Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. New Living Translation So I set out to learn everything from wisdom to madness and folly. But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind. English Standard Version And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. Berean Standard Bible So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. King James Bible And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. New King James Version And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind. New American Standard Bible And I applied my mind to know wisdom and to know insanity and foolishness; I realized that this also is striving after wind. NASB 1995 And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after wind. NASB 1977 And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after wind. Legacy Standard Bible And I gave my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and simpleminded folly; I came to know that this also is striving after wind. Amplified Bible And I set my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I realized that this too is a futile grasping and chasing after the wind. Christian Standard Bible I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind. Holman Christian Standard Bible I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind. American Standard Version And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind. Contemporary English Version Then I decided to find out all I could about wisdom and foolishness. Soon I realized that this too was as senseless as chasing the wind. English Revised Version And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind. GOD'S WORD® Translation I've used my mind to understand wisdom and knowledge as well as madness and stupidity. [Now] I know that this is [like] trying to catch the wind. Good News Translation I was determined to learn the difference between knowledge and foolishness, wisdom and madness. But I found out that I might as well be chasing the wind. International Standard Version So I dedicated myself to learn about wisdom and knowledge, and about insanity and foolishness. And I discovered that this is also like chasing after the wind. Majority Standard Bible So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. NET Bible So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind! New Heart English Bible I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind. Webster's Bible Translation And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. World English Bible I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I give my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I have known that even this [is] distress of spirit; Young's Literal Translation And I give my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I have known that even this is vexation of spirit; Smith's Literal Translation And I will give my heart to know wisdom, and the knowledge of praise and understanding: I knew this also it is the striving of the spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I have given my heart to know prudence, and learning, and errors, and folly: and I have perceived that in these also there was labour, and vexation of spirit, Catholic Public Domain Version And I have dedicated my heart, so that I may know prudence and doctrine, and also error and foolishness. Yet I recognize that, in these things also, there is hardship, and affliction of the spirit. New American Bible yet when I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly, I learned that this also is a chase after wind. New Revised Standard Version And I applied my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a chasing after wind. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd I gave my heart to know wisdom and proverbs and understanding; but I have perceived that this also is vexation of spirit Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I gave my heart to know wisdom and knowledge, proverbs and understanding, and I have known that this is also agitation of spirit OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly--I perceived that this also was a striving after wind. Brenton Septuagint Translation And my heart knew much - wisdom, and knowledge, parables and understanding: I perceived that this also is waywardness of spirit. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context With Wisdom Comes Sorrow…16I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.” 17So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. 18For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.… Cross References Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ... Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 14:6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Proverbs 24:14 Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Isaiah 29:14 Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.” Jeremiah 8:9 The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have? 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? ... 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / 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.” Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. 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. James 3:13-17 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ... Treasury of Scripture And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. i gave Ecclesiastes 1:13 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. Ecclesiastes 2:3,12 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life… Ecclesiastes 7:23-25 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me… i perceived Ecclesiastes 2:10,11 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour… Jump to Previous Applied Chasing Folly Foolish Getting Heart Learned Madness Mind Perceived Realized Spirit Striving Understanding Vexation Ways Wind WisdomJump to Next Applied Chasing Folly Foolish Getting Heart Learned Madness Mind Perceived Realized Spirit Striving Understanding Vexation Ways Wind WisdomEcclesiastes 1 1. the preacher shows that all human courses are vain4. 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 So I set my mind The phrase "set my mind" indicates a deliberate and intentional effort. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "נתתי" (natati), which conveys the idea of giving or placing one's heart or mind towards something. This reflects a conscious decision by the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, to engage deeply with the subjects of his inquiry. In a spiritual context, this suggests the importance of intentionality in our pursuit of understanding and truth, reminding us that wisdom requires dedication and focus. to know wisdom and madness and folly I learned that this, too is a pursuit of the wind "Recepto Dulce mihi furere est amico." And Anacreon's (31.), Θέλω θέλω μανῆναι. Thus far we have had Koheleth's secret thoughts - what he communed with his own heart (ver. 16). The result of his studies was most unsatisfying I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit; or, a striving after wind, as ver. 14 Though the word is somewhat different. As such labor is wasted, for man cannot control issues. Hebrew So I setוָאֶתְּנָ֤ה (wā·’et·tə·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set my mind לִבִּי֙ (lib·bî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre to know לָדַ֣עַת (lā·ḏa·‘aṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3045: To know wisdom חָכְמָ֔ה (ḥāḵ·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom [and] וְדַ֥עַת (wə·ḏa·‘aṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3045: To know madness הוֹלֵל֖וֹת (hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 1947: Madness and folly; וְשִׂכְל֑וּת (wə·śiḵ·lūṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5531: Silliness I learned יָדַ֕עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know that זֶ֥ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that this, ה֖וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are too, שֶׁגַּם־ (šeg·gam-) Pronoun - relative | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and is a pursuit רַעְי֥וֹן (ra‘·yō·wn) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7475: Longing, striving of the wind. רֽוּחַ׃ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit Links Ecclesiastes 1:17 NIVEcclesiastes 1:17 NLT Ecclesiastes 1:17 ESV Ecclesiastes 1:17 NASB Ecclesiastes 1:17 KJV Ecclesiastes 1:17 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 1:17 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 1:17 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 1:17 French Bible Ecclesiastes 1:17 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:17 I applied my heart to know wisdom (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
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