 1 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 8:1 profoundly declares the singular preeminence of true wisdom and the profound understanding it bestows. It posits two rhetorical questions highlighting wisdom's unmatched quality in discerning the depths of things. The verse then affirms that wisdom brings an inner luminescence that shines through a person’s countenance, transforming a previously severe, defiant, or crude facial expression into one of clarity, grace, and confident composure. This reflects not only insight but also favor and peace, distinguishing the wise from the foolish.

Ecclesiastes 8 1 Context

Ecclesiastes 8:1 opens a significant section (Eccl 8:1-9:1) within Qoheleth's broader inquiry into life "under the sun." This verse transitions from the general extolling of wisdom in chapter 7, which praises wisdom's practical value in difficult times, to wisdom's particular role in navigating complex human relations, especially in dealing with earthly authority. Qoheleth, having explored the limits of human endeavors and observed the prevalence of injustice, highlights the unique benefit of wisdom as a practical guide. The immediate context of chapter 8 proceeds to advise on obeying the king's command (Eccl 8:2), cautioning against haste or persistence in evil, underscoring the king's power and discretion (Eccl 8:3-5). The opening verse thus sets the stage by affirming wisdom's ability to provide insight and navigate the challenges posed by life and power dynamics. Historically, kings wielded absolute power, making wisdom in navigating their presence a matter of survival and well-being. This verse offers hope and guidance in such a challenging environment.

Ecclesiastes 8 1 Word analysis

• Who is as the wise man? (מִי כַּֽחָכָם - Mi chakham):

  • Mi: "Who." A rhetorical question, emphasizing rarity and uniqueness. It implies "No one."
  • chakham (חָכָם): This is the standard Hebrew term for "wise." It denotes not merely intellectual cleverness but encompasses practical skill, prudence, moral discernment, and the ability to live successfully in God's world. In biblical wisdom literature, chakham contrasts with kesil (fool) and refers to someone who applies godly understanding to everyday life, embodying sound judgment and insight into truth. It is wisdom often associated with the fear of the Lord.

• and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? (וּמִי יוֹדֵעַ פֵּשֶׁר דָּבָר - umi yodea pesher davar):

  • yodea (יוֹדֵעַ): "Knoweth" or "understands." This is active knowledge, a deep and experiential acquaintance.
  • pesher (פֵּשֶׁר): "Interpretation" or "solution," particularly of obscure or complex matters. This term often appears in the context of explaining dreams, riddles, or difficult sayings (e.g., Dan 2:4, Gen 40:8, Prov 1:6). It signifies the ability to unveil hidden meanings, to grasp the true essence or underlying principle of something perplexing. This elevates the wise man's knowledge beyond the superficial to an understanding of deep spiritual or practical truths.
  • davar (דָּבָר): "Thing," "word," "matter," or "affair." Here, it implies any intricate or perplexing situation, proposition, or event in life.

• a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, (חָכְמַת אָדָם תָּאִיר פָּנָיו - chakhamat adam ta'ir panaw):

  • chakhamat adam (חָכְמַת אָדָם): "A man's wisdom." This specifies human wisdom, but as discussed in Ecclesiastes and other wisdom books, true wisdom comes from God.
  • ta'ir (תָּאִיר): "Maketh... to shine" or "causes to lighten." From the root אור ('or), meaning "light" or "to shine." This suggests an outward manifestation of an inner state. It implies a brightness, radiance, or clear aspect that sets the wise person apart. It’s not just a smile, but an aura of understanding, composure, confidence, and perhaps divine favor.
  • panaw (פָּנָיו): "His face" or "his presence/countenance." The face is often seen as a reflection of the inner self, emotions, and character (e.g., happiness, anger, shame, clarity).

• and the boldness of his face shall be changed. (וְעֹז פָּנָיו יְשֻׁנֶּא - ve'oz panaw yishunneh):

  • 'oz (עֹז): "Boldness," "strength," "might," "fierceness," "stubbornness," or "harshness." In this context, it can refer to an overly severe, aggressive, crude, or perhaps a fearful/ashamed facial expression. Some interpretations lean towards pride, insolence, or foolish sternness.
  • panaw (פָּנָיו): Again, "his face."
  • yishunneh (יְשֻׁנֶּא): "Shall be changed," "transformed," "altered," or "made different." From the root שָׁנָה (shanah). This is a passive verb, indicating that the transformation happens to the face's demeanor, not necessarily by conscious effort, but as a natural outflow of the acquired wisdom. The inner wisdom naturally refines the outward presentation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing?": These parallel rhetorical questions powerfully emphasize the unparalleled nature of the truly wise person. They suggest that such individuals are rare and possess an exceptional gift—not merely knowledge, but penetrative understanding of life's intricate or hidden realities. This intellectual and spiritual acuity sets them apart from the common man and makes them uniquely capable of navigating the "meaningless" aspects of life Qoheleth so often discusses.
  • "a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.": This phrase describes the visible and transformative effect of wisdom. The "shining face" speaks of clarity, enlightenment, favor, and inner peace that radiates outwards, suggesting a person confident and at peace due to their understanding. The "boldness... shall be changed" implies that wisdom refines one's bearing, removing or altering negative facial attributes (such as foolish defiance, arrogance, or raw harshness) into something more gentle, appealing, and refined—a truly confident and discerning demeanor. Wisdom doesn't just improve the mind; it sanctifies the person and even changes their outward appearance to reflect an inner grace.

Ecclesiastes 8 1 Bonus section

The "shining face" (פָּנָיו יָאִיר - panaw ya'ir) draws a powerful theological parallel to the "face of God" and blessings from His presence. When God's face shines upon someone (Num 6:25), it signifies favor, light, and grace. The wise person's face reflecting such light subtly suggests a connection to the divine, as if the wisdom imparted by God enables a share in His radiance or approval. This makes wisdom not just a human attribute, but a reflection of a deeper, spiritual reality. Furthermore, the transformation of "boldness" or sternness can be understood as wisdom tempering the raw, unrefined aspects of human nature, making one's character and outward presentation more graceful and effective, particularly in delicate matters of counsel or diplomacy. It's about self-control and proper demeanor, which wisdom cultivates.

Ecclesiastes 8 1 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:1 celebrates true wisdom as a rare and supremely valuable possession, elevating the wise person above all others due to their profound grasp of life's mysteries. The rhetorical questions underline wisdom's exclusivity in discerning the deeper truths and meaning in perplexing circumstances, something ordinary understanding cannot achieve. This inward wisdom produces an observable external effect: a "shining face," indicating not just joy, but enlightenment, inner peace, and divine favor that brightens one's entire demeanor. Concurrently, it transforms any negative facial expressions—whether harshness, foolish arrogance, or crude sternness—into one reflecting grace, confident composure, and benevolent insight. This makes the wise person's presence both distinguished and beneficial, particularly when engaging with others, including those in authority, a theme further developed in this chapter. True wisdom from God offers not just knowledge, but a transformed being. For example, a wise leader exhibits serene confidence even amidst crises, projecting calmness that reassures, unlike a foolish one whose face might betray fear or harshness.