Ecclesiastes 2:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:15 captures the Preacher's profound disillusionment as he confronts the stark reality that despite his extensive pursuit and acquisition of wisdom, his ultimate fate appears indistinguishable from that of the foolish. This realization, born from a deep internal reflection, leads him to conclude that even wisdom, when viewed solely from an earthly perspective, is ultimately "vanity"—ephemeral, unsatisfying, and incapable of providing lasting distinction or escaping the universal human condition of mortality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:15 is a pivotal verse within a larger section (Ecclesiastes 2:1-16) where the Preacher, often identified with King Solomon, systematically explores various earthly endeavors in his quest for ultimate meaning and satisfaction "under the sun." He meticulously recounts his experiments with pleasure, wealth, grand building projects, and, significantly, wisdom. While he initially acknowledges the practical superiority of wisdom over folly, stating that "wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness" ([Ecclesiastes 2:13](/ecclesiastes/2-13 "Ecclesiastes 2:13 - Wisdom Excels Folly")), verse 15 marks a critical turning point. Here, the Preacher grapples not with wisdom's immediate utility, but with its ultimate limitations in the face of death. His disheartened realization is that even superior intellect and diligent effort do not exempt him from the common, inevitable end shared by the most ignorant person, thus undermining wisdom's perceived ultimate value. This lament directly precedes his further conclusion that both the wise and the fool are soon forgotten ([Ecclesiastes 2:16](/ecclesiastes/2-16 "Ecclesiastes 2:16 - Both Wise and Foolish Forgotten")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes reflects the rich tradition of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, which often pondered life's big questions, human suffering, and the nature of existence. While traditionally attributed to King Solomon (c. 10th century BCE), the book's precise dating is debated, with some scholars suggesting a later post-exilic period. Regardless of the exact authorship, the Preacher's perspective is deeply rooted in the Israelite understanding of a sovereign God, yet he intentionally limits his philosophical inquiry to what can be observed "under the sun"—a phrase that appears frequently throughout the book. This phrase signifies a perspective confined to human experience and earthly realities, excluding direct divine revelation or an eternal, eschatological hope. In this context, the Preacher's struggle with the apparent futility of wisdom in the face of universal mortality would have resonated with the existential questions posed by other wisdom traditions, but with a unique emphasis on the covenant God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores **the futility of earthly wisdom** when it is pursued as an ultimate source of meaning apart from God. While wisdom offers practical advantages in life, the Preacher laments that it cannot prevent death or grant lasting distinction "under the sun," leading to a profound sense of disillusionment. Secondly, the verse highlights **universal mortality**, emphasizing the shared human condition where all, regardless of their achievements or intelligence, face the same ultimate end—death. This inescapable reality drives much of the Preacher's despair throughout the book, as seen in his later reflections on the common fate of all living things ([Ecclesiastes 9:2](/ecclesiastes/9-2 "Ecclesiastes 9:2 - All Share One Destiny")). Thirdly, the recurring motif of **"vanity" (Hebrew: _hebel_)** is central here. The Preacher concludes that even wisdom is _hebel_, signifying its ephemeral, unsubstantial, and ultimately unsatisfactory nature when viewed solely from an earthly perspective, echoing the book's foundational declaration that "all is vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity")). Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the Preacher's **existential disillusionment and questioning**, as he grapples with the apparent meaninglessness of striving for wisdom if the outcome is the same for everyone, reflecting a deep struggle to find ultimate purpose in human achievements alone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word, appearing twice in the verse, signifies not merely the physical organ but, more broadly, the inner self—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. The Preacher's declaration, "Then said I in my heart," indicates a deep, internal reflection and a profound, personal conclusion. It suggests a wrestling within his innermost being, where his thoughts, feelings, and understanding converge to process this difficult truth.
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "fat" or "stupid," _kᵉçîyl_ refers to someone who is morally and intellectually dull, lacking discernment and spiritual understanding. This is not merely someone who is uneducated, but one who is obstinate in their folly, often rejecting wisdom and the ways of God. The Preacher's comparison of his fate to that of the _kᵉçîyl_ is therefore especially jarring, as it undermines the very distinction he had previously established for wisdom.
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This is a cornerstone word of Ecclesiastes, appearing over 30 times. From the root _hābal_ (to breathe, to be empty), _hebel_ literally means "breath," "vapor," or "futility." Figuratively, it denotes something transient, insubstantial, unsatisfying, or ultimately meaningless. In Ecclesiastes 2:15, applying _hebel_ to wisdom itself underscores its transient value and ultimate inability to provide lasting significance or escape from death when viewed solely from an earthly, "under the sun" perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I in my heart,"**: This phrase marks a moment of intense, personal introspection. The Preacher is not merely observing but deeply processing a profound realization within his innermost being, where his intellect and emotions are engaged in a wrestling match with his accumulated experience.
* **"As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me;"**: This is the core of the Preacher's lament. He observes that the ultimate fate or "happening" (referring primarily to death and oblivion) is the same for both the wise person (himself, the Preacher) and the fool. Despite all his wisdom and efforts, he is not exempt from the common human destiny.
