Ecclesiastes 1:18

KJV

For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

KJV (with Strong's)

For in much {H7230} wisdom {H2451} is much {H7230} grief {H3708}: and he that increaseth {H3254} knowledge {H1847} increaseth {H3254} sorrow {H4341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For in much wisdom is much grief; the more knowledge, the more suffering.

Berean Standard Bible

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.

American Standard Version

For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:18 delivers a profound and counter-intuitive observation from Qoheleth, asserting that an increase in wisdom inevitably leads to an increase in grief, and the accumulation of knowledge results in heightened sorrow. This verse encapsulates a central paradox of the book, suggesting that the more one understands the complexities and brokenness of the world "under the sun," the deeper their experience of vexation and pain becomes, challenging conventional notions of intellectual pursuit as a path to unmitigated happiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a culminating statement within Qoheleth's initial exploration of life's meaning and purpose, particularly his exhaustive pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. It immediately follows his declaration in [Ecclesiastes 1:16](/ecclesiastes/1-16 "Ecclesiastes 1:16 - Qoheleth's Pursuit of Wisdom") that he surpassed all who came before him in Jerusalem in wisdom and knowledge. Despite this unparalleled intellectual achievement, Qoheleth found not satisfaction or joy, but rather a "vexation of spirit" ([Ecclesiastes 1:17](/ecclesiastes/1-17 "Ecclesiastes 1:17 - The Pursuit of Madness and Folly")). Verse 18 serves as a concise, aphoristic summary of his personal experience and a foundational premise for the subsequent arguments regarding the futility of human endeavors apart from God. It sets the stage for the book's overarching theme of *hebel* (often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless"), which pervades the entire narrative of [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "The Book of Ecclesiastes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, placing its historical context in the united monarchy of Israel, a period of immense prosperity, peace, and intellectual flourishing. This era allowed for the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and various human endeavors without the immediate pressures of war or famine. The cultural milieu valued wisdom highly, as evidenced by the extensive wisdom literature in the Old Testament, including [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs") and portions of [Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job"). However, Qoheleth's perspective challenges the simplistic notion that wisdom automatically leads to happiness or fulfillment. His observations reflect a deep engagement with the human condition from the vantage point of a powerful and intelligent ruler who had access to every conceivable experience and intellectual pursuit, yet found them ultimately unsatisfying when viewed solely "under the sun," i.e., from a purely human, earthly perspective.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 1:18 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the **limitations of human wisdom and knowledge** as a means to ultimate satisfaction or understanding. Qoheleth demonstrates that even the greatest human intellect cannot fully grasp or resolve the inherent paradoxes and injustices of life, leading instead to a deeper awareness of its brokenness. Secondly, it highlights the **paradoxical nature of life "under the sun,"** where pursuits that seem inherently good (like wisdom) can yield unexpected negative consequences. This contributes to the pervasive theme of *hebel*, emphasizing the ephemeral, fleeting, and often frustrating nature of earthly existence. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **human suffering and vexation** as an intrinsic part of the human experience, particularly for those who deeply contemplate the world's realities. This sets the stage for Qoheleth's ongoing lament about the injustices, cycles, and ultimate mortality that define life apart from a divine, transcendent perspective, a theme explored throughout [Ecclesiastes Chapter 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Pursuit of Pleasure and Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be wise," *chokmâh* denotes not merely intellectual acumen but also practical skill, discernment, and the ability to live skillfully and successfully. In a good sense, it refers to profound insight and understanding. However, Qoheleth's usage here suggests that even this highly valued attribute, when pursued exclusively "under the sun," can reveal uncomfortable truths about the world that lead to distress rather than peace.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** Originating from the verb "to know" (*yâdaʻ*), *daʻath* encompasses perception, comprehension, experience, and acquaintance with facts or truths. It refers to the accumulation of information and understanding. In Ecclesiastes 1:18, the increase of *daʻath* implies a deeper and broader awareness of the world's realities, its mechanisms, and its inherent flaws, which Qoheleth argues directly correlates with an increase in sorrow.
* **Grief (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** This term carries a strong connotation of vexation, anger, indignation, and deep emotional distress. It is not a fleeting annoyance but a profound sense of burden and irritation that arises from perceiving the world's inherent contradictions, injustices, and the futility of human effort. The "much grief" associated with "much wisdom" suggests a significant and pervasive emotional burden.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in much wisdom [is] much grief":** This clause establishes a direct, proportional relationship between the acquisition of wisdom and the experience of grief. Qoheleth posits that the more one gains profound insight and understanding into the nature of existence, the more one becomes acutely aware of its inherent problems, limitations, and paradoxes. This heightened awareness, rather than bringing joy or contentment, leads to a significant increase in vexation, frustration, and sorrow, as the wise person perceives deeper levels of brokenness and futility in the world "under the sun."
* **"and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow":** This second clause functions as a parallel statement, reinforcing and expanding upon the first. It reiterates the principle that the accumulation of knowledge—the acquisition of facts, information, and a broader understanding of the world—does not necessarily lead to happiness. Instead, it intensifies one's awareness of suffering, injustice, and the transient nature of all earthly things, thereby augmenting one's personal experience of sorrow, pain, and anguish. The repetition emphasizes the inescapable connection between intellectual growth and emotional burden from Qoheleth's perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its somber message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first ("in much wisdom is much grief") using different but related terms. This repetition emphasizes the central paradox and makes the statement more memorable and impactful. The verse also presents a profound **Paradox**, as it challenges the conventional understanding that wisdom and knowledge are inherently good and lead to happiness. Instead, it posits an inverse relationship, where intellectual growth yields emotional distress. This counter-intuitive assertion forces the reader to confront the limitations of human understanding. Furthermore, the use of **Hyperbole** with "much grief" and "increaseth sorrow" serves to emphasize the significant and burdensome nature of the emotional toll, suggesting that the sorrow is not minor but substantial. The verse itself functions as an **Aphorism** or a proverbial statement, a concise and memorable truth derived from Qoheleth's extensive experience and observation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:18 profoundly impacts our understanding of human intellectual pursuits and their ultimate limitations. Theologically, it highlights that wisdom and knowledge, when detached from a transcendent, divine perspective, can lead to existential despair rather than fulfillment. It underscores the fallen nature of the world, where even the pursuit of truth can reveal painful realities that human effort alone cannot rectify. This verse serves as a crucial counterpoint to the common biblical emphasis on the value of wisdom (e.g., in Proverbs), suggesting that without God as the ultimate source and goal of understanding, even wisdom becomes a burden. It points to the need for a wisdom that transcends earthly limitations, a wisdom that finds its beginning and end in the fear of the Lord.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "God Makes the Wisdom of the World Foolish")
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Creation Groans in Anticipation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 1:18 invites us to soberly reflect on the nature of our own intellectual pursuits and their ultimate purpose. In an age that often equates knowledge with power and happiness, this verse serves as a potent reminder that a deeper understanding of the world's brokenness, injustices, and the brevity of life can indeed lead to profound sorrow if not anchored in a greater hope. It challenges us to consider *what kind* of wisdom we are seeking and *where* we are seeking it. True, lasting peace and joy are not found merely in accumulating facts or even in profound philosophical insight into human suffering, but in understanding God's sovereign plan and His redemptive work. This verse encourages us to acknowledge the limits of human reason and to seek a divine perspective that can transform our grief into purpose, our sorrow into compassion, and our knowledge into a means of glorifying God and serving others, even amidst a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my pursuit of knowledge or understanding contribute to my sense of peace or disquiet?**
* **In what ways might a deeper awareness of the world's problems lead to sorrow, and how can I navigate this without succumbing to despair?**
* **How does the wisdom of God, as revealed in Scripture, offer a different perspective on suffering and knowledge compared to Qoheleth's "under the sun" observations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my intellectual growth is spiritually nourishing rather than a source of increased grief?**

