Ecclesiastes 7:23
Ecclesiastes 7:23 in Multiple Translations
All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me.
¶ All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
All this have I proved in wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
All this I have put to the test by wisdom; I said, I will be wise, but it was far from me.
I have examined all this using the principles of wisdom. I told myself, “I will think wisely.” But wisdom eluded me.
Giue not thine heart also to all ye wordes that men speake, lest thou doe heare thy seruant cursing thee.
All this I have tried by wisdom; I have said, 'I am wise,' and it [is] far from me.
All this I have proved in wisdom. I said, “I will be wise;” but it was far from me.
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
For thy conscience knoweth that thou also hast often spoken evil of others.
I said to myself that I would use my wisdom to study all the things that I have written about, but I was not able to do it successfully.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 7:23
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 7:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
זֹ֖ה
נִסִּ֣יתִי
בַֽ/חָכְמָ֑ה
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
אֶחְכָּ֔מָה
וְ/הִ֖יא
רְחוֹקָ֥ה
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זֹ֖ה
zôh
H2090
this
Pron
נִסִּ֣יתִי
nâçâh
H5254
to test
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
בַֽ/חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Prep | N-fs
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶחְכָּ֔מָה
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-1cs
וְ/הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
רְחוֹקָ֥ה
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Adj
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
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 7:23
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זֹ֖ה
zôh
H2090
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, used to point out something specific. It is often translated as it, this, or that in the Bible.
Definition: this
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus. See also: Judges 18:4; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Psalms 132:12.
נִסִּ֣יתִי
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
בַֽ/חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Prep | 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.
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶחְכָּ֔מָה
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-1cs
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
וְ/הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | 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.
רְחוֹקָ֥ה
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 7:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 7:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:23
Context — The Limits of Human Wisdom
21Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you.
22For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
23All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me.
24What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it? 25I 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 1:22 | Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, |
| 2 | Genesis 3:5 | “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 1:20 | Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? |
| 4 | 1 Kings 11:1–8 | King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 3:11–12 | So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you. |
Ecclesiastes 7:23 Summary
The writer of Ecclesiastes tried to be wise and understand life, but realized it was beyond his ability. This shows us that we can't figure everything out on our own and need to trust in God's wisdom, as seen in Psalm 111:10. We should strive to be wise, but also recognize our limitations and seek wisdom from God, who is the source of all true understanding (Proverbs 1:7). By acknowledging our limits, we can humbly depend on God and find true wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'test by wisdom' as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 7:23?
To test by wisdom means to examine and evaluate life's experiences and circumstances through the lens of wisdom, as the writer of Ecclesiastes did, saying 'I resolve to be wise' and then realizing the limitations of human understanding, as also seen in Proverbs 1:7.
Why did the writer of Ecclesiastes say that being wise was 'beyond me'?
The writer acknowledged the limits of human wisdom, recognizing that true wisdom and understanding come from God, as stated in Job 28:28 and Jeremiah 9:24, and that human efforts to achieve wisdom on their own will ultimately fall short.
Is it wrong to strive for wisdom, as the writer of Ecclesiastes did?
No, it is not wrong to strive for wisdom, as Proverbs 4:7 encourages us to 'get wisdom' and Ecclesiastes 7:19 itself notes the value of wisdom, but rather to recognize the limitations of human wisdom and the need for humility and dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 111:10.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes 7:23 is part of the larger theme of the book, which explores the nature of life, the search for meaning, and the limitations of human understanding, all of which point to the conclusion that 'fear God and keep His commandments' as the ultimate purpose of life, as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have tried to be wise in my own strength, only to realize my limitations?
- How can I balance the pursuit of wisdom with the recognition of my own limitations and the need for dependence on God?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Ecclesiastes 7:23 to my own life, acknowledging the limits of my understanding and seeking wisdom from God?
- What does it mean for me to 'fear God and keep His commandments' in the face of life's uncertainties and mysteries?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this have I proved by wisdom,.... Referring either to all that he had been discoursing of hitherto in this book, concerning the vanity of natural wisdom and knowledge, of pleasure, power, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this, or all these things, of which I have here discoursed, have I proved, I have diligently examined and found all this to be true, by wisdom; by the help of that singular wisdom which God had given me. I said, I will be wise; I determined within myself that I would by all possible means seek to attain perfection of wisdom, and I persuaded myself that I should attain to it. But it was far from me; I found myself greatly disappointed, and the more I knew, the more I saw mine own folly and misery.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
Ecclesiastes 7:23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it [was] far from me.Ver. 23. I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.] Solomon here seems to say of wisdom, as Nazianzen doth of God the author of it, Tantum recedit, quantum capitur. Not that wisdom itself doth fly away, but because that they who have most of it do especially understand that it exceedeth the capacity of any one to be able to comprehend it (as Basil gives the reason), so that they that think they have got demonstrations perceive afterwards that they are no more than topica aut sophisticae rationes, topical or sophistical arguments, as Lyra here noteth. Bonus quidam vir solebat esse solus, &c., saith Melanchthon: a certain well meaning man was wont to walk and study much alone, and lighting upon Aristotle’ s discourse concerning the nature of the rainbow, he fell into many odd speculations and strange conceits; and, writing to a friend of his, told him that in all other matters, though dark and obscure, he had outdone Aristotle; but in the matter of the rainbow he had outdone himself. After this he came into the public schools, and disputed of that argument, Et tote prorsus coelo a veritate aberrabat suis phantasiis; and then he came to see that he had been utterly out, and strangely miscarried by those phantasies which he had so strongly fancied. Basil., Tract de Fide. Joh. Manl., Loc. Com., 536.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
(23) The confession of failure to attain speculative knowledge gives energy to the preacher’s next following enunciation of the practical lesson which he has learned from his experience.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
Verse 23. All this have I proved by wisdom] These rules I have laid down for my own conduct, and sought after more wisdom; but have fallen far short of what I wished to be.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:23
23. I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me] The words express at once the high aim of the seeker and his sense of incompleteness. Wisdom in its fulness was for him, as for Job (chap. 28) far above out of his reach. He had to give up the attempt to solve the problems of the Universe, and to confine himself to rules of conduct, content if he could find guidance there.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:23
I will be - Or, I am. There was a time when Solomon thought himself wise enough to comprehend the work of God, and therefore needed for himself the self-humbling conviction declared in this verse. It - i. e. Wisdom.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:23
23. This have I proved — Simple common sense went thus far in this direction, but here reached its barrier.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Kjv Version Bible - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the warnings given by Paul the Apostle in Romans chapter 1. He emphasizes the danger of people who claim to be wise but instead worship their |
|
|
Last Days by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the concept of the last days and the end of the world as we know it, emphasizing the signs and scoffers that will arise. It delves into the idea of a new wor |
|
Freemasonary and the Masonic Lodge by Ron Carlson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the initiation ceremony of Freemasonry and compares it to the teachings of Jesus in the Bible. He highlights the differences between the Maso |
|
Give Thanks Unto the Lord! by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal testimony of how they came to the school in 1996 due to a desperate situation after losing their mother at a young age. They expre |
|
Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 5 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the loss of absolutes in culture, leading to a search for wonder and the impact of materialism on society. It explores the existential questions arising fro |
|
Cse Seminar 7(2003) Questions and Answers by Kent Hovind | This sermon by Kent Hovind delves into the topics of creation, evolution, and dinosaurs, emphasizing the belief that the Bible is scientifically accurate and evolution is a flawed |
|
Acts 18_pt1 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher describes the city of Corinth during the time of the Roman Empire. He emphasizes how the people of Corinth had turned away from God and worshiped creat |