Ecclesiastes 2:15

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also [is] vanity.

Then {H227} said {H559} I in my heart {H3820}, As it happeneth {H4745} to the fool {H3684}, so it happeneth {H7136} even to me {H1571}; and why was I then more {H3148} wise {H2449}? Then I said {H1696} in my heart {H3820}, that this also is vanity {H1892}.

So I said to myself, "If the same thing happens to the fool as to me, then what did I gain by being wise?" and I thought to myself, "This too is pointless.

So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile.

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then said I in my heart, that this also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 2:15 captures a profound moment of reflection from the Preacher, often identified as King Solomon. After meticulously pursuing and acquiring great wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, he confronts a stark and disillusioning truth: the ultimate outcome for the wise and the foolish appears to be the same.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger section (Ecclesiastes 2:1-16) where the Preacher describes his extensive personal experiments to find meaning and satisfaction in various earthly endeavors. He explored pleasure, wealth, grand projects, and, significantly, wisdom. While he acknowledges that wisdom is superior to folly, offering light over darkness, he then grapples with its limitations. Verse 15 reveals his disheartened realization that despite his superior intellect and efforts, he faces the same inevitable end as the most ignorant person.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Earthly Wisdom: The Preacher's primary lament here is that even profound wisdom, while offering practical advantages in life, does not exempt one from the common fate of all humanity. It cannot prevent death or grant lasting distinction "under the sun."
  • Universal Mortality: This verse underscores the shared human condition. Regardless of one's achievements, intelligence, or moral standing, all face the same ultimate end – death. This realization drives the Preacher's despair.
  • The Nature of "Vanity" (Hebel): The recurring word "vanity" (Hebrew: hebel) is central. It signifies breath, vapor, futility, or meaninglessness. Here, it highlights the ephemeral and ultimately unsubstantial nature of even wisdom when viewed solely from an earthly perspective. The Preacher concludes that if wisdom doesn't secure a distinct, lasting advantage, then it too is subject to this sense of impermanence.
  • Existential Disillusionment: The verse powerfully conveys the Preacher's deep sense of disillusionment and existential questioning. He asks, "why was I then more wise?" if the outcome is the same. This reflects a struggle to find ultimate purpose in human achievements alone.

Linguistic Insights

The word "vanity" in KJV is a translation of the Hebrew term hebel (הֶבֶל). While it can literally mean "breath" or "vapor," its contextual meaning throughout Ecclesiastes is much deeper, conveying a sense of futility, impermanence, absurdity, or that which is ultimately unsubstantial and cannot be grasped. In Ecclesiastes 2:15, applying hebel to wisdom itself emphasizes its transient value when detached from an eternal perspective.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:15 challenges us to consider the ultimate source of meaning and purpose in our lives. While wisdom is valuable and good, it reminds us that human achievements, intelligence, and even our best efforts "under the sun" have inherent limits. This verse encourages us to look beyond temporary gains and earthly distinctions for lasting satisfaction. It points towards the need for an eternal perspective, reminding us that true and enduring significance is found not in what we accumulate or achieve on earth, but in our relationship with God, who transcends the limitations of time and mortality. The common fate of humanity, including death, as also noted in Ecclesiastes 9:2, should humble us and direct our focus to what truly matters in the light of eternity.

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 6:8

    For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

  • Ecclesiastes 1:14

    I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • 1 Kings 3:12

    Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:18

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

  • Ecclesiastes 2:1

    ¶ I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also [is] vanity.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:2

    Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:16

    I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all [they] that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

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