Ecclesiastes 9:13
Ecclesiastes 9:13 in Multiple Translations
I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:
¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:
This again I have seen under the sun as wisdom and it seemed great to me.
Here's another aspect of wisdom that impressed me about what happens here on earth.
I haue also seene this wisedome vnder the sunne, and it is great vnto me.
This also I have seen: wisdom under the sun, and it is great to me.
I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed to me great:
This wisdom also I have seen under the sun, and it seemed to me to be very great:
Once I saw something that a wise man did that impressed me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:13
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 9:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
זֹ֛ה
רָאִ֥יתִי
חָכְמָ֖ה
תַּ֣חַת
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
וּ/גְדוֹלָ֥ה
הִ֖יא
אֵלָֽ/י
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
זֹ֛ה
zôh
H2090
this
Pron
רָאִ֥יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
וּ/גְדוֹלָ֥ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Conj | Adj
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 9:13
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
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.
זֹ֛ה
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.
רָאִ֥יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
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.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
וּ/גְדוֹלָ֥ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הִ֖יא
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.
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 9:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 9:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:13
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 9:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:13
Context — Wisdom Is Better than Strength
11I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.
12For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.
13I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:
14There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. 15Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 8:16 | When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night— |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 7:15 | In my futile life I have seen both of these: A righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 6:1 | There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind: |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:11 | I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. |
Ecclesiastes 9:13 Summary
[This verse is saying that the writer of Ecclesiastes has seen some really great wisdom in the world, and it has made a big impact on him, much like the wisdom described in Proverbs 8:1-36. He's talking about the kind of wisdom that helps us navigate life's challenges and uncertainties, as noted in Jeremiah 29:11. By recognizing the value of wisdom, we can learn to appreciate its role in our lives and seek to understand and apply it in our daily experiences, as encouraged in Matthew 7:24-27. This can help us make better decisions and trust in God's plan, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to see wisdom under the sun in Ecclesiastes 9:13?
Seeing wisdom under the sun refers to observing and understanding the ways of the world, as the Preacher has been doing throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, and recognizing the value and greatness of wisdom in this context, as also noted in Proverbs 1:7.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse serves as a bridge between the discussion of chance and time in Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 and the story of the poor wise man in Ecclesiastes 9:14-15, highlighting the importance of wisdom in navigating life's uncertainties, similar to the teachings in James 1:5.
What is the significance of the phrase 'it was great to me'?
The phrase 'it was great to me' indicates that the Preacher has a deep appreciation for the wisdom he has observed, recognizing its significance and impact, much like the Psalmist in Psalms 119:18 who asks for his eyes to be opened to see the wonders of God's law.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by seeking to understand and appreciate the wisdom that God has made available to us, as noted in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, and recognizing its value in navigating the challenges and uncertainties of life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen wisdom at work in my own life, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How do I currently view wisdom, and are there any areas where I need to adjust my perspective to appreciate its value more?
- What are some ways that I can seek to understand and apply wisdom in my daily life, and what role can scripture play in this process, as seen in 2 Peter 1:5-8?
- How can I balance the recognition of wisdom's importance with the reality of living in a world where chance and time can be unpredictable, as noted in Ecclesiastes 9:11-12?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:13
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun,.... Or, "this also I have seen under the sun, even wisdom" (h): besides those things he had, just now observed, he took notice that there was such a thing
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:13
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: This wisdom have I seen - I have seen wisdom exhibited in the way described in what follows.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13
This wisdom have I seen; I have observed this among many other instances and effects of wisdom; which he seems to add for the commendation of wisdom, notwithstanding its insufficiency for man’ s safety and happiness without God’ s blessing. It seemed great unto me; I judged it very praiseworthy, though others despised it, as it follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13
Ecclesiastes 9:13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:Ver. 13. This wisdom also have I seen,] i.e., This fruit and effect of wisdom have I observed, that through the iniquity of the times, it is slighted and left unrewarded if joined with a mean condition. And it seemed great unto me.] Though not unto the many, who value not wisdom, if meanly habited, according to its worth, consider not that “ Saepe sub attrita latitat sapientia veste, ” that within that leathern purse may be a pearl of great price, and in those earthen pots abundance of golden treasure. "I know thy poverty, but thou art rich" The cock on the dunghill understands not this: That which seems great to a Solomon, Multis pro vili sub pedibusque iacet. Stultorum enim plena sunt omnia.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:13
13. This wisdom have I seen also] The Debater points the moral of his previous maxim by a special illustration and it can scarcely be doubted that it was one which his first readers would recognise, though the nature of his method led him to speak as in hints and dark sayings, eschewing the historical element altogether, except so far as men might be able to read between the lines.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 9:13
Or, Also this have I seen - wisdom under the sun, and great it seemed to me. From this verse to the end of Eccl.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13
13. The inability of wisdom to benefit its possessor, as regarded from the personal and egoistic point of view, is illustrated by an instance. This wisdom — That is, this display of “wisdom,” I once saw.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Living Memorials by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of baptism as a symbol of deliverance from sin's penalty and power. He refers to Romans 6:1-4, explaining that it is not just |
|
God Knows Best by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the common evil of a man who is given riches and wealth by God but is unable to enjoy them. He uses the example of a man who lacks noth |
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Do Not Faint by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon focuses on the theme of spiritual weariness and fainting, drawing from Isaiah 40:28-31. It emphasizes the reality of weariness in the Christian life, the various challe |