Ecclesiastes 1:18
Ecclesiastes 1:18 in Multiple Translations
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Because in much wisdom is much grief, and increase of knowledge is increase of sorrow.
For with great wisdom comes great frustration. The greater the knowledge, the greater the pain.
For in the multitude of wisedome is much griefe: and he that increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorowe.
for, in abundance of wisdom [is] abundance of sadness, and he who addeth knowledge addeth pain.'
For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Because In much wisdom there is much indignation: and he that addeth knowledge, addeth also labour.
The wiser I became, the more disappointed I became. The more things I knew about, the sadder I became.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
חָכְמָ֖ה
רָב
כָּ֑עַס
וְ/יוֹסִ֥יף
דַּ֖עַת
יוֹסִ֥יף
מַכְאֽוֹב
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
רָב
rab
H7227
many
N-ms
כָּ֑עַס
kaʻaç
H3708
vexation
N-ms
וְ/יוֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
דַּ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
יוֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
מַכְאֽוֹב
makʼôb
H4341
pain
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 1:18
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
חָכְמָ֖ה
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.
רָב
rab
H7227
"many"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
כָּ֑עַס
kaʻaç
H3708
"vexation"
N-ms
This noun refers to the feeling of anger or frustration, like in Deuteronomy 32 where it describes God's vexation with the Israelites. It can also mean grief or provocation. It's a strong negative emotion.
Definition: anger, vexation Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: anger, angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, [idiom] sore, sorrow, spite, wrath. See also: Deuteronomy 32:19; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 6:8.
וְ/יוֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
דַּ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
יוֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
מַכְאֽוֹב
makʼôb
H4341
"pain"
N-ms
This word describes physical or mental pain, like sorrow or grief. It is used in the Bible to express deep emotional or physical hurt. The KJV translates it as grief, pain, or sorrow.
Definition: 1) pain, sorrow 1a) pain (physical) 1b) pain (mental)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: grief, pain, sorrow. See also: Exodus 3:7; Ecclesiastes 2:23; Psalms 32:10.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:18
Context — With Wisdom Comes Sorrow
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 | Job 28:28 | And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 12:12–13 | And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 3:18–20 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 7:16 | Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? |
| 5 | James 3:13–17 | Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 2:23 | Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 2:15 | So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. |
Ecclesiastes 1:18 Summary
[This verse means that the more we learn and understand about the world, the more we will see its problems and be sad about them. As it says in Ecclesiastes 1:18, 'For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.' This is why it's essential to seek wisdom from God, who can help us understand the world and its problems from His perspective, as written in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God and seeking His wisdom, we can navigate the complexities of life and find joy and peace, even in the midst of sorrow, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'with much wisdom comes much sorrow'?
This means that the more we understand about the world and its ways, the more we will be aware of its problems and injustices, leading to greater sorrow, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:18. This is similar to what the Apostle Paul experienced, as written in Romans 9:1-3, where he expresses his deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites who did not know God.
Is it wrong to seek knowledge and wisdom?
No, seeking knowledge and wisdom is not wrong, as Proverbs 9:10 says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.' However, as Ecclesiastes 1:18 warns, we must be aware that increased knowledge can also lead to increased grief, and we must seek wisdom from God, as stated in James 1:5.
How can we balance the pursuit of wisdom with the risk of increased sorrow?
We can balance the pursuit of wisdom with the risk of increased sorrow by remembering that our ultimate hope and joy come from God, not from our own understanding, as written in Jeremiah 9:23-24. We must also learn to trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, and not rely solely on our own wisdom.
What is the relationship between knowledge and grief?
As knowledge grows, our awareness of the world's problems and injustices also grows, leading to increased grief, as stated in Ecclesiastes 1:18. This is why it's essential to seek wisdom from God, who can give us a proper perspective on our knowledge and help us navigate the complexities of life, as written in Proverbs 2:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have sought wisdom, only to find increased sorrow?
- How can I balance my desire for knowledge and understanding with the potential risks of increased grief?
- What role does trust in God play in my pursuit of wisdom, and how can I cultivate that trust?
