Ecclesiastes 7:19
Ecclesiastes 7:19 in Multiple Translations
Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers that are in a city.
Wisdom makes a wise man stronger than ten rulers in a town.
Wisdom gives a wise person greater power than ten town councilors.
Be not thou wicked ouermuch, neither be thou foolish: wherefore shouldest thou perish not in thy time?
The wisdom giveth strength to a wise man, more than wealth the rulers who have been in a city.
Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men who are in the city.
It is good that thou shouldst hold up the just, yea and from him withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God, neglecteth nothing.
If you are wise, you will be more powerful/influential than the ten most powerful/influential men in your city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 7:19
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 7:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
תָּעֹ֣ז
לֶ/חָכָ֑ם
מֵֽ/עֲשָׂרָה֙
שַׁלִּיטִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הָי֖וּ
בָּ/עִֽיר
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Art | N-fs
תָּעֹ֣ז
ʻâzaz
H5810
be strong
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לֶ/חָכָ֑ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Prep | Adj
מֵֽ/עֲשָׂרָה֙
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Prep | Adj
שַׁלִּיטִ֔ים
shallîyṭ
H7989
domineering
Adj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָּ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
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 7:19
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Art | 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.
תָּעֹ֣ז
ʻâzaz
H5810
"be strong"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to be strong or prevail, and can also mean to make something firm. It's used in the Bible to describe God strengthening someone or someone becoming strong. The KJV translates it as 'harden' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong 1a) (Qal) to be strong, prevail 1b) (Hiphil) to make firm, strengthen
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: harden, impudent, prevail, strengthen (self), be strong. See also: Judges 3:10; Proverbs 7:13; Psalms 9:20.
לֶ/חָכָ֑ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Prep | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
מֵֽ/עֲשָׂרָה֙
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
שַׁלִּיטִ֔ים
shallîyṭ
H7989
"domineering"
Adj
This word describes someone who is in charge or has power over others, like a ruler or warrior. It is used to convey strength and leadership. In the Bible, it is translated as 'governor' or 'ruler'.
Definition: 1) having mastery, domineering, master 1a) having mastery 1a1) ruler (subst) 1b) domineering, imperious Aramaic equivalent: shal.lit (שַׁלִּיט "ruling" H7990)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: governor, mighty, that hath power, ruler. See also: Genesis 42:6; Ecclesiastes 8:8; Ecclesiastes 10:5.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
הָי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בָּ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 7:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 7:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:19
Context — The Limits of Human Wisdom
17Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?
18It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.
19Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
20Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. 21Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:22 | A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. |
| 2 | Colossians 1:9–11 | For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:5 | A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 | I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me: There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 20:16–22 | a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” “Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem. |
Ecclesiastes 7:19 Summary
This verse means that having wisdom is like having a special kind of strength that can help you more than having a lot of power or control over others. It's like having a superpower that comes from understanding and following God's ways, as seen in Psalms 119:98-100. When we seek wisdom from God, as promised in James 1:5, we can make better decisions and live more effectively, even if we don't have a lot of authority or influence. By trusting in God's wisdom, we can experience a deeper kind of strength and stability in our lives, as described in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for wisdom to make someone stronger than ten rulers?
This phrase suggests that wisdom gives a person greater influence and power than many leaders, as seen in Proverbs 24:5, which says that wisdom is a source of strength for the wise.
Is this verse saying that wisdom is more important than authority?
While authority has its place, this verse highlights the value of wisdom in making decisions and navigating life, as also emphasized in James 1:5, where wisdom is promised to those who ask for it in faith.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
By seeking wisdom through prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking counsel from wise believers, as encouraged in Psalms 119:66 and Proverbs 11:14, you can experience the strengthening power of wisdom in your own life.
Does this verse imply that rulers or leaders are not wise?
Not necessarily, as some rulers may indeed be wise, but this verse emphasizes the superior value of wisdom over mere positional power, a theme also found in Genesis 41:38-40, where Pharaoh recognizes Joseph's wisdom as a gift from God.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek wisdom to overcome challenges?
