Ecclesiastes 9:13
New International Version
I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me:

New Living Translation
Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works.

English Standard Version
I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me.

Berean Standard Bible
I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:

King James Bible
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

New King James Version
This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me:

New American Standard Bible
This too I saw as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me:

NASB 1995
Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me.

NASB 1977
Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me.

Amplified Bible
This [illustration of] wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and great it was to me:

Christian Standard Bible
I have observed that this also is wisdom under the sun, and it is significant to me:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have observed that this also is wisdom under the sun, and it is significant to me:

American Standard Version
I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:

Contemporary English Version
Once I saw what people really think of wisdom, and it made an impression on me.

English Revised Version
I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I also have seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it made a deep impression on me.

Good News Translation
There is something else I saw, a good example of how wisdom is regarded in this world.

International Standard Version
I also observed this example of wisdom on earth, and it seemed important to me:

Majority Standard Bible
I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:

NET Bible
This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth, and it is a great burden to me:

New Heart English Bible
I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.

Webster's Bible Translation
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed to me great:

World English Bible
I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
This also I have seen: wisdom under the sun, and it is great to me.

Young's Literal Translation
This also I have seen: wisdom under the sun, and it is great to me.

Smith's Literal Translation
Also this I saw, the wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
This wisdom also I have seen under the sun, and it seemed to me to be very great:

Catholic Public Domain Version
This wisdom, likewise, I have seen under the sun, and I have examined it intensely.

New American Bible
On the other hand I saw this wise deed under the sun, which I thought magnificent.

New Revised Standard Version
I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
This wisdom I have seen also under the sun, and it seemed great to me:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
This wisdom also I have seen under the sun, and it is great to me
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
This also have I seen as wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
This I also saw to be wisdom under the sun, and it is great before me:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Wisdom is Better than Strength
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.…

Cross References
Proverbs 21:22
A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

Proverbs 24:5
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

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. ...

Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”

Proverbs 8:14-16
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. / By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

James 3:13
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.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

1 Kings 3:16-28
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ...

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Proverbs 10:8
A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.

1 Corinthians 2:6-8
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.


Treasury of Scripture

This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great to me:

Ecclesiastes 9:13
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

Ecclesiastes 6:1
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:

Ecclesiastes 7:15
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

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Example Great Greatly Impressed Seemed Sun Way Wisdom Wise
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Example Great Greatly Impressed Seemed Sun Way Wisdom Wise
Ecclesiastes 9
1. like things happen to good and bad
4. there is a necessity of death unto men
7. Comfort is all their portion in this life
11. God's providence rules over all
13. wisdom is better than strength














I have also seen this wisdom under the sun,
The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the earthly, temporal perspective of human life. It suggests a viewpoint limited to the material world, distinct from the divine or eternal perspective. The "wisdom" mentioned here refers to practical, observable insights gained from life experiences. This wisdom is not necessarily divine revelation but rather an understanding of life's complexities and paradoxes. The phrase echoes the book's exploration of human endeavors and the search for meaning in a world that often seems futile and unpredictable.

and it was great to me:
The term "great" indicates that the wisdom observed was significant or impressive to the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon. This suggests a recognition of the value and impact of wisdom, even within the limitations of earthly existence. The acknowledgment of wisdom's greatness aligns with the broader biblical theme that true wisdom is a precious and powerful asset (Proverbs 4:7). It also reflects the idea that wisdom, though sometimes overlooked or undervalued in a fallen world, holds intrinsic worth and can lead to better understanding and decision-making. This appreciation for wisdom can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament's portrayal of Christ as the embodiment of divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and observations.

2. Under the Sun
This phrase is frequently used in Ecclesiastes to denote life on earth from a human perspective, emphasizing the temporal and often perplexing nature of worldly existence.

3. Wisdom
In this context, wisdom refers to practical understanding and insight that Solomon observed in the world. It is often contrasted with folly and is a central theme in the book.
Teaching Points
The Value of Observing Life
Solomon's reflections remind us to observe and learn from the world around us. Wisdom can be found in everyday experiences if we take the time to reflect on them.

The Limitations of Human Wisdom
While human wisdom is valuable, it is limited. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is ultimately found in God’s revelation.

The Importance of Humility
Recognizing the greatness of wisdom "under the sun" should lead us to humility, acknowledging that our understanding is partial and dependent on God.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
As believers, we are called to seek wisdom that aligns with God’s character and purposes, which often contrasts with worldly wisdom.

Living Wisely in a Fallen World
Ecclesiastes encourages us to live wisely amidst the complexities and uncertainties of life, trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness.Verses 13-16. - Section 9. That wisdom, even when it does good service, is not always rewarded, is shown by an example. Verse 13. - This wisdom have I seen also under the sun; better, as the Septuagint, This also I saw to be wisdom under the sun. The experience which follows he recognized as an instance of worldly wisdom. To what special event he alludes is quite unknown. Probably the circumstance was familiar to his contemporaries. It is not to be considered as an allegory, though of course it is capable of spiritual application. The event in Bible history most like it is the preservation of Abel-Beth-maachah by the counsel of the wise woman (whose name is forgotten) narrated in 2 Samuel 20:15-22. And it seemed great unto me; Septuagint, Καὶ μεγάλη ἐστι πρὸς μέ, "And it is great before me." To my mind it appeared an important example (comp. Esther 10:3). Some critics who contend for the Solomonic authorship of our book, see here an allegorical reference to the foreseen revolt of Jeroboam, whose insurrection had been opposed by certain wise statesmen, but had been carried out in opposition to their counsel. Wordsworth considers that the apologue may be illustrated by the history of Jerusalem, when great powers were arrayed against it in the time of Isaiah, and the prophet by his prayers and exhortations delivered it (2 Kings 19:2, 6, 20), but was wholly disregarded afterwards, nay, was put to death by the son of the king whom he saved. But all this is nihil ad rem. As Plautus says, "Haec quidem deliramenta loquitur."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I have also seen
רָאִ֥יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

this
זֹ֛ה (zōh)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2090: This, that

wisdom
חָכְמָ֖ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

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

the sun,
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (haš·šā·meš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement

and it
הִ֖יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

[was] great
וּגְדוֹלָ֥ה (ū·ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

to me:
אֵלָֽי׃ (’ê·lāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:13 I have also seen wisdom under (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 9:12
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