Ecclesiastes 2:12
Ecclesiastes 2:12 in Multiple Translations
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?
¶ And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been done long ago.
And I went again in search of wisdom and of foolish ways. What may the man do who comes after the king? The thing which he has done before.
So I started to think about wisdom—and madness and foolishness. For what can anyone who comes after the king do that hasn't already been done?
And I turned to beholde wisedome, and madnes and follie: (for who is the man that will come after the King in things, which men nowe haue done?)
And I turned to see wisdom, and madness, and folly, but what [is] the man who cometh after the king? that which [is] already — they have done it!
I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly; for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
I passed further to behold wisdom, and errors and folly, (What is man, said I, that he can follow the King his maker?)
Then I started to think about being wise, and also about being foolish [DOU]. I said to myself, “I certainly do not think that [RHQ] the next king will be able to do anything better than I can.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:12
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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פָנִ֤יתִֽי
אֲנִי֙
לִ/רְא֣וֹת
חָכְמָ֔ה
וְ/הוֹלֵל֖וֹת
וְ/סִכְל֑וּת
כִּ֣י
מֶ֣ה
הָ/אָדָ֗ם
שֶׁ/יָּבוֹא֙
אַחֲרֵ֣י
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
אֵ֥ת
אֲשֶׁר
כְּבָ֖ר
עָשֽׂוּ/הוּ
וּ/פָנִ֤יתִֽי
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
לִ/רְא֣וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חָכְמָ֔ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/הוֹלֵל֖וֹת
hôwlêlâh
H1947
madness
Conj | N-fp
וְ/סִכְל֑וּת
çiklûwth
H5531
folly
Conj | N-fs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הָ/אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
שֶׁ/יָּבוֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
כְּבָ֖ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
already
Adv
עָשֽׂוּ/הוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:12
וּ/פָנִ֤יתִֽי
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
לִ/רְא֣וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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/הוֹלֵל֖וֹת
hôwlêlâh
H1947
"madness"
Conj | 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/סִכְל֑וּת
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.
כִּ֣י
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.
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הָ/אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
שֶׁ/יָּבוֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
כְּבָ֖ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
"already"
Adv
Already refers to something that has happened in the past or has been true for a long time, such as in Genesis where it says God had already created the world.
Definition: already, long ago, a great while
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: already, (seeing that which), now. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:10; Ecclesiastes 4:2; Ecclesiastes 9:7.
עָשֽׂוּ/הוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:12
Context — The Wise and the Foolish
10Anything 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.
11Yet 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.
12Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished?
13And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness: 14The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:17 | So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 7:25 | 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. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 1:9–10 | What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us. |
Ecclesiastes 2:12 Summary
This verse is saying that even the most powerful person, the king, can't do anything new or better than what has already been done. The author is realizing that all human accomplishments are limited and fleeting, as noted in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3. He is turning to consider what is truly valuable, like wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 4:7, and recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from earthly pursuits, but from a relationship with God, as stated in Psalm 16:11. By considering our own pursuits and priorities, we can learn to focus on what truly brings lasting joy and fulfillment, as noted in John 10:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the king's successor referring to in Ecclesiastes 2:12?
The king's successor is likely a reference to the idea that no matter who comes after the current king, they will not be able to do anything more than what has already been accomplished, as noted in Ecclesiastes 2:12, highlighting the futility of human endeavors under the sun, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:14-15.
Why is the author considering wisdom, madness, and folly in this verse?
The author is considering wisdom, madness, and folly to understand their value and impact, as he has come to realize that his pursuit of pleasure and wealth has been futile, as stated in Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, and is now seeking to find meaning in wisdom, as also seen in Proverbs 9:10.
What is the significance of the phrase 'what more can the king's successor do'?
The phrase 'what more can the king's successor do' emphasizes the idea that human accomplishments are limited and ultimately meaningless, as noted in Ecclesiastes 2:12, and that true fulfillment cannot be found in earthly pursuits, as also stated in Psalm 127:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Ecclesiastes?
This verse is a pivotal point in the book of Ecclesiastes, as it marks a shift from the author's pursuit of pleasure and wealth to his consideration of wisdom and the fleeting nature of human life, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, and sets the stage for the rest of the book's exploration of the human condition, as noted in Ecclesiastes 8:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am pursuing fleeting pleasures or accomplishments, and how can I shift my focus to what truly brings fulfillment?
- How can I, like the author, consider the value of wisdom in my life and make decisions that reflect a pursuit of wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:13-18?
- What are some ways that I can apply the idea that 'what has already been accomplished' is sufficient, and not get caught up in the idea that I need to constantly achieve more, as noted in Matthew 6:33?
