Ecclesiastes 1:13

KJV

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I gave {H5414} my heart {H3820} to seek {H1875} and search out {H8446} by wisdom {H2451} concerning all things that are done {H6213} under heaven {H8064}: this sore {H7451} travail {H6045} hath God {H430} given {H5414} to the sons {H1121} of man {H120} to be exercised {H6031} therewith.

Complete Jewish Bible

I wisely applied myself to seek out and investigate everything done under heaven. What a bothersome task God has given humanity to keep us occupied!

Berean Standard Bible

And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them!

American Standard Version

And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:13 introduces the Preacher's (Qoheleth's) profound and exhaustive intellectual endeavor to comprehend the entirety of human existence and all phenomena "under heaven" through the lens of human wisdom. This verse establishes the central methodology of the book: a diligent, heart-felt investigation into life's meaning, which, despite its noble intent, is immediately characterized as a "sore travail" – a burdensome and divinely appointed task given to humanity, designed to engage and perhaps humble them in their relentless search for ultimate truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Preacher's sweeping declaration in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities") that "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." Having established this overarching theme of futility and meaninglessness when life is viewed "under the sun" (a phrase echoed in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - No Profit Under the Sun") and [Ecclesiastes 1:9](/ecclesiastes/1-9 "Ecclesiastes 1:9 - Nothing New Under the Sun")), Qoheleth now explains *how* he arrived at such a conclusion. Verse 13 outlines his rigorous investigative methodology: a dedicated, comprehensive intellectual pursuit using human wisdom to observe and analyze everything that occurs in the earthly realm. This sets the stage for the numerous experiments and observations detailed in subsequent chapters (e.g., the pursuit of pleasure in [Ecclesiastes 2:1-11](/ecclesiastes/2-1 "Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 - The Pursuit of Pleasure"), the value of work in [Ecclesiastes 2:18-23](/ecclesiastes/2-18 "Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 - The Futility of Toil")), all undertaken with the same "heart" and "wisdom" described here, ultimately leading back to the initial pronouncement of vanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the book of Ecclesiastes does not specify a precise historical setting, tradition attributes it to King Solomon, a figure renowned for his unparalleled wisdom (e.g., [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom")). This background lends significant weight to the Preacher's intellectual authority and the depth of his inquiry. The ancient Near East, including Israel, valued wisdom highly, often personifying it as a divine attribute (as seen in Proverbs). Wisdom literature sought to understand the world, human experience, and moral conduct. However, Ecclesiastes stands out by questioning the *ultimate* efficacy of human wisdom alone to provide lasting meaning or satisfaction. The cultural understanding of "travail" (`ʻinyân`) would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society where hard labor was a constant reality, making the metaphor of intellectual pursuit as a "sore travail" particularly poignant. The phrase "under heaven" or "under the sun" reflects a worldview confined to the earthly sphere, without explicit reference to a transcendent, eternal perspective, which is precisely the limitation Qoheleth explores.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 1:13 introduces several foundational themes explored throughout the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Pursuit of Wisdom** as a primary human endeavor, driven by a deep-seated desire to understand existence. The Preacher's commitment to "seek and search out by wisdom" underscores the earnestness of this quest. Secondly, the verse immediately introduces the **Burden of Human Inquiry**, describing this pursuit as "sore travail." This foreshadows the book's consistent finding that human effort, even intellectual, when divorced from a transcendent perspective, often leads to weariness, frustration, and a sense of futility. Thirdly, the phrase "hath God given to the sons of man" points to **God's Sovereignty in Human Experience**. It suggests that this struggle, this inherent human drive to question and understand, is not accidental but divinely ordained. It is a task humanity is "exercised therewith," implying a purpose – perhaps to humble humanity, to reveal the limits of its own wisdom, and to ultimately direct it toward its Creator, a theme that culminates in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** (H3820) This word, `lêb`, extends beyond the physical organ to encompass the totality of a person's inner being: their intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. When the Preacher states he "gave my heart" to seek and search, it signifies a complete, devoted, and intentional commitment of his entire intellectual and volitional faculties to this pursuit. It was not a casual inquiry but a deeply personal and all-consuming endeavor.
* **Seek and Search Out (Hebrew, _dârash'_ and _tûwr'_):** (H1875, H8446) The verb `dârash` means to tread, to frequent, to follow for pursuit or search, to inquire, or to seek diligently. It implies a persistent and thorough investigation. Coupled with `tûwr`, which means to meander about, to guide, or to reconnoiter (like a spy searching out a land), the combination emphasizes an exhaustive, exploratory, and investigative search. The Preacher wasn't just looking for superficial answers; he was delving deeply, meticulously exploring every facet of life's mysteries.
