Ecclesiastes 7:24

KJV

That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

KJV (with Strong's)

That which is far off {H7350}, and exceeding deep {H6013}, who can find it out {H4672}?

Complete Jewish Bible

That which exists is far away and deep, so deep, that it can't be discovered.

Berean Standard Bible

What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?

American Standard Version

That which is, is far off and exceeding deep; who can find it out?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:24 encapsulates Qoheleth's profound realization regarding the inherent limitations of human wisdom and inquiry. Despite diligent searching, the Preacher concludes that ultimate truths and the deepest realities of existence remain "far off" and "exceeding deep," inherently beyond the full grasp of human intellect. This verse serves as a humbling acknowledgment of the unsearchable nature of certain divine mysteries and the futility of attempting to fully comprehend them through human effort alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7 is a collection of wisdom sayings, proverbs, and reflections that contrast wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and the temporary nature of earthly pursuits with enduring truth. Leading up to verse 24, Qoheleth has been exploring the complexities of life, acknowledging that both good and bad experiences contribute to wisdom (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 7:3-4](/ecclesiastes/7-3 "Ecclesiastes 7:3-4 - Sorrow is better than laughter")). He has diligently sought to "find out wisdom, and the reason of things" ([Ecclesiastes 7:25](/ecclesiastes/7-25 "Ecclesiastes 7:25 - Qoheleth's Search for Wisdom")), attempting to discern the ultimate purpose and order in a world often perceived as chaotic or meaningless. Verse 24 marks a pivotal point in this quest, where the Preacher confronts the boundaries of his own intellectual capacity, setting the stage for his continued reflections on the elusive nature of true wisdom and the prevalence of human sin ([Ecclesiastes 7:29](/ecclesiastes/7-29 "Ecclesiastes 7:29 - God made mankind upright, but they have sought out many schemes")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written from the perspective of an aged king reflecting on life "under the sun." This phrase, frequently used by Qoheleth, emphasizes a human-centric perspective, observing life without explicit divine intervention. The cultural milieu was one where wisdom was highly valued and actively pursued, often through observation, experience, and the collection of proverbs. However, despite this emphasis on human wisdom, ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, also recognized the concept of divine mystery—truths belonging solely to God, beyond human comprehension. This verse reflects a tension common in wisdom literature: the earnest pursuit of knowledge coupled with a humbling awareness of human finitude in the face of the infinite.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Primarily, it underscores the **Limits of Human Wisdom**, asserting that not all truths are discoverable by human reason alone. It highlights the **Unsearchable Nature of God's Ways**, implicitly pointing to divine mysteries that remain beyond human intellectual grasp, a theme echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher"). Furthermore, the verse fosters **Intellectual Humility**, encouraging the reader to acknowledge the vastness of what remains unknown and to temper the human desire for comprehensive understanding with a recognition of inherent boundaries. This humility is a recurring motif in the Preacher's journey, leading him to ultimately conclude that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the whole duty of man ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **far off (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** (H7350) This term denotes distance, either physical or conceptual. In this context, it signifies something remote, inaccessible, or beyond reach. It implies that certain truths are not merely hidden, but exist at a significant remove from human perception and investigation, making their discovery inherently difficult or impossible.
* **deep (Hebrew, _ʻâmôq'_):** (H6013) This word describes something profound, unfathomable, or of great depth, whether literally (like a deep well) or figuratively (like deep wisdom or mystery). When used with "exceeding" (as implied by the KJV's rendering of the Hebrew repetition, `ʻâmôq ʻâmôq`), it emphasizes an extreme, unplumbable depth, suggesting that the truth is not just deep, but profoundly so, making it impossible to fully explore or comprehend.
* **find it out (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** (H4672) This primitive root means "to come forth to," "to attain," or "to find or acquire." It encompasses the idea of discovering, encountering, or succeeding in a search. In the context of the rhetorical question "who can find it out?", it highlights the futility of human effort to discover or fully comprehend these "far off" and "exceeding deep" realities. The question implies that no one possesses the capacity to fully uncover or grasp such truths.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That which is far off,"**: This clause introduces the subject of Qoheleth's reflection: certain realities or truths that are distant and removed from human grasp. It sets the stage for the idea of inaccessibility, suggesting that these truths are not readily apparent or easily approached through ordinary means of inquiry.
* **"and exceeding deep,"**: This phrase intensifies the preceding idea of distance, adding the dimension of profound depth. The repetition of the Hebrew word for "deep" (implied by "exceeding deep" in the KJV) emphasizes an unfathomable quality, indicating that these truths are not merely remote but also profoundly complex and unplumbable, resisting all attempts at full comprehension.
* **"who can find it out?"**: This is a rhetorical question that expects a negative answer. It serves as Qoheleth's concluding statement on the matter, asserting that no human being possesses the capacity or means to fully discover, comprehend, or master these distant and profound truths. It underscores the ultimate limitation of human intellect and the inherent mystery surrounding certain aspects of existence and divine wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:24 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of intellectual humility. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "who can find it out?". This question is not meant to elicit an answer, but rather to emphatically state that no one can, thereby highlighting the absolute inability of humanity to fully grasp the profound truths Qoheleth describes. The phrases "far off" and "exceeding deep" function as **Metaphors** for the inaccessibility and incomprehensibility of these truths. They evoke images of physical distance and profound depth to represent conceptual remoteness and intellectual unfathomability. The KJV's "exceeding deep" also hints at **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, as the underlying Hebrew (`ʻâmôq ʻâmôq`) uses repetition to emphasize an extreme, unplumbable depth, reinforcing the idea that these truths are not just deep, but impossibly so. This combination of devices powerfully communicates Qoheleth's humbling realization about the limits of human knowledge in the face of divine mystery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:24 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's transcendence and the inherent limitations of human understanding. It asserts that there are ultimate realities and divine purposes that remain beyond the full investigative capacity of humanity. This does not diminish the value of seeking wisdom, but rather reorients the seeker toward humility and dependence on divine revelation rather than self-sufficiency. The verse implicitly points to a God whose thoughts and ways are higher than ours, whose wisdom is not fully discoverable through human reason alone. It serves as a crucial counterpoint to any humanistic hubris that presumes complete intellectual mastery over all truth, reminding us that true wisdom begins with acknowledging what we cannot know and reverencing the One who knows all.

