Ecclesiastes 1:13 And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them!

Bible > Ecclesiastes > Chapter 1 > Verse 13

◄ Ecclesiastes 1:13 ►

New International Version
I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!

New Living Translation
I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.

English Standard Version
And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.

Berean Standard Bible
And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a miserable task God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them!

King James Bible
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

New King James Version
And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised.

New American Standard Bible
And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom about everything that has been done under heaven. It is a sorry task with which God has given the sons of mankind to be troubled.

NASB 1995
And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

NASB 1977
And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

Legacy Standard Bible
And I gave my heart to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous endeavor which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

Amplified Bible
And I set my mind to seek and explore by [man’s] wisdom all [human activity] that has been done under heaven. It is a miserable business and a burdensome task which God has given the sons of men with which to be busy and distressed.

Christian Standard Bible
I applied my mind to examine and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I applied my mind to seek and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied.

American Standard Version
And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.

Contemporary English Version
With all my wisdom I tried to understand everything that happens here on earth. And God has made this so hard for us humans to do.

English Revised Version
And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
With all my heart I used wisdom to study and explore everything done under heaven. Mortals are weighed down with a terrible burden that God has placed on them.

Good News Translation
I determined that I would examine and study all the things that are done in this world. God has laid a miserable fate upon us.

International Standard Version
I dedicated myself to using wisdom for study and discovery of everything that is done under heaven. God uses terrible things so human beings will struggle with life.

Majority Standard Bible
And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a miserable task God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them!

NET Bible
I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth. I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied.

New Heart English Bible
I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this grievous labor hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised with it.

World English Bible
I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I have given my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that has been done under the heavens. It [is] a sad travail God has given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.

Young's Literal Translation
And I have given my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that hath been done under the heavens. It is a sad travail God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I gave my heart to seek and to search out in wisdom concerning all which was done under the heavens: this evil business God gave to the sons of man to be occupied in it.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I proposed in my mind to seek and search out wisely concerning all things that are done under the sun. This painful occupation hath God given to the children of men, to be exercised therein.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I was determined in my mind to seek and to investigate wisely, concerning all that is done under the sun. God has given this very difficult task to the sons of men, so that they may be occupied by it.

New American Bible
and I applied my mind to search and investigate in wisdom all things that are done under the sun. A bad business God has given to human beings to be busied with.

New Revised Standard Version
applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I gave my heart to seek to search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven; to be engaged in it is a difficult task that God has given to the sons of men.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I have given my heart to seek and to understand by wisdom all that is done under the sun; an evil task LORD JEHOVAH gives the children of men to practice in it

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven; it is a sore task that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I applied my heart to seek out and examine by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven, for God has given to the sons of men an evil trouble to be troubled therewith.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

With Wisdom Comes Sorrow
12I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them! 14I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

Genesis 3:17-19
And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. / Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. / By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”

Romans 8:20-22
For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.

Job 28:12-28
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...

1 Corinthians 3:19-20
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.”

Ecclesiastes 3:10-11
I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them. / He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.

2 Timothy 3:7
who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Job 5:7
Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.

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.

1 Kings 4:29-34
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. ...

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
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— / I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / 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? ...

Job 28:3
Man puts an end to the darkness; he probes the farthest recesses for ore in deepest darkness.

Daniel 12:4
But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Treasury of Scripture

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail has God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

i gave

Ecclesiastes 1:17
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 7:25
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

Ecclesiastes 8:9,16,17
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt…

this sore

Ecclesiastes 3:10
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

Ecclesiastes 4:4
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 12:12
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

to be exercised or to afflict them

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Afflicted Applied Burden Business Busy Devoted Exercised Heart Heaven Heavy Mind Search Seek Sky Sore Task Therewith Travail Unhappy Wisdom

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Ecclesiastes 1

1. the preacher shows that all human courses are vain
4. because the creatures are restless in their courses
9. they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten
12. and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdom

Berean Study Bible

And I set my mind
The phrase "set my mind" indicates a deliberate and intentional act of focusing one's thoughts and efforts. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "נתתי" (natati), which means "I gave" or "I applied." This suggests a conscious decision to dedicate oneself to a task. The author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, is emphasizing the seriousness and commitment with which he approaches the quest for understanding. This reflects a disciplined pursuit of knowledge, which is a recurring theme in wisdom literature.

to seek and explore
The Hebrew words "לדרוש" (lidrosh) and "לתור" (latur) are used here. "Lidrosh" means "to seek" or "to inquire," while "latur" means "to explore" or "to investigate." Together, they convey a comprehensive approach to understanding, involving both the search for knowledge and the examination of its depths. This dual approach underscores the thoroughness of Solomon's quest, highlighting the importance of both seeking God’s wisdom and exploring the complexities of life.

by wisdom
The term "wisdom" in Hebrew is "חכמה" (chokmah). In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical understanding that aligns with God's will. It is a divine gift that enables one to live righteously and make sound decisions. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, seeks to apply this God-given insight to understand the world. This reflects the biblical principle that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).

all that is done under heaven
This phrase encompasses the entirety of human activity and experience. "Under heaven" is a poetic way of referring to life on earth. The scope of Solomon's inquiry is vast, as he seeks to understand the purpose and meaning behind every action and event. This reflects the human desire to comprehend the divine order and purpose in creation, acknowledging that everything occurs within the sovereign domain of God.

