Ecclesiastes 8:17

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it].

Then I beheld {H7200} all the work {H4639} of God {H430}, that a man {H120} cannot {H3201} find out {H4672} the work {H4639} that is done {H6213} under the sun {H8121}: because {H834} though {H7945} a man {H120} labour {H5998} to seek it out {H1245}, yet he shall not find {H4672} it; yea further; though a wise {H2450} man think {H559} to know {H3045} it, yet shall he not be able {H3201} to find {H4672} it.

then, on looking over all of God's work, I realized that it is impossible to grasp all the activity taking place under the sun; because even if a person works hard at searching it out, he won't grasp it; and even if a wise person thinks he knows it, he still won't be able to grasp it.

I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.

then I beheld all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because however much a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea moreover, though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

Context

Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon and known as the reflections of "the Preacher" (Hebrew: Qoheleth), explores the meaning of life from a perspective "under the sun"—that is, from a human viewpoint focused on earthly experiences and observations. This particular verse, Ecclesiastes 8:17, concludes a section discussing the timing of events, justice, and human inability to fully grasp God's ways. It serves as a powerful summary of the Preacher's recurring theme: the limitations of human wisdom and effort in understanding the ultimate divine plan.

Key Themes

  • Human Limitation: The verse emphatically states that "a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun." Despite diligent effort ("though a man labour to seek it out") and even profound intelligence ("though a wise man think to know it"), humanity is inherently incapable of fully comprehending the intricate workings of God's providence and the mysteries of life. This highlights the vast chasm between finite human understanding and infinite divine wisdom.
  • Divine Mystery: God's operations in the world are portrayed as profound and ultimately unsearchable. The "work of God" encompasses His creation, His governance of the universe, His timing of events, and His purposes for humanity. These aspects remain largely veiled from human intellect, emphasizing God's sovereignty and transcendence. This resonates with the idea of God's unsearchable judgments and ways found elsewhere in Scripture.
  • The Futility of Earthly Wisdom (Alone): While wisdom is valued in Ecclesiastes, this verse points to its limits. Even the wisest individuals cannot fully unravel the complexities of existence or divine intent through mere intellectual pursuit. This theme reinforces the Preacher's recurring observation about the "vanity" or emptiness of pursuits that exclude an ultimate, eternal perspective.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "under the sun" is a hallmark of Ecclesiastes, appearing over 25 times. It consistently frames the Preacher's observations from an earthly, experiential perspective, highlighting the limitations of understanding when confined to this temporal realm. The repetition of "shall not find it" and "shall not be able to find it" powerfully underscores the absolute impossibility of human discovery in this regard. The Hebrew word for "find out" (matza) implies to discover, attain, or comprehend fully, reinforcing the idea that such complete understanding is beyond human reach concerning God's vast work.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 8:17 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  1. Humility: It calls us to humility, acknowledging that our intellects are finite and God's ways are infinitely higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). We should not presume to fully understand every detail of God's plan or the reasons behind every circumstance.
  2. Trust in God: When faced with life's inexplicable difficulties or the mysteries of divine providence, this verse encourages us to release the need for complete comprehension and instead cultivate deep trust in God's goodness, wisdom, and sovereignty, even when His path is unclear.
  3. Focus on Obedience: Rather than striving to know the "why" behind everything, we are called to focus on the "what"—what God has revealed and what He calls us to do in obedience. Our peace often comes from trusting His character rather than understanding His every action.
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 3:11

    ¶ He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

  • 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!

  • Psalms 73:16

    When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;

  • Job 5:9

    Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

  • Ecclesiastes 7:23

    ¶ All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it [was] far from me.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:24

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

  • Isaiah 40:28

    Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back