* [Job 11:7](/job/11-7 "Job 11:7 - Can you find out the Almighty to perfection?")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Unsearchable Riches of God's Wisdom")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:11](/ecclesiastes/3-11 "Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God has set eternity in our hearts, but we cannot fully grasp His work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 7:24 offers a timeless lesson in intellectual humility and spiritual perspective. In an age that often prioritizes human discovery and scientific advancement, this verse reminds us that not all truths are quantifiable or fully discernible through human effort. It encourages us to embrace the mystery inherent in God's creation and His ways, finding peace in the knowledge that some things are simply beyond our current capacity to "find out." This should not lead to intellectual apathy, but rather to a deeper reliance on God's self-revelation and a greater appreciation for the wisdom He has chosen to disclose. It invites us to live wisely within the boundaries of what is knowable, while reverently acknowledging the vastness of what remains hidden, trusting that God's unsearchable wisdom is always good and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging the limits of human understanding impact your pursuit of knowledge and truth?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to accept that some things are "far off" or "exceeding deep" and beyond your full comprehension?**
* **How can this verse encourage a greater sense of humility and dependence on God's revelation rather than solely on human reason?**

### FAQ
**What does "far off" and "exceeding deep" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ecclesiastes 7:24, "far off" and "exceeding deep" are metaphorical expressions referring to truths, mysteries, or the ultimate meaning of things that are profoundly inaccessible and incomprehensible to human intellect. "Far off" suggests remoteness or being beyond reach, while "exceeding deep" implies an unfathomable, unplumbable profundity. Together, they emphasize the absolute limits of human wisdom to fully grasp certain divine realities or the complete workings of God's universe. It's Qoheleth's humble admission that despite his diligent search for wisdom, some ultimate answers remain hidden from human discovery.

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

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 7:24 does not discourage the pursuit of wisdom or knowledge. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth diligently seeks wisdom and encourages its acquisition (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 7:12](/ecclesiastes/7-12 "Ecclesiastes 7:12 - Wisdom is a defense")). Rather, this verse serves as a corrective, reminding us of the inherent boundaries of human wisdom. It promotes intellectual humility, acknowledging that while much can be known "under the sun," certain ultimate truths and divine mysteries remain "far off" and "exceeding deep," accessible only through divine revelation or beyond our current comprehension. It redirects our focus from self-sufficient discovery to a reverent acceptance of God's unsearchable ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:24, with its poignant declaration of human inability to "find out" what is "far off" and "exceeding deep," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person of Jesus Christ. The unsearchable wisdom and deep mysteries of God, which Qoheleth despaired of comprehending, are fully embodied and revealed in Christ. He is not merely a wise teacher, but the very "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), through whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). What was "far off" and "deep" has been brought near and made plain through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. The Father has chosen to reveal Himself not through human searching, but through His Son, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No one knows the Father except the Son")). Thus, the human quest for ultimate truth, which Qoheleth found so frustratingly limited, is satisfied in Christ, who is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), making the unsearchable God knowable and bringing light to the deepest mysteries.

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

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Isaiah 55:8

For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 55:9

For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

1 Timothy 6:16

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Psalms 139:6

[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it.

Job 28:28

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

Psalms 36:6

Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.