- How can I balance the pursuit of wisdom with the recognition that, ultimately, all human endeavors are subject to the limitations and uncertainties of life under the sun, as seen in James 4:13-15?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:12
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly,.... Being disappointed in his pursuit of pleasure, and not finding satisfaction and happiness in that, he turns from it, and reassumes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:12
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly; of which see . Being frustrated of my hopes in pleasure, I returned to a second and more serious consideration of my first choice, to see whether there was not more satisfaction to be gotten from wisdom, than what I discovered at my first view. What can the man do, to find out the truth in this matter, to discover the utmost satisfaction which was possibly to be found in pleasures? So this is added as a reason why he gave over the thoughts of pleasures, and directed them to another object, and why he so confidently asserted their vanity from his own particular experience, because he had made the best of them, and it was a vain thing for any private man to expect that from them which could not be found by a king, and such a king, who had so much wisdom to invent, and such vast riches to pursue and enjoy, all imaginary delights, and who had made it his design and business to search this to the bottom. That cometh after the king; that succeeds me in this inquiry. That which hath been already done; as by others in former times, so especially by myself. They can make no new discoveries as to this point.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
Ecclesiastes 2:12 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what [can] the man [do] that cometh after the king? [even] that which hath been already done.Ver. 12. For what can the man do that cometh after the king?] - q.d., Who is it that can outdo me in this review and discovery? Neither is this a vainglorious vaunting of his own virtues, but an occupation or prevention of an objection: thus, Objection. It may be thou hast not perfectly known the difference of things, and so hast not rightly determined. Solution. To this he answers, that he hath to quit himself in searching and trying the truth in these points, that it is not for any other to go beyond him. And having removed this rub, having carried this dead Amasa out of the way, that might have hindered his hearers’ march, he proceeds in his discourse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
(12) This verse presents some difficulties of translation which need not be discussed here. The Authorised Version gives the following very good sense: If the king has failed in his experiment, what likelihood is there that a private person should be more successful? Yet bearing in mind that in Ecclesiastes 5:18 the “man that cometh after the king” means his successor, and also that the theme of the whole section is that in human affairs there is no progress, it is more simple to understand this verse: the king’s successor can do no more than run the same round that has been trodden by his predecessor.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
Verse 12. For what can the man do that cometh after the king?] I have examined every thing proposed by science, by maddening pleasure, and by more refined and regulated mirth. I seized on the whole, and used them to the uttermost; and so far, that none ever shall be able to exceed me; as none can, in the course of things, ever have such power and means of gratification.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:12
12. I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly] We enter on yet another phase of the life of the seeker after happiness. He falls back with a cynical despair, when mere pleasure left him a prey to satiety and ennui, upon his former study of human nature in its contrasted developments of wisdom, and madness, and folly (see note on chap. Ecclesiastes 1:17). what can the man do that cometh after the king?] Literally, What is the man.… The words are apparently a kind of proverb. No other child of man could try the experiment under more promising conditions than a king like the Solomon of history, and therefore the answer to the question, What can such a man be or do? is simply (if we follow the construction of the A. V.) “Even that which men did before.” He shall tread the same weary round with the same unsatisfying results. The verse is, however, obscure, and has been very variously rendered. So (1) the LXX., following another text, gives “What man will follow after counsel in whatsoever things they wrought it;” (2) the Vulgate, “What is man, said I, that he can follow the King, his Maker;” and (3) many modern interpreters. “What can the man do that comes after the king, whom they made long ago?” i.e. Who can equal the time-honoured fame of Solomon?
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 2:12
Solomon having found that wisdom and folly agree in being subject to vanity, now contrasts one with the other Ecclesiastes 2:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12
12. Koheleth turns to take a comparative view of wisdom, and madness, and folly, arguing that a king, especially of all men, has the means of making a conclusive experiment.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:12
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The Early and Latter Rain by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment and not being deceived by glamorous image advertising. He believes that we are living in a time where image ad |
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The History of Free Masonry - Part 1 by John Daniel | In this sermon, Dr. Stan discusses the battle for the survival of Western civilization and emphasizes the importance of reality over illusion or delusion. He introduces his guest, |
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What Is Your Life - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the themes of materialism, the inevitability of progress, and the sufficiency of man, reflecting on historical events like World War I and II, the devastati |
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Prayer and Revival by Evan Schaible | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from the noise and distractions of the world in order to truly know God. He uses the example of Jesus, |
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Revival - Urbana Conference 1961 by Festo Kivengere | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being practical and simple in our faith, as that is what God desires. He uses the story of Jacob to illustrate this point, |
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Whatever It Takes by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey from the business world to the ministry and the battle he faced in accepting God's calling. He emphasizes that our ways |
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Humanism-the Fifth Woe by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | Martyn-Lloyd Jones addresses the concept of humanism as the fifth woe pronounced by Isaiah, emphasizing that the Bible remains relevant and contemporary, revealing the timeless nat |