* **"and why was I then more wise?"**: This is a rhetorical question born of deep disillusionment. If wisdom does not grant a distinct, lasting advantage or alter one's ultimate end, then the Preacher questions the very purpose and value of having pursued it so diligently. It expresses his frustration with the limitations of earthly wisdom.
* **"Then I said in my heart, that this also [is] vanity."**: This reiterates his internal conclusion, reinforcing the personal nature of his despair. The "this also" refers specifically to wisdom itself, which he now categorizes alongside other earthly pursuits (pleasure, wealth, toil) as _hebel_—empty, futile, and ultimately unsatisfying when detached from an eternal, God-centered perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the Preacher's profound disillusionment. **Irony** is central, as the Preacher, the epitome of wisdom, finds himself sharing the same fate as the **fool**, a stark contrast to his earlier assertion of wisdom's superiority. This creates a sense of paradox, highlighting the limitations of human intellect. The phrase "why was I then more wise?" functions as a potent **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking an answer but expressing the Preacher's deep frustration, despair, and the apparent absurdity of his situation. The **Repetition** of "Then said I in my heart" emphasizes the internal, reflective, and deeply personal nature of his struggle, underscoring the weight of his conclusion. Finally, the concluding declaration that "this also [is] **vanity**" utilizes **Symbolism**, as "vanity" (Hebrew _hebel_) serves as a recurring motif throughout Ecclesiastes, symbolizing the fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately unsatisfying nature of all earthly endeavors when viewed apart from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:15 confronts the inherent limitations of human wisdom and effort when viewed through an exclusively earthly lens. The Preacher's despair highlights a fundamental theological truth: no human achievement, no matter how profound, can ultimately overcome the effects of the Fall, particularly the universal reality of death and the transience of life "under the sun." This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true and lasting meaning, distinction, and hope cannot be found in human striving, intellect, or material accumulation, but must originate from a source beyond the temporal realm. It implicitly points to the necessity of a divine, eternal perspective to make sense of life's apparent absurdities and to find genuine purpose amidst the inevitability of mortality. The Preacher's conclusion that "this also is vanity" is not an indictment of wisdom itself, but of wisdom pursued as an ultimate end, rather than as a gift to be stewarded in light of God's sovereignty.

* [Psalm 49:10](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10 - All Die, Wise and Foolish Alike")
* [1 Corinthians 1:19-20](/1_corinthians/1-19 "1 Corinthians 1:19-20 - The Wisdom of the World is Foolishness")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Vapor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:15 serves as a profound call to humility and a re-evaluation of our ultimate priorities. In a world that often exalts human achievement, intelligence, and worldly success, this verse reminds us that even the most profound wisdom and diligent effort "under the sun" have inherent limits. It challenges us to look beyond temporary gains, earthly distinctions, and the pursuit of self-sufficiency for lasting satisfaction. The shared human condition of mortality should humble us, stripping away any sense of superiority based on intellect or accomplishment. True and enduring significance, therefore, is not found in what we accumulate or achieve on earth, but in recognizing our dependence on God and aligning our lives with His eternal purposes. This perspective liberates us from the exhausting and ultimately futile quest for meaning in transient things, directing our focus toward what truly matters in the light of eternity: our relationship with our Creator and living in accordance with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to find ultimate meaning or distinction, similar to the Preacher's pursuit of wisdom?**
* **How does the universal reality of death, as highlighted in this verse, challenge your perspective on success, achievement, and personal legacy?**
* **What does it mean to live with an "eternal perspective" in light of this verse, and how might that change your daily priorities?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 2:15 suggest that wisdom is ultimately useless?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 2:15 does not suggest that wisdom is entirely useless, but rather that its utility is limited when viewed solely from an earthly perspective, "under the sun." The Preacher explicitly states earlier that "wisdom excelleth folly" ([Ecclesiastes 2:13](/ecclesiastes/2-13 "Ecclesiastes 2:13 - Wisdom Excels Folly")), acknowledging its practical benefits in navigating life. However, his lament in verse 15 reveals wisdom's inability to provide ultimate meaning, escape from death, or grant lasting distinction in the face of universal mortality. The "vanity" he speaks of refers to the futility of wisdom as a *final* answer to life's big questions, particularly when divorced from an eternal, God-centered framework. It's a critique of wisdom as an idol, not wisdom as a tool.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound despair and sense of "vanity" expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:15 find their ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Preacher's lament over the shared fate of the wise and the fool, culminating in the inescapable reality of death, highlights humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from the curse of sin and mortality. Christ, however, is not merely "more wise" than the Preacher; He is the very **wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Unlike earthly wisdom, which cannot conquer death, Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, has "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" ([2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - Christ Abolished Death")). The "vanity" of life "under the sun" is overcome by the **eternal life** offered in Christ ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). In Him, the wise and the foolish who believe are united not in a common fate of oblivion, but in a common hope of resurrection and everlasting fellowship with God, where true and lasting meaning is found not in human striving but in His finished work.

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 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.