- How can I prioritize the pursuit of wisdom in my daily life, and what practices can help me grow in wisdom?
- What are some examples from my own life or from the lives of others where wisdom has proven to be more powerful than external authority or strength?
- In what ways can I use the wisdom God gives me to serve and bless others, as encouraged in Matthew 10:42 and 1 Peter 4:10?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise,.... Against such extremes as before mentioned; it is a guard about him, as well as a guide unto him; it is a defence unto him, as before observed, Ecclesiastes 7:12;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. Wisdom - Hebrew, "The wisdom," i:e., the true wisdom, religion (2 Timothy 3:15).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom; true wisdom, which is always joined with the fear of God, and which teacheth a man to keep close to the rule of his duty, without turning either to the right hand or to the left. Strengtheneth the wise; supporteth him in and secureth him against troubles and dangers. Ten, i.e. many, uniting the forces together.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city.Ver. 19. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise, &c.] Prudence excelleth puissance, and counsel valour. This made Agamemnon set such a price upon Ulysses; Darius, upon Zopyrus; the Syracusans, upon Archimedes; the Spartans, upon Leonidas, who, with six hundred men, dispersed five hundred thousand of Xerxes his host. Those that are wise to salvation go ever under a double guard; the peace of God within them, the power of God without them. No sultan of Babylon or Egypt (who have that title from the Hebrew word here rendered mighty men) did ever go so well guarded. Justin., lib. ii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
(19) Mighty men.—The word is translated “governor” Genesis 42:6, and so see Ecclesiastes 10:5; see also Ecclesiastes 8:8. The preacher returns to the topic of Ecc 7:12. Of the “For” in the next verse, only forced explanations have been given; the sentiment is Solomon’s (1 Kings 8:46).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
Verse 19. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise] One wise, thoroughly learned, and scientific man, may be of more use in fortifying and defending a city, than ten princes. Witness the case of Syracuse, when attacked by the Romans both by sea and land. Archimedes, by his engines, burnt and dashed their fleet to pieces, and destroyed all that came near the walls. And had not the city been betrayed, and he killed, all their force and skill could not have taken it.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:19
19. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise] The fact that the Debater had not forgotten that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7; Psalms 111:10; Job 28:21) serves as the connecting link between this and the preceding verse. The “ten mighty men” stand as a vague number, certus pro incerto (comp. Genesis 31:7; Numbers 14:22), and it is a fantastic line of interpretation to connect them with any definite political organization, Assyrian viceroys, Persian vice-satraps, Roman decurions, or the like. It is, however, an interesting coincidence, pointed out by Mr Tyler, that a city was defined by the Mishna (Megila i. 3) to be a town in which there were ten Batlanim, or men of leisure, to constitute a synagogue. A striking parallel is found in Sir 37:14, “A man’s mind is wont to tell him more than seven men that sit upon a tower.” What is meant is generally that the wisdom that fears God is better than mere force, that moral strength is in the long run mightier than material. Wise statesmen may do more than generals.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:19
19. This and the following verses refer to the imperfectness of the examples of great men.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Life Changing Prayer by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ceaseless prayer and provides a six-fold request for believers to pray for one another. He encourages fathers and mothers t |
|
Keep Looking to Jesus by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of where we direct our gaze. He references a story from the book of Burgum about a man who could only look downward with a mil |
|
The Vine and the Branches by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that only God can enable us to live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in all respects. He dismisses the idea of relying on formulas or |
|
The Will of God for You by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of understanding and fulfilling God's will in our lives, particularly through the act of giving thanks in all circumstances. He highlight |
|
(Guidelines) Spirit of God Makes It Real by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the personal experience of knowing that the Bible is the Word of God. He prays for the listeners to have the assurance that the Spirit of Go |
|
|
Keep Looking to Jesus (Alternative) by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker, Corrigan Boone, talks about the importance of looking in the right direction and not being distracted by worldly things. He emphasizes the need to reco |
|
(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) a Home for God by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of young people understanding their role as the foundation of the next generation. He challenges them to not repeat the mist |