Ecclesiastes 9 15

Ecclesiastes 9:15 kjv

Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

Ecclesiastes 9:15 nkjv

Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man.

Ecclesiastes 9:15 niv

Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.

Ecclesiastes 9:15 esv

But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

Ecclesiastes 9:15 nlt

A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward no one thought to thank him.

Ecclesiastes 9 verses

Ecclesiastes 9 15 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 9:15 portrays the harsh reality that wisdom, even when profoundly beneficial and salvific, is often overlooked and unrewarded by humankind, particularly when embodied by a person lacking wealth or status. The verse illustrates the futility of seeking human recognition or lasting fame, as even a heroic act of deliverance can quickly be forgotten by those who benefited. It underscores a key theme of Ecclesiastes: much under the sun is "hevel" (futile or vaporous), including human memory and gratitude.

Ecclesiastes 9 15 Context

Ecclesiastes 9, part of the larger book penned by "Qoheleth" (the Preacher), continues his reflections on the inherent futility and unpredictability of life "under the sun." Chapters 9 and 10 delve into observations about human experiences, contrasting wisdom with foolishness, life with death, and the often-unfair distribution of events. Verse 15 is a specific parable-like illustration within a broader discussion (Eccl 9:11-12) about time, chance, and how the wise and skilled are not always rewarded according to their merit or even remembered. It's a lamentation over the reality that talent, strength, and wisdom do not guarantee success or lasting recognition, especially for those without social standing. This forms part of the Preacher's overall argument that relying on human endeavors or human systems for ultimate meaning or lasting reward is an exercise in futility.

Ecclesiastes 9 15 Word analysis

• Now there was found: Indicates an observation of a specific, perhaps commonplace, scenario.

• in it: Refers to the "little city" mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:14.

• a poor: misken (מִסְכֵּן) in Hebrew, signifying one who is truly destitute, weak, or humble, often devoid of power, influence, or status. Not just someone of lower economic standing, but truly needy.

• wise man: chakham (חָכָם) in Hebrew, meaning a person possessing practical wisdom, skill, insight, or prudence, often through experience or divine endowment. It speaks of intellectual and practical capability.

• and he by his wisdom: Highlights the direct causal link between his inner quality (wisdom) and his action. His deliverance was not by might or power, but by sagacity.

• delivered: millet (מִלֵּט) in Hebrew, to escape, rescue, save, or deliver. Denotes a decisive act of salvation from danger or destruction.

• the city: The beneficiaries of his wisdom. The stakes were high – the entire community was saved.

• yet no man: Emphasizes the universal failure of human remembrance or gratitude in this case. A poignant statement on human nature.

• remembered: zakhar (זָכַר) in Hebrew, to recall, bring to mind, commemorate. This is a core theme in Ecclesiastes – what endures in human memory.

• that same poor man: Reiterates his low status and humble identity, making the forgetting even more ironic and tragic. He wasn't forgotten because he was great and unneeded, but despite being poor and greatly beneficial.

• "poor wise man": A striking paradox. Wisdom often suggests high regard, but "poor" signifies the opposite, creating a tension where inherent worth is diminished by external circumstances in human perception.

• "by his wisdom delivered the city": Underscores the profound impact of wisdom, demonstrating its practical value and saving power in a crisis. It emphasizes ability, not status.

• "no man remembered": A stark conclusion to the narrative, highlighting humanity's inherent forgetfulness, ingratitude, or preference for status over genuine merit and contribution.

Ecclesiastes 9 15 Bonus section

The scenario in Ecclesiastes 9:15 stands in contrast to divine remembrance. While human memory is fickle and often unjust, God is portrayed throughout Scripture as One who does not forget the works of His people (Heb 6:10, Mal 3:16). The Preacher's observation thus implicitly directs the seeker of lasting meaning and true reward away from "under the sun" pursuits towards the eternal God. The story of the poor wise man also serves as a polemic against the societal tendency to value outward appearances, wealth, or power more than intrinsic wisdom and selfless contribution. This perspective anticipates later biblical themes of God using the lowly and foolish things of the world to shame the wise and mighty (1 Cor 1:27).

Ecclesiastes 9 15 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:15 serves as a microcosm of the Preacher's central observation: much of life under the sun is "hevel"—vapor, transient, or ultimately meaningless when evaluated from a purely human, earthly perspective. This specific illustration is potent: a poor, unassuming individual, despite possessing and utilizing wisdom to rescue an entire city, is subsequently forgotten. This demonstrates that human achievement, no matter how profound or altruistic, does not guarantee lasting fame, recognition, or even simple gratitude from others. The injustice and arbitrary nature of human remembrance, disconnected from true merit, are vividly portrayed. It underscores the futility of investing hope in human applause or memorialization. The Preacher implicitly guides the reader away from seeking transient human accolades towards a wisdom that ultimately honors God, for He alone truly remembers and rewards.