### FAQ

**Does Ecclesiastes 1:18 mean we should avoid gaining knowledge or wisdom?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 1:18 does not advocate for ignorance or a cessation of learning. Instead, it offers a realistic and somewhat pessimistic observation from Qoheleth's perspective "under the sun." The verse highlights the *consequence* of wisdom and knowledge when viewed from a purely human, earthly vantage point, without a transcendent, divine framework. It suggests that the more one understands the world's complexities, injustices, and the futility of human efforts, the more one becomes aware of its inherent brokenness, leading to grief and sorrow. The book of Ecclesiastes ultimately points to the fear of God as the proper response to life's paradoxes, implying that wisdom *with* God is different from wisdom *without* God. Other biblical texts, like [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"), strongly encourage the pursuit of wisdom, but always in the context of God's truth and sovereignty.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 1:18 is central to the book's overarching theme of *hebel*, often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless." Qoheleth's personal experience, as summarized in this verse, demonstrates that even the noblest human pursuits—like wisdom and knowledge—ultimately lead to vexation and sorrow when pursued as ends in themselves, apart from God. This verse sets the stage for Qoheleth's exhaustive exploration of various human endeavors (pleasure, wealth, toil, etc.) and his consistent conclusion that all are *hebel*. It underscores the book's argument that true meaning and lasting satisfaction cannot be found in anything "under the sun" but only in a right relationship with God and obedience to His commands, as summarized in the book's conclusion in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:18, with its somber declaration that increased wisdom and knowledge lead to increased grief and sorrow, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Qoheleth's wisdom, though vast, was limited to the "under the sun" perspective, revealing the world's brokenness without offering a solution to its inherent pain. In contrast, Jesus Christ is presented as the very embodiment of divine wisdom, "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). His wisdom is not a source of sorrow for Himself, but rather the means by which He bore the sorrow of the world. He truly "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth in Wisdom and Stature")), yet His increasing knowledge of humanity's sin and suffering led Him not to despair, but to the cross. On the cross, Jesus became the ultimate bearer of our griefs and sorrows, fulfilling the prophecy of the "man of sorrows" in [Isaiah 53:3-4](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-4 - The Suffering Servant"). Through His perfect wisdom and sacrificial love, He transforms the very grief and sorrow that Qoheleth lamented into a path for redemption and eternal hope. The wisdom found in Christ is not a burden but "the wisdom that leads to salvation" ([2 Timothy 3:15](/2_timothy/3-15 "2 Timothy 3:15 - The Scriptures Make One Wise for Salvation")), offering a divine perspective that transcends the futility of earthly pursuits and provides true peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

Ecclesiastes 12:12

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

1 Corinthians 3:18

¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1 Corinthians 3:20

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.