Ecclesiastes 9:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Here is something else I have seen as wisdom under the sun, and it seemed important to me:

Berean Standard Bible:

I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:

American Standard Version:

I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

This^{H2090} wisdom^{H2451} have I seen^{H7200} also under the sun^{H8121}, and it seemed great^{H1419} unto me:

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Ecclesiastes 9:13

Ecclesiastes 9:13, within the broader context of the Book of Ecclesiastes, reflects the musings of the author, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, on wisdom and folly in the world. The verse begins with "This wisdom have I seen also under the sun," which suggests that the author is drawing from his observations of life experiences. The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, indicating a perspective limited to human life and earthly realities, as opposed to divine or heavenly insights.

In this verse, the author acknowledges that he has encountered a particular instance of wisdom that struck him as significant or "great." The specific content of this wisdom is not detailed in the verse itself but is implied to be noteworthy within the human sphere of understanding. The historical context of Ecclesiastes is the period of Jewish wisdom literature, which flourished during the time of Solomon and subsequent generations, emphasizing practical insights into the human condition, the search for meaning, and the value of wisdom over folly.

The themes of Ecclesiastes 9:13 touch on the recognition of wisdom's value, the importance of observing and learning from life's experiences, and the limitations of human understanding. The verse suggests that wisdom, when recognized and appreciated, can be a powerful and impressive force in human affairs. However, the author of Ecclesiastes often grapples with the fleeting nature of such wisdom and the realization that, despite its perceived greatness, wisdom does not always change the ultimate outcome of human endeavors, which are often marked by vanity and transience.

In summary, Ecclesiastes 9:13 encapsulates the author's reflection on the profound impact of wisdom observed in the world, while also hinting at the limitations and uncertainties of relying solely on human wisdom. It is a verse that resonates with the overarching themes of Ecclesiastes, which include the pursuit of meaning, the value of wisdom, and the sobering recognition of life's inherent uncertainties and injustices.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2090
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זֹה
   Transliteration: zôh
   Pronunciation: zo
   Description: for זֶה; this or that; as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2451
   There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חׇכְמָה
   Transliteration: chokmâh
   Pronunciation: khok-maw'
   Description: from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
4. Strong's Number: H8121
   There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁמֶשׁ
   Transliteration: shemesh
   Pronunciation: sheh'-mesh
   Description: from an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement; [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1419
   There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּדוֹל
   Transliteration: gâdôwl
   Pronunciation: gaw-dole'
   Description: or גָּדֹל; (shortened) from גָּדַל; great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent; [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very.