Ecclesiastes 1:17
Ecclesiastes 1:17 in Multiple Translations
So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind.
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind.
And I gave my heart to getting knowledge of wisdom, and of the ways of the foolish. And I saw that this again was desire for wind.
So I decided to use my mind to learn everything about wisdom, and madness and foolishness as well. But I found out that this is as hard as trying to catch hold of the wind.
And I gaue mine heart to knowe wisdome and knowledge, madnes and foolishnes: I knew also that this is a vexation of the spirit.
And I give my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I have known that even this [is] vexation of spirit;
I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
And I have given my heart to know prudence, and learning, and errors, and folly: and I have perceived that in these also there was labour, and vexation of spirit,
So I determined to learn more about being wise and to learn about knowing about many things, and also to learn about doing things that are very foolish [DOU]. But I found out that trying to understand those things was also useless, like chasing the wind.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 1:17
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶתְּנָ֤/ה
לִבִּ/י֙
לָ/דַ֣עַת
חָכְמָ֔ה
וְ/דַ֥עַת
הוֹלֵל֖וֹת
וְ/שִׂכְל֑וּת
יָדַ֕עְתִּי
שֶׁ/גַּם
זֶ֥ה
ה֖וּא
רַעְי֥וֹן
רֽוּחַ
וָ/אֶתְּנָ֤/ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
לָ/דַ֣עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חָכְמָ֔ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/דַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-a
הוֹלֵל֖וֹת
hôwlêlâh
H1947
madness
N-fp
וְ/שִׂכְל֑וּת
çiklûwth
H5531
folly
Conj | N-fs
יָדַ֕עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
שֶׁ/גַּם
gam
H1571
also
Rel | Adv
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
רַעְי֥וֹן
raʻyôwn
H7475
striving
N-ms
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 1:17
וָ/אֶתְּנָ֤/ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לָ/דַ֣עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
חָכְמָ֔ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/דַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הוֹלֵל֖וֹת
hôwlêlâh
H1947
"madness"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for madness or foolishness, describing a state of mind that lacks wisdom or good judgment, as seen in the book of Proverbs. It can also refer to reckless or impulsive behavior. This concept is discussed in Proverbs 12:1.
Definition: madness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: madness. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 9:3.
וְ/שִׂכְל֑וּת
çiklûwth
H5531
"folly"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to foolish or silly behavior, like in Proverbs 9:13-18, where it describes the folly of a foolish woman. It can also mean a foolish or senseless act. English Bibles often translate it as 'folly' or 'foolishness'.
Definition: folly, foolishness Another spelling of sikh.lut (סִכְלוּת "folly" H5531B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishness. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 10:13.
יָדַ֕עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
שֶׁ/גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
Rel | Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
רַעְי֥וֹן
raʻyôwn
H7475
"striving"
N-ms
This word describes a strong longing or striving, like a deep desire. It can also mean a state of vexation or distress, like being troubled in one's mind.
Definition: longing, striving Aramaic equivalent: ra.yon (רַעְיוֹן "thought" H7476)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: vexation. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:22; Ecclesiastes 4:16.
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 1:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 1:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:17
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:17
Context — With Wisdom Comes Sorrow
15What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.
16I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”
17So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind.
18For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 2:3 | I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 1:13–14 | And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 7:23–25 | All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me. What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it? I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 2:10–12 | Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished? |
Ecclesiastes 1:17 Summary
This verse means that even when we try to learn and understand as much as we can, it can feel like we're not getting anywhere, like we're chasing something we can't catch. The author is saying that this feeling of futility is a normal part of life, and that true fulfillment and meaning can only be found in a relationship with God (Psalm 16:11). It's like trying to hold water in our hands - no matter how hard we try, it will always slip away. As it says in 1 Corinthians 1:20, God's wisdom is different from the world's wisdom, and it's only through Him that we can find true understanding and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to pursue the wind in Ecclesiastes 1:17?
Pursuing the wind is a metaphor for chasing something that is elusive and unattainable, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:17, where the author learns that seeking wisdom, madness, and folly is also a pursuit of the wind, much like the futility described in Ecclesiastes 2:17.
Is the author of Ecclesiastes saying that wisdom is bad or useless?
No, the author is not saying that wisdom is bad or useless, but rather that even with much wisdom, there is still much sorrow, as stated in Ecclesiastes 1:18, and that true fulfillment and meaning can only be found in a relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 119:97-104.
What is the difference between wisdom, madness, and folly in this verse?
Wisdom refers to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, while madness and folly refer to reckless and foolish behavior, as seen in the contrast between the wise and the foolish in Proverbs 10:1-32, and the author is recognizing that even in his pursuit of wisdom, he can still be prone to madness and folly.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Ecclesiastes?