- In what ways can I use my growing knowledge and wisdom to bring glory to God and serve others, rather than simply increasing my own sorrow?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:18
For in much wisdom [is] much grief,.... In getting it, and losing it when it is gotten: or "indignation" (t), at himself and others; being more sensible of the follies and weakness of human nature;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:18
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
Grief, or indignation, or displeasure within himself, and against his present condition. Increaseth sorrow; which he doth many ways, partly, because he gets his knowledge with hard and wearisome labour, both of mind and body, with the consumption of his spirits, and shortening and embitterment of his life; partly, because he is oft deceived with knowledge falsely so called, and oft mistakes errors for truths, and is perplexed with manifold doubts, from which ignorant men are wholly free; partly, because he foresees, and consequently feels, the terror of many miseries which are or are likely to come to pass, which are unobserved by less knowing persons, and which possibly never happen; partly, because he hath the clearer prospect into, and quicker sense of, his own ignorance, and infirmities, and disorders, and withal how vain and ineffectual all his knowledge is for the prevention or removal of them; and partly, because his knowledge is very imperfect and unsatisfying, yet increasing his thirst after more knowledge, and consequently after more dissatisfaction, because instead of that just honour, and delight, and advantage which he expects from it, he meets with nothing but envy, and opposition, and contempt, because his knowledge quickly fades and dies with him, and then leaves him in no better, and possibly in a much worse, condition than the meanest and most unlearned man in the world.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
Ecclesiastes 1:18 For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.Ver. 18. For in much wisdom is much grief.] And herein children and fools have the advantage; as they want wit, so they want woe; as little is given to them, so little is required of them. Nihil scire vita iucundissima, To know nothing is the bravest life, as the Greek proverb hath it. But this must be taken with a grain of salt; and we must know, that heavenly wisdom hath infinite pleasure; and so far as all other arts and sciences are subservient to it, and regulated by it, they afford to the mind an incredible delight and sweetness. Eντωφρονεινγαρμηδενηδιστοςβιος - Soph.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
(18) Grief.—Irritation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
Verse 18. For in much wisdom is much grief] The more we know of ourselves the less satisfied shall we be with our own hearts; and the more we know of mankind the less willing shall we be to trust them, and the less shall we admire them. He that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.] And why so? Because, independently of God, the principal objects of knowledge are natural and moral evils. The Targum gives a curious paraphrase here: "The man who multiplies wisdom, when he sins and is not converted to repentance, multiplies the indignation of God against himself; and the man who adds science, and yet dies in his childhood, adds grief of heart to his relatives." A man in science; a foolish child in conduct. How pained must they be who had the expense of his education! But there are many men-children of this sort in every age and country.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:18
18. in much wisdom is much grief] The same sad sentence was written on the study of man’s nature in its greatness and its littleness, its sanity and insanity. The words have passed into a proverb, and were, perhaps, proverbial when the Debater wrote them. The mere widening of the horizon, whether of ethical or of physical knowledge, brought no satisfaction. In the former case men became more conscious of their distance from the true ideal. They ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the only result was that they knew that “they were naked” (Genesis 3:7). In the latter, the more they knew of the phenomena of nature or of human life the more they felt that the “most part of God’s works were hid.” Add to this the brain-weariness, the laborious days, the sleepless nights, the frustrated ambitions of the student, and we can understand the confession of the Debater. It has naturally been often echoed. So Cicero (Tusc. Disp. iii. 4) discusses the thesis, “Videtur mihi cadere in sapientem ægritudo” (“Sickness seems to me to be the lot of the wise of heart”).
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:18
We become more sensible of our ignorance and impotence, and therefore sorrowful, in proportion as we discover more of the constitution of nature and the scheme of Providence in the government of the
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18
18. Much… grief — The philosopher finds disappointment in his philosophy, and the most successful student has painful reactions of mind and body.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Winter Afore Harvest or the Soul's Growth in Grace - Part 4 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the transformative journey of a believer's soul through trials and tribulations, leading to a deep reliance on Christ for all things, the crushing of pr |
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Pythagorus Three Classes of Humanity by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores Pythagoras' classification of humanity into three groups: seekers after knowledge, honor, and gain. He critiques modern society, noting that seekers of knowledg |
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Internship Program Study Part 2 (Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology p.15 - 25) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which we live, especially for those who have a hunger to know and prea |
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(Guidelines) Revelation by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the words of Scripture are inspired by God. He shares a story about a girl who received praise for her sin |
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Religion the Highest Wisdom, and Sin the Greatest Madness and Folly by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of true wisdom, highlighting the fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom and the necessity of following His commandments for good un |
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Life's Most Important Fear by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes that the most significant fear in life is the lack of reverence for God, as highlighted in Romans 3:9-18. He explains that many people do not recognize thei |
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Proverbs 9:10 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foundational starting point for wisdom, urging believers to recognize the importance of reverential awe towards God. He disc |