Ecclesiastes 9:13 kjv
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
Ecclesiastes 9:13 nkjv
This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me:
Ecclesiastes 9:13 niv
I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me:
Ecclesiastes 9:13 esv
I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me.
Ecclesiastes 9:13 nlt
Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works.
Ecclesiastes 9 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eccl 1:13 | "And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom..." | Qoheleth's method of observational inquiry. |
| Eccl 2:12 | "And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly..." | The Preacher's comprehensive investigation. |
| Eccl 9:11 | "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift..." | Previous observation on life's unpredictable nature. |
| Eccl 9:14 | "There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it..." | Introduction to the parable initiated by Eccl 9:13. |
| Eccl 9:15 | "Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city..." | The central figure embodying the wisdom described. |
| Eccl 9:16 | "Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised..." | Qoheleth's lament on the neglect of wisdom. |
| Job 28:12-14 | "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? ...the deep saith, It is not in me..." | Limitations of human ability to find wisdom's source. |
| Job 28:20-23 | "Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? ...God understandeth the way thereof..." | Divine origin and understanding of ultimate wisdom. |
| Prv 1:7 | "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." | Divine wisdom as the true foundation for life. |
| Prv 3:13-14 | "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver..." | Value of wisdom and its benefits. |
| Prv 4:7 | "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." | Wisdom's paramount importance. |
| Isa 55:8-9 | "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD... as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways..." | Contrast between God's transcendent wisdom and human wisdom. |
| Jer 9:23-24 | "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom... but let him glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me..." | The futility of human wisdom apart from knowing God. |
| 1 Cor 1:19 | "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." | God's action to nullify worldly wisdom. |
| 1 Cor 1:20 | "Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" | Divine critique of human intellectual arrogance. |
| 1 Cor 3:19 | "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." | Heavenly perspective on the folly of earthly cleverness. |
| Jas 3:15-17 | "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish... But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable..." | Distinguishing between worldly and divine wisdom. |
| Eccl 8:17 | "Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun..." | Emphasizes the limitations of human comprehension and wisdom. |
| Prv 24:5-6 | "A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war..." | Acknowledging the practical power of wisdom in strategic matters. |
Ecclesiastes 9 verses
Ecclesiastes 9 13 Meaning
This verse functions as a fresh observation from Qoheleth, the Preacher, as he presents another insight drawn from his life's experiences ("this also have I seen"). His focus here is on a specific instance of human wisdom, existing within the bounds of temporal, earthly life ("under the sun"). Qoheleth clearly states that this particular display of wisdom made a strong impression on him, appearing significant and impactful ("it seemed great unto me"). This opening sets the stage for the narrative that immediately follows, which will explore the paradox of effective wisdom often going unappreciated in the world.
Ecclesiastes 9 13 Context
Ecclesiastes 9:13 is positioned immediately after Qoheleth's broader observations on life's inherent unfairness and unpredictability (Eccl 9:11-12), where speed, strength, and skill do not guarantee success or reward "under the sun." In this verse, the Preacher introduces a specific illustration to demonstrate these complex truths. He shifts from general pronouncements to an anecdotal example, setting the stage for the well-known parable of the poor wise man who saves a city yet is forgotten (Eccl 9:14-16). Within the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom literature grappled with the tension between conventional wisdom – which often suggested direct correlations between virtue, wisdom, and prosperity – and the observable realities of life's inequities. Here, Qoheleth subtly challenges an oversimplified view, introducing a scenario where profound human wisdom, despite its effectiveness, paradoxically lacks lasting recognition or equitable reward within the earthly realm.
Ecclesiastes 9 13 Word analysis
- This also: (גַּם־זֹאת gam-zōʾt) – This phrase signifies another addition to Qoheleth's extensive series of observations. It underscores his consistent methodology of compiling and reflecting upon various life experiences.
- have I seen: (רָאִיתִי raʾîtî) – From the Hebrew root raʾah, this indicates personal observation and perception. It reinforces the experiential basis of Qoheleth's arguments throughout the book.
- wisdom: (חָכְמָה chochmah) – A pivotal term in biblical thought, denoting practical skill, insight, and good judgment. In Ecclesiastes, it specifically refers to human, earth-bound wisdom, distinct from God's transcendent wisdom.
- under the sun: (תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ tachat haššāmeš) – A signature phrase of Ecclesiastes, this sets the existential boundaries for Qoheleth's explorations—human life limited to this temporal, physical world, without explicit reference to eternity or direct divine intervention.
- and it seemed: (וַתְּהִי wat·tĕhî) – A consecutive imperfect, marking a consequential development: "and it became" or "and it was." It indicates Qoheleth's personal assessment of the wisdom he witnessed.
- great: (גְדוֹלָה gᵉdōlāh) – From gadol, meaning "important" or "significant." Here, it reflects Qoheleth's genuine admiration for the observable impact and inherent quality of this specific instance of wisdom.
- unto me: (עָלָי ʿālāy) – "To me" or "in my eyes," emphasizing that this positive evaluation of wisdom's greatness is Qoheleth's subjective, personal judgment based on his observation.
Words-group analysis:
- This also have I seen: This opening clause establishes a pattern of empirical methodology for Qoheleth. It repeatedly signals a personal, firsthand account, ensuring the reader understands these conclusions are grounded in verifiable observation rather than pure abstraction, forming a foundational element of the book's direct and pragmatic philosophical approach.
- wisdom under the sun: This crucial combination explicitly limits the discussion to human wisdom, existing within the confines of earthly life and temporal experience. While it acknowledges the power and ingenuity of human insight, the "under the sun" qualifier immediately suggests its ultimate limitations, frustrations, or eventual futility in a world operating without perfect divine justice or recognition.
- and it seemed great unto me: This phrase communicates Qoheleth's personal appreciation for the efficacy and intrinsic worth of the observed wisdom. Before presenting the disappointing reality of its societal reception, he foregrounds his own estimation of its profound impact, indicating that despite its worldly fate, wisdom retains a discernible and admirable quality.
Ecclesiastes 9 13 Bonus section
This verse functions as a classical literary device known as a "hook" or "proverbial setup," typical in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. It captures the reader's attention by promising an impactful story or revelation. The "unto me" personalizes Qoheleth’s argument, moving it from general cynicism to a thoughtful, lived-experience critique, indicating that his conclusions are not abstract philosophy but wrestling with tangible realities. The statement of wisdom "seeming great" also prevents Qoheleth from being dismissed as purely anti-wisdom. Instead, he demonstrates a profound respect for wisdom's intrinsic capabilities before exposing the systemic flaws in a world that often fails to appropriately value it. This balance of appreciation and lament is central to the book’s theological wrestling.
Ecclesiastes 9 13 Commentary
Ecclesiastes 9:13 is Qoheleth’s prelude to a vivid illustration about the complex and often disheartening fate of wisdom in the earthly realm. He states that he "also have seen" an example of "wisdom under the sun" that, in his personal judgment, "seemed great." This sets up a crucial tension: while acknowledging the inherent value and impact of human wisdom, he prepares the reader for the paradox where such greatness often goes unrecognized or unrewarded in a fallen world. This verse encapsulates his nuanced view—wisdom is genuinely powerful and impressive, yet its worldly context means its worth is frequently overlooked or misjudged by humanity. It’s an observation of inherent good failing to receive its due, contributing to the Preacher's broader theme of life's vanity and uncertainty outside of a divine, eternal perspective.