Ecclesiastes 9:13

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

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

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

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

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

Ecclesiastes 9:13 introduces a new observation from the Preacher (Koheleth), focusing on a specific instance of wisdom that he witnessed in the world. This verse serves as an introductory statement to a short parable or anecdote that follows in the subsequent verses, highlighting the often-overlooked or unrewarded nature of true wisdom in a fallen world.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Ecclesiastes (9:11-18) where the Preacher reflects on the unpredictable nature of life and the often-disappointing outcomes of human endeavors. Having just concluded that "time and chance happeneth to them all" (Ecclesiastes 9:11), he now zeroes in on a particular example of wisdom's application and its reception. The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring motif throughout Ecclesiastes, signifying observations from a purely earthly or human perspective, without direct reference to divine revelation.

Key Themes

  • Observation of Wisdom: The verse emphasizes the Preacher's personal observation of a specific act or manifestation of wisdom. This wisdom, though perhaps not immediately recognized or rewarded by the world, held significant value in his eyes.
  • The Value of Earthly Wisdom: Even within the Preacher's often pessimistic view of life "under the sun," he acknowledges that certain wisdom is indeed "great." This sets the stage for the narrative in Ecclesiastes 9:14-16, where the wisdom of a poor man saves a city, yet he is forgotten.
  • Human Perspective: The statement "it seemed great unto me" highlights the subjective yet profound impact this wisdom had on the observer, suggesting that true discernment is needed to appreciate its worth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: tachat ha-shemesh) is a hallmark of Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times. It consistently frames the Preacher's reflections on human experience and the transient nature of life from a mortal viewpoint, often leading to conclusions about vanity or futility. The word "wisdom" (Hebrew: chokmah) in this context refers to practical skill, insight, and discernment in navigating life's challenges, rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The KJV's bracketed "[seemed]" in "it [seemed] great unto me" indicates that the word is supplied for clarity; the Hebrew simply states "and it was great unto me," emphasizing the inherent greatness of the wisdom itself as perceived by the Preacher.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 9:13 invites us to be observant and discerning, recognizing the true value of wisdom even when it is not celebrated or rewarded by society. It encourages us to:

  • Appreciate Unsung Heroes: Just as the Preacher observed this "great" wisdom, we should learn to see and appreciate acts of wisdom and courage that might go unnoticed or unrewarded in the world.
  • Value Practical Insight: The verse reminds us that true wisdom isn't always about grand theories but often manifests as practical, problem-solving insight that can have significant impact.
  • Cultivate Discernment: In a world that often values superficial success, the Preacher's perspective challenges us to look deeper and recognize the inherent worth of actions guided by genuine wisdom, even if their earthly rewards are fleeting, as explored further in Ecclesiastes 9:16.
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 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.

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