This verse sets the tone for the rest of the book, which explores the themes of the fleeting nature of life, the futility of human pursuits, and the search for meaning and purpose, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 and Ecclesiastes 12:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which you have pursued the wind in your own life, and what have you learned from those experiences?
- How do you balance the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge with the recognition that true fulfillment and meaning can only be found in a relationship with God?
- In what ways do you see the tension between wisdom and folly playing out in your own life, and how can you cultivate wisdom and discernment in your decisions and actions?
- What does it mean to you that even with much wisdom, there is still much sorrow, and how can you find comfort and hope in the midst of sorrow?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:17
And I gave my heart to know wisdom,.... Which is repeated, for the confirmation of it, from Ecclesiastes 1:13, and that it might be taken notice of how assiduous and diligent he had been in acquiring
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:17
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly, that I might thoroughly understand the nature and difference of truth and error, of virtue and vice, all things being best understood by contraries, and might discern if there were any opinion or practice amongst men which would give him full satisfaction. Vexation of spirit; or, feeding upon wind, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
Ecclesiastes 1:17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.Ver. 17. And to know madness and folly.] That by comparing of contraries, I might the sooner find and fish out what I sought for. Sed frustra fui, but I disquieted myself in vain. Philosophandum igitur, sed paucis; there is a deceit in philosophy, and he who chooseth to hold fast this "lying vanity," doth by his own election "forsake his own mercy."
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
(17) Madness and folly are words we should not expect to find in this context, and accordingly some interpreters have attempted by variations of reading to substitute for them words of the same nature as “wisdom and knowledge,” but see Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 7:25. Taking the text as it stands, it means to know wisdom and knowledge fully by a study of their contraries. The word for “madness” is peculiar to this book, but the corresponding verb occurs frequently in other books.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:17
Verse 17. To know madness and folly] הוללות ושכלות holloth vesichluth. Παραβολαςκαιεπιστημην, "Parables and science." - Septuagint. So the Syriac; nearly so the Arabic. "What were error and foolishness." - Coverdale. Perhaps gayety and sobriety may be the better meaning for these two difficult words. I can scarcely think they are taken in that bad sense in which our translation exhibits them. "I tried pleasure in all its forms; and sobriety and self-abnegation to their utmost extent." Choheleth paraphrases, "Even fools and madmen taught me rules."
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:17
17. And I gave my heart] The apparent iteration of the phrase of Ecc 1:13 expresses the concentration of purpose. The writer adds that his search took a yet wider range. He sought to know wisdom through its opposite, to enlarge his experience of the diseases of human thought. He had fathomed the depths of the “madness and folly;” the former word expressing in Hebrew as in English the wilder forms of unwisdom. There is, perhaps, a touch of self-mockery in the fact that the latter word in the Hebrew is all but identical in sound with a word which means “prudence.” One, the writer seems to say, has the same issue as the other. Some critics, indeed (e.g. Ginsburg), think that the present text originated in an error of transcription and that we ought to read “to know wisdom and knowledge.” It has been thought and, as stated in the Introduction (chap. ii.), with some reason, that in the use of the stronger word we have an echo of the current language of the Stoics who looked on all the weaknesses of mankind as so many forms of insanity. So Horace (Sat. ii. 3. 43), “Quem mala stultitia et quemcunque inscitia veriCζcum agit, insanum Chrysippi porticus et grexAutumat. Hζc populos, hζc magnos formula reges,Excepto sapiente, tenet.”“Him, whom weak folly leads in blindness on,Unknowing of the Truth, the Porch and tribeWho call Chrysippus Master, treat as mad.Peoples and mighty kings, all but the wiseThis formula embraces.”So also Diog.
Laert. vii. 124, λέγουσιπάνταςτοὺςἄφροναςμαίνεσθαι.“All that are foolish they pronounce insane.”vexation of spirit] Better, feeding on wind, as before. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:14. The word is, however, not identical in form, but expresses a more concrete idea. By some it is rendered “meditation.” The fact that the writer uses a word not found elsewhere in the Old Testament, suggests the thought that he wanted a new word for the expression of a new thought.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:17
To know madness and folly - A knowledge of folly would help him to discern wisdom, and to exercise that chief function of practical wisdom - to avoid folly.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:17
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Spiritual Treason by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's |
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Easter Passion by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who was delivered from a life of addiction and despair by the power of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the simplicit |
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How to Tell When a Thing Is From God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encou |
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Apologetics by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural framework and mindset of the people we are trying to communicate with. He compares it to speakin |
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Spiritual Discernment by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of three exercises of the mind: proving, holding, and abstaining. He explains that these exercises are crucial in navigating |
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The Form of Sound Words by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the truth of the gospel. It encourages parents to provide sound instruction in the doctrines of Chris |
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Audio Sermon: Spiritual Warfare and Deception by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual warfare, highlighting the dangers of deception and seduction by Gibeonites, who masquerade as harmless but aim to dece |