Ecclesiastes 9:13

KJV

¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:

KJV (with Strong's)

This {H2090} wisdom {H2451} have I seen {H7200} also under the sun {H8121}, and it seemed great {H1419} unto me:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is something else I have seen as wisdom under the sun, and it seemed important to me:

Berean Standard Bible

I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:

American Standard Version

I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 9:13 introduces a pivotal observation from Koheleth, the Preacher, detailing a specific instance of wisdom he encountered within the confines of earthly existence "under the sun." This verse serves as a crucial preface to a subsequent parable, highlighting how true wisdom, though often overlooked or unrewarded by the world's standards, possesses an inherent and remarkable greatness in the eyes of a discerning observer. It underscores the Preacher's continuous exploration of life's paradoxes, where value is frequently misjudged and true worth remains unacknowledged.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in Ecclesiastes 9, shifting from Koheleth's general reflections on the unpredictability of life and the common fate of all humanity (as seen in [Ecclesiastes 9:2-3](/ecclesiastes/9-2-3 "Ecclesiastes 9:2-3 - The Common Fate of All") and [Ecclesiastes 9:11-12](/ecclesiastes/9-11-12 "Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 - Time and Chance Happen to All")) to a concrete, illustrative anecdote. Having just lamented that "time and chance happeneth to them all" ([Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance")), the Preacher now provides a specific example to demonstrate this truth, particularly as it applies to the often-unrewarded nature of wisdom. Verse 13 sets the stage for the poignant parable of the poor wise man who saves a city but is subsequently forgotten ([Ecclesiastes 9:14-16](/ecclesiastes/9-14-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:14-16 - The Parable of the Poor Wise Man")), directly illustrating the paradox of valuable wisdom being undervalued in a fallen world. This immediate literary context emphasizes the Preacher's empirical and observational approach to understanding life's ironies.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ecclesiastes, firmly rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature tradition, reflects the intellectual and philosophical currents of ancient Israel, where practical wisdom (חָכְמָה, _chokmâh_) was highly esteemed as essential for navigating life's complexities. In these societies, while wise counselors and skilled individuals were recognized, public esteem often gravitated more towards power, wealth, and military prowess than towards quiet, effective wisdom. The recurring phrase "under the sun" (תַּחַת הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, _tachat ha-shemesh_), appearing nearly 30 times throughout the book, is a signature motif of Ecclesiastes. It defines the Preacher's philosophical lens: an observation of human experience from a purely earthly, empirical perspective, without direct appeal to divine revelation or the afterlife. This limited, terrestrial viewpoint frequently leads to conclusions about the vanity or futility of human endeavors, yet even within this framework, the Preacher acknowledges genuine greatness when he encounters it.

* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 9:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Intrinsic Value of Wisdom**, affirming that despite the Preacher's often pessimistic outlook on life "under the sun," genuine wisdom is indeed "great." This stands in stark contrast to the world's tendency to overlook or undervalue it, a theme further developed and lamented in [Ecclesiastes 9:16](/ecclesiastes/9-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:16 - Wisdom's Neglect and Contempt"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Limited Human Perspective**, as the Preacher's observation is explicitly "under the sun," emphasizing that his assessment of wisdom's greatness comes from a mortal, earth-bound viewpoint, yet it still manages to discern true worth amidst the world's superficiality. Thirdly, it exemplifies the Preacher's characteristic **Empirical Observation**, as he states, "This wisdom have I seen," reflecting his consistent method of drawing conclusions from direct experience and observation of the world around him, a method that defines the entire intellectual journey presented in [the book of Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - The Preacher's Quest for Meaning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this term denotes practical skill, insight, and discernment, extending beyond mere theoretical knowledge. In Ecclesiastes, _chokmâh_ is frequently presented as a valuable asset for navigating life's complexities and solving problems, even if its earthly rewards are often fleeting or absent. Here, it specifically refers to a tangible act or manifestation of insight and skill that the Preacher personally observed.
* **seen (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this primitive root signifies "to see," whether literally or figuratively. Its usage in this verse strongly emphasizes the Preacher's empirical, firsthand observation. He is not engaging in speculation or abstract theorizing; rather, he has personally witnessed this particular manifestation of wisdom, lending an authoritative and experiential weight to his subsequent commentary and the parable that follows.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, this word conveys something "great in any sense," encompassing magnitude, importance, or inherent quality. While the KJV's addition of "[seemed]" might imply subjectivity, the Hebrew _gâdôwl_ more robustly suggests an objective greatness or profound significance. The Preacher is not merely stating that it *appeared* great to him, but that he perceived its *inherent* and remarkable greatness, despite its potential lack of worldly recognition or acclaim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This wisdom have I seen also under the sun,"**: Koheleth introduces a specific, concrete instance of wisdom (indicated by the demonstrative "This wisdom") that he has personally observed and experienced ("have I seen"). The phrase "under the sun" serves as a crucial qualifier, firmly placing this observation within the realm of human experience and earthly existence. This recurring motif throughout Ecclesiastes defines the scope of the Preacher's inquiry, signifying that this wisdom was manifested and perceived within the ordinary course of life, independent of direct divine revelation or a transcendent perspective.
* **"and it [seemed] great unto me:"**: This clause conveys the Preacher's personal assessment and profound recognition of this wisdom's value. While the King James Version's interpolated "[seemed]" might suggest a subjective perception, the Hebrew original (וַיְהִי גָדוֹל אֵלָי, _vayehi gadol elay_) more directly translates to "and it was great to me" or "it was great in my eyes." This highlights that despite the often-disappointing and paradoxical nature of life "under the sun," and the world's common tendency to overlook true wisdom, Koheleth himself discerned and acknowledged its profound and inherent value. It was not merely an illusion but possessed a genuine, remarkable quality in his discerning eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 9:13 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "under the sun," which functions as a pervasive leitmotif throughout the entire book. This phrase consistently establishes the Preacher's empirical, earth-bound perspective, serving as a constant reminder of the inherent limitations and paradoxes of human existence when viewed apart from a direct divine perspective. The verse also utilizes **Observation/Empiricism**, as Koheleth explicitly states, "This wisdom have I seen," underscoring his characteristic method of drawing conclusions from direct, personal experience and observation of the world rather than from abstract philosophical reasoning. Furthermore, the verse functions as an act of **Foreshadowing**, introducing the significant theme of wisdom's often unrewarded or unacknowledged greatness, a theme that is then powerfully and vividly illustrated in the subsequent parable of the poor wise man in [Ecclesiastes 9:14-16](/ecclesiastes/9-14-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:14-16 - The Parable of the Poor Wise Man"). There is also an implied **Contrast** between the inherent, perceived greatness of this wisdom and the world's typical failure to recognize or adequately reward it, a central tension that permeates the Preacher's overarching message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 9:13, by affirming the "greatness" of observed wisdom, even when it goes unappreciated by the world, connects to a broader biblical theology that posits true wisdom as originating from God, transcending mere human cleverness or worldly success. While Koheleth observes wisdom "under the sun," the Bible consistently presents true wisdom as rooted in divine revelation and character. Proverbs emphatically declares that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). This verse in Ecclesiastes hints at the intrinsic and enduring value of practical insight, even if its ultimate source, divine nature, and eternal reward are not fully articulated within the "under the sun" framework. It subtly challenges the world's metrics of success and significance, suggesting that true greatness lies in discerning and applying truth, regardless of external validation or popular acclaim.

* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")
* [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - The Nature of Heavenly Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser than Human Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 9:13 challenges us to cultivate a discerning eye, much like the Preacher, to recognize and value wisdom even when it operates quietly, without fanfare, public acclaim, or material reward. In a world that often prioritizes visible success, financial gain, or immediate gratification, this verse serves as a profound reminder that true greatness might reside in the quiet, effective, and often unrewarded acts of insight, problem-solving, and humble service. It calls us to look beyond superficial appearances and prevailing societal metrics to appreciate the profound impact of genuine wisdom, whether it's manifested in a humble act of self-sacrifice, a clever and ethical solution to a complex challenge, or a timely word of counsel spoken in humility. Our ability to discern and appreciate such quiet wisdom reflects a deeper understanding of true value, aligning our perspective more closely with God's eternal standards rather than the fleeting assessments "under the sun."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "great" wisdom do I tend to overlook in my daily life because they are not publicly celebrated or financially rewarded?**
* **How does society's definition of "greatness" often differ from the inherent value of wisdom suggested by Ecclesiastes 9:13, and how might this influence my own values and pursuits?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more discerning eye to recognize and appreciate quiet, effective wisdom in others, and how can I strive to embody such wisdom in my own actions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "under the sun" signify in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under the sun" is a hallmark of the book of Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times throughout its chapters. It precisely defines the Preacher's (Koheleth's) perspective as he observes and reflects on human life and experience from a purely earthly, empirical, and often secular viewpoint. It signifies a focus on what can be seen, experienced, and understood within the confines of this world, without direct appeal to divine revelation or consideration of the afterlife. This limited perspective often leads Koheleth to conclude that much of human endeavor is "vanity" (הֶבֶל, _hevel_), or ultimately meaningless, futile, and transient. However, even within this framework, he acknowledges moments of genuine value and profound insight, such as the wisdom described in [Ecclesiastes 9:13](/ecclesiastes/9-13 "Ecclesiastes 9:13 - Wisdom Observed Under the Sun").

**Why does the King James Version (KJV) include "[seemed]" in brackets in "it [seemed] great unto me"?**

Answer: The brackets around "[seemed]" in the King James Version indicate that this word is not explicitly present in the original Hebrew text but was supplied by the translators. This practice was common in the KJV to provide what they believed was a clearer or more nuanced interpretation of the Hebrew. The Hebrew simply states "and it was great unto me" (וַיְהִי גָדוֹל אֵלָי, _vayehi gadol elay_). The KJV translators likely added "[seemed]" to emphasize that the greatness was perceived by the Preacher, perhaps implying a subjective assessment or a contrast with how others might have viewed it. However, many modern translations render it more directly as "it was great to me" or "it was great in my eyes," suggesting that Koheleth perceived an inherent, objective greatness in the wisdom, even if it wasn't recognized or celebrated by others. This direct translation aligns more closely with the idea that true wisdom possesses an intrinsic value, regardless of external validation, a theme further explored in [Ecclesiastes 9:16](/ecclesiastes/9-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:16 - The Disregard of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 9:13, with its observation of wisdom's often unacknowledged greatness "under the sun," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the world consistently values power, wealth, and worldly acclaim, Jesus embodied a wisdom that was consistently overlooked, rejected, and even despised by the very people He came to save. He was the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), humble and meek, yet His teachings, parables, and very life demonstrated a wisdom far surpassing any human understanding or philosophical system ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). The religious and political leaders of His day, operating strictly "under the sun," saw no greatness in a carpenter from Nazareth who claimed to be God; indeed, they asked, "[Can anything good come out of Nazareth?](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question")" Yet, in God's eyes, and for those with spiritual discernment, His wisdom was not merely "great," but divine, the very "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). His ultimate act of wisdom – the cross – was seen as foolishness by the world, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")), but it was God's perfect plan for salvation. Thus, Jesus perfectly fulfills Ecclesiastes 9:13, standing as the supreme example of wisdom that was inherently great, yet largely unappreciated and even scorned "under the sun," only to be fully vindicated and eternally glorified by God.

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 8:16

When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also [there is that] neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)

Ecclesiastes 6:1

¶ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it [is] common among men:

Ecclesiastes 7:15

All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.