What a heavy burden
The Hebrew word for "heavy burden" is "ענין רע" (in'yan ra), which can also be translated as "unhappy business" or "grievous task." This phrase captures the toil and struggle inherent in human existence. It acknowledges the challenges and frustrations that accompany the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. This burden is not merely physical but also existential, as humanity grapples with the limitations of human wisdom and the mysteries of life.

God has laid upon the sons of men
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the burden. The Hebrew word "נתן" (natan) means "has given" or "has laid." It suggests that the challenges of life are part of God's sovereign plan for humanity. This perspective acknowledges God's authority and purpose, even in the midst of life's difficulties. It invites believers to trust in God's wisdom and providence, recognizing that He has a purpose for every trial and challenge.

to occupy them
The Hebrew word "לענות" (la'anot) means "to afflict" or "to occupy." It implies that the burdens of life are meant to engage and challenge humanity. This can be seen as a divine means of prompting growth, reflection, and dependence on God. The occupation with life's challenges serves to draw people closer to God, encouraging them to seek His wisdom and guidance. It is a reminder that life's struggles are not without purpose, as they ultimately lead to spiritual growth and maturity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(13) Gave my heart.--The phrase occurs again in this book (Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 8:9; Ecclesiastes 8:16) and often elsewhere. (See Daniel 10:12; 2Chronicles 11:16, &c) The heart among the Hebrews is regarded as the seat, not merely of the feelings, but of the intellectual faculties, and so the word is constantly used in what follows. "I gave my heart" is the same as "I applied my mind." . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 13. - I gave my heart (ver. 17; Ecclesiastes 7:25; Daniel 10:12). The heart, in the Hebrew conception, was the seat, not of the affections only, but of the understanding and intellectual faculties generally. So the expression here is equivalent to "I applied my mind." To seek and search out. The two words are not synonymous. The former verb (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies penetrating into the depth of an object before one; the other word (תּוּר, tur) taking a comprehensive survey of matters further away; so that two methods and scopes of investigation are signified. By wisdom; ἐν τῇ σοφίᾳ (Septuagint). Wisdom was the means or instrument by which he carried on his researches, which were directed, not merely to the collecting of facts, but to investigating the causes and conditions of things. Concerning all things that are done under heaven; i.e. men's actions and conduct, political, social, and private life. We have "under the sun" in ver. 9, and again in ver. 14. Here there is no question of physical matters, the phenomena of the material world, but only of human circumstances and interests. This sore travail (rather, this is a sore travail that) God hath given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. The word rendered "travail" (עִנְיָן, inyan) occurs often in this book (e.g., Ecclesiastes 2:23, 26, etc.), and nowhere else in the Old Testament. The same root is found in the word translated "exercised;" hence Wright has, "It is a woeful exercise which God has given to the sons of men wherewith to exercise themselves." If we keep to the word "travail," we may render, "to travail therein." It implies distracting business, engrossing occupation. Septuagint, περισπασμόν; Vulgate, occupationem. Man feels himself constrained to make this laborious investigation, yet the result is most unsatisfactory, as the next verse shows. "God" is here Elohim, and so throughout the book, the name Jehovah (the God of the covenant, the God of Israel) never once occurring. Those who regard Solomon as the author of the book account for this on the plea that the king, in his latest years, reflecting sadly on his backsliding and fall, shrank from uttering with his polluted lips the adorable Name once so often used with filial reverence and beloved. But the true reason is found in the design of Koheleth, which was to set forth, not so much Israel's position under the covenant, as the condition of man in the face of the God of nature. The idiosyncrasies and peculiar features of the chosen people are not the subject of his essay; he deals with a wider sphere; his theme is man in his relation to Divine providence; and for this power he uses that name, common alike to the true and false religions, Elohim, applied to the Supreme Being by believers and idolaters.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And I set
וְנָתַ֣תִּי (wə·nā·ṯat·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

my mind
לִבִּ֗י (lib·bî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

to seek
לִדְר֤וֹשׁ (liḏ·rō·wōš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

and explore
וְלָתוּר֙ (wə·lā·ṯūr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8446: To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring

by wisdom
בַּֽחָכְמָ֔ה (ba·ḥā·ḵə·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is done
נַעֲשָׂ֖ה (na·‘ă·śāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

under
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

heaven.
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (haš·šā·mā·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

What
ה֣וּא ׀ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

a heavy
רָ֗ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

burden
עִנְיַ֣ן (‘in·yan)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6045: Ado, employment, an affair

God
אֱלֹהִ֛ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

has laid on
נָתַ֧ן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the sons
לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of men,
הָאָדָ֖ם (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

to keep them occupied!
לַעֲנ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted

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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:13 I applied my heart to seek (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)