Ecclesiastes 2:12

¶ And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what [can] the man [do] that cometh after the king? [even] that which hath been already done.

And I turned {H6437} myself to behold {H7200} wisdom {H2451}, and madness {H1947}, and folly {H5531}: for what can the man {H120} do that cometh {H935} after {H310} the king {H4428}? even that which hath been already {H3528} done {H6213}.

So I decided to look more carefully at wisdom, stupidity and foolishness; for what can the man who succeeds the king do, except what has already been done?

Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished?

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for whatcanthe mandothat cometh after the king? even that which hath been done long ago.

Ecclesiastes 2:12 continues the Preacher's (Qoheleth, traditionally King Solomon) deep philosophical inquiry into the meaning and purpose of life "under the sun." Having explored various pursuits like pleasure, wealth, and great works in the preceding verses, he now turns his methodical attention to evaluating wisdom, madness, and folly, seeking to understand their ultimate value.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Ecclesiastes where the Preacher describes his personal experiments and observations regarding human endeavors. In Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, he recounts his pursuit of pleasure, laughter, wine, grand building projects, vast possessions, and numerous servants, only to conclude that all was "vanity and vexation of spirit." Verse 12 marks a shift, indicating his deliberate examination of intellectual and moral states – wisdom, madness, and folly – to see if true lasting satisfaction can be found there. The rhetorical question about the "man that cometh after the king" underscores the inherent limitations of human achievement and the cyclical nature of life, a theme prominent throughout the book.

Key Themes

  • The Pursuit of Wisdom and its Alternatives: The Preacher actively investigates wisdom (chokmah), contrasting it sharply with "madness" (holelût) and "folly" (siklût). He seeks to determine if wisdom offers a superior advantage or a lasting benefit in the face of life's apparent futility.
  • Human Limitations and Repetition: The core message conveyed by the rhetorical question, "what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done," emphasizes the cyclical and repetitive nature of human endeavors. No matter who succeeds in power or influence, their actions are ultimately variations on what has come before. This highlights the vanity of seeking ultimate novelty or lasting impact solely through earthly achievements.
  • The Weariness of Earthly Existence: This verse reinforces the pervasive sense of existential weariness and the lack of true innovation "under the sun," a concept introduced in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10. It suggests that even the greatest human efforts are bound by a predetermined cycle, offering no escape from the mundane or truly fresh beginnings.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom," chokmah, refers to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to live successfully. "Madness" (holelût) suggests a state of senselessness or absurdity, often associated with reckless behavior. "Folly" (siklût) denotes a lack of sound judgment or understanding. The Preacher's deliberate examination of these three states indicates a comprehensive search for truth, comparing the best of human intellect with its irrational and misguided counterparts.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:12 encourages a humble perspective on human accomplishments. While striving for wisdom and making positive contributions is valuable, this verse reminds us that true meaning cannot be found solely in the pursuit of earthly achievements or the accumulation of knowledge, as these are inherently limited and repetitive. It prompts reflection on what truly endures beyond the cycles of history and human endeavor, pointing toward the ultimate purpose found in fearing God and keeping His commandments, as concluded later in the book (see Ecclesiastes 12:13). It challenges us to look beyond the temporary and embrace a perspective that transcends the limitations "under the sun."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 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:

  • Ecclesiastes 1:9

    ¶ The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:10

    Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

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