* **Sore Travail (Hebrew, _raʻ ʻinyân'_):** (H7451, H6045) This powerful phrase combines `raʻ` (bad, evil, adversity, affliction, distress, vexing) with `ʻinyân` (ado, employment, business, travail). Together, they describe a task that is not merely difficult but burdensome, vexing, grievous, and even oppressive. It conveys the weariness, frustration, and inherent difficulty of the Preacher's intellectual quest. This is not a joyful or lighthearted pursuit, but one laden with hardship, implying that the very act of seeking ultimate meaning solely through human wisdom is inherently taxing and ultimately unsatisfying.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom":** The Preacher, the "I" of the narrative, describes his profound personal commitment. "Gave my heart" indicates a total dedication of his intellect, will, and emotions. His method is "by wisdom" (`chokmâh`), referring to human intellectual capacity, observation, and accumulated knowledge, not necessarily divine revelation at this stage. The dual verbs "seek and search out" emphasize the exhaustive and diligent nature of his inquiry.
* **"concerning all [things] that are done under heaven":** This clause defines the immense scope of the Preacher's investigation. "All things that are done" refers to every human activity, every natural phenomenon, every aspect of life and existence. The phrase "under heaven" is a key motif in Ecclesiastes, signifying the earthly realm, limited to what can be observed and understood from a human, finite perspective, without explicit consideration of the transcendent or eternal.
* **"this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man":** Here, the Preacher introduces a crucial theological insight. The "sore travail" (the burdensome, vexing task of seeking meaning) is not accidental or self-imposed, but divinely ordained. "God" (`ʼĕlôhîym`), the supreme Creator, is the one who "hath given" this difficult assignment to "the sons of man" (humanity in general). This suggests that the human struggle for meaning, the intellectual wrestling with life's profound questions, is part of God's design for humanity.
* **"to be exercised therewith":** This final phrase clarifies the purpose of this divine assignment. The Hebrew word `ʻânâh` implies to humble, to afflict, to chasten, or to be occupied with. It suggests that humanity is meant to be engaged, occupied, and perhaps even humbled by this incessant, difficult search. This ongoing "exercise" might serve to reveal the limitations of human wisdom and ultimately point humanity beyond itself to a higher source of meaning.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:13 is rich in literary devices that enhance its message. The predominant device is **First-Person Narrative**, as the Preacher uses "I" to recount his personal intellectual journey, lending an air of authenticity and direct experience to his philosophical conclusions. There is an element of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "all things that are done under heaven," emphasizing the vast, almost impossible, scope of his inquiry, which underscores the futility of such an exhaustive search for ultimate meaning within finite boundaries. The verse also presents a subtle **Paradox**: the pursuit of wisdom, typically seen as noble and beneficial, is immediately labeled "sore travail," highlighting the inherent burden and potential dissatisfaction of seeking ultimate answers solely through human intellect. The recurring phrase "under heaven" functions as a significant **Motif** throughout Ecclesiastes, consistently delimiting the Preacher's observations to the earthly realm and implicitly contrasting it with a transcendent, divine perspective. Finally, the statement "hath God given" acts as a **Divine Passive**, subtly attributing the human condition of intellectual struggle and existential questioning to God's sovereign design, rather than mere human initiative or accidental circumstance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:13 profoundly shapes the theological landscape of the book, establishing the premise that humanity's relentless quest for meaning, though divinely ordained, is inherently burdensome when confined to an earthly perspective. It highlights the tension between the human desire for ultimate understanding and the inherent limitations of human wisdom. The verse implicitly raises questions about the nature of true wisdom, suggesting that a wisdom derived solely from observation "under heaven" will inevitably lead to "travail." This sets the stage for the book's ultimate conclusion: that true meaning and satisfaction are found not in human endeavors or intellectual pursuits alone, but in fearing God and keeping His commandments, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Romans 1:20-22](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20-22 - God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen")
* [1 Corinthians 1:19-25](/1_corinthians/1-19 "1 Corinthians 1:19-25 - God's Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 1:13 serves as a powerful reminder that while the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a noble and even divinely implanted desire within the human heart, relying solely on human intellect and earthly observation for ultimate meaning inevitably leads to weariness and dissatisfaction. It challenges us to recognize the inherent limitations of our own wisdom and the "sore travail" that accompanies a life lived without a transcendent anchor. This verse encourages a posture of humility in our intellectual pursuits, acknowledging that God has designed us with a capacity for inquiry but also with a built-in need for His divine perspective. True wisdom, lasting peace, and genuine purpose are not merely discovered through exhaustive human effort "under heaven," but are ultimately revealed through a relationship with the Creator who ordained both the search and its ultimate fulfillment beyond the confines of earthly experience. It calls us to integrate our intellectual curiosity with spiritual submission, understanding that the deepest questions of life find their most satisfying answers in God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely solely on your own wisdom or effort, and what "travail" or weariness has that brought?**
* **How does the idea that God "hath given" this "sore travail" to humanity change your perspective on life's struggles and unanswered questions?**
* **What are the limits of human wisdom, and how can acknowledging these limits lead to a deeper pursuit of divine wisdom?**
* **How might you integrate a more God-centered perspective into your daily pursuits and intellectual endeavors?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Preacher call the pursuit of wisdom "sore travail"?**

Answer: The Preacher calls the pursuit of wisdom "sore travail" because, when pursued solely through human intellect and observation "under heaven," it proves to be an exhausting, frustrating, and ultimately unfulfilling endeavor. The Hebrew phrase `raʻ ʻinyân` conveys a sense of a burdensome, vexing, or grievous task. The Preacher, despite his vast wisdom and resources, found that human wisdom alone could not provide lasting answers to life's deepest questions, leading to a sense of weariness and futility rather than satisfaction. This "travail" is not accidental but is presented as a divinely appointed task, perhaps to humble humanity and reveal the limits of its own understanding, prompting a search beyond itself.

**What does "under heaven" signify in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under heaven" (or often "under the sun") is a key motif in Ecclesiastes, appearing repeatedly throughout the book. It signifies the earthly realm, the sphere of human experience and observation, limited to what can be perceived and understood from a purely human, finite perspective. It deliberately excludes a transcendent, eternal, or divine perspective. The Preacher's investigations are confined to this earthly plane, and his conclusions of "vanity" (futility) are largely derived from this limited viewpoint. It underscores the book's argument that life, when viewed apart from God's ultimate purpose and eternal reality, lacks lasting meaning or satisfaction, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 1:9](/ecclesiastes/1-9 "Ecclesiastes 1:9 - Nothing New Under the Sun") and [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything").

**Does this verse discourage the pursuit of knowledge?**

Answer: No, this verse does not discourage the pursuit of knowledge or wisdom. Instead, it offers a realistic assessment of its limitations when pursued as an end in itself or as the sole source of ultimate meaning. The Preacher himself dedicates his "heart to seek and search out by wisdom," indicating the inherent value and human drive for understanding. However, he highlights that this pursuit, when confined to human intellect and earthly observation, is a "sore travail" that cannot ultimately satisfy the deepest longings of the human spirit. The book's conclusion in [Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter") points to the true source of meaning: fearing God and keeping His commandments, suggesting that knowledge must be integrated with divine revelation and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:13, with its portrayal of humanity’s "sore travail" in the pursuit of wisdom "under heaven," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is revealed as the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom and the true source of rest from all human toil. The Preacher's exhaustive search for meaning, which ultimately led to futility, highlights the inadequacy of human wisdom to grasp eternal truths. In contrast, the New Testament proclaims that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - All Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")), meaning that the very object of Qoheleth's burdensome search is fully realized and revealed in the person of Jesus. Where the Preacher found "travail," Jesus offers an invitation: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). The "sore travail" of seeking meaning apart from God is resolved in Christ, who not only provides the answers but *is* the answer to humanity's deepest existential questions. Through His atoning work on the cross, He bore the ultimate burden of sin and futility, offering a pathway to genuine purpose and eternal life that transcends the limitations of anything "under heaven" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, the ceaseless striving for meaning gives way to the peace of knowing God's sovereign plan and participating in His eternal purpose ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan of Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 3:10

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

Genesis 3:19

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.

Ecclesiastes 1:17

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 8:16

When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also [there is that] neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)

Ecclesiastes 8:17

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it].

1 Timothy 4:15

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Ecclesiastes 7:25

I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason [of things], and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness: