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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 2:9 So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/21_Ecc_02_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 2:9 - The Futility of Pleasure" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:8">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:9 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So I became great and excelled more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I was the most famous person who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and I was very wise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So I grew richer than anyone in Jerusalem before me. Yet, my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Yes, I was great, greater than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and my wisdom never failed me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So I became great, greater than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Throughout all of this, I remained wise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem, yet I maintained my objectivity: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I became great, and increased above everyone who had been before me in Jerusalem; also, my wisdom stood with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I became great, and increased above every one who had been before me in Jerusalem; also, my wisdom stood with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I was magnified and increased more than all being before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom stood to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I surpassed in riches all that were before me in Jerusalem: my wisdom also remained with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I surpassed in opulence all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also persevered with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I accumulated much more than all others before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom, too, stayed with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; also my wisdom remained with me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So I became great, and my wealth increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I was great and I had gained more than all that had been before me in Jerusalem, and also my wisdom remained with me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem; also my wisdom stood me in stead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So I became great, and advanced beyond all that were before in Jerusalem: also my wisdom was established to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=243" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Futility of Pleasure</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1431.htm" title="1431: wə·ḡā·ḏal·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To grow up, become great. A primitive root; properly, to twist, i.e. To be large.">So I became great</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: wə·hō·w·sap̄·tî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">and surpassed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kōl (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: bî·rū·šā·lim (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">in Jerusalem</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: še·hā·yāh (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">who had preceded me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nay (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: ’ap̄ (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥā·ḵə·mā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">my wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·mə·ḏāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">remained</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">with me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">2 Chronicles 9:22</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12-13</a></span><br />behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-30</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-3.htm">1 Kings 11:3-4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-6.htm">1 Kings 11:6</a></span><br />So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-9.htm">1 Kings 11:9-11</a></span><br />Now the LORD grew angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. / Although He had warned Solomon explicitly not to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. / Then the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-43.htm">1 Kings 11:43</a></span><br />And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-29.htm">Matthew 6:29</a></span><br />Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-27.htm">Luke 12:27</a></span><br />Consider how the lilies grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-17</a></span><br />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. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:16</a></b></br> I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all <i>they</i> that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a></b></br> Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/10-7.htm">1 Kings 10:7,23</a></b></br> Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen <i>it</i>: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/31-14.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-11.htm">Preceded</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-2.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">Surpassed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-3.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Great</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-10.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/songs/1-5.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/jeremiah/28-8.htm">Preceded</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/john/1-15.htm">Surpassed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So I became great</b><br>This phrase reflects the culmination of Solomon's achievements and status. In the biblical context, "greatness" often refers to wealth, power, and influence. Solomon's greatness is documented in <a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23</a>, where it states that King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. His greatness was not only in material wealth but also in his extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem, which was a significant architectural and religious achievement.<p><b>and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me;</b><br>Solomon's claim to have surpassed all who preceded him in Jerusalem highlights his unique position in Israel's history. Jerusalem, as the political and spiritual center of Israel, was the city of David, Solomon's father, who established it as the capital. Solomon's surpassing of his predecessors can be seen in his expansion of the kingdom, his international trade relations, and his renowned wisdom. This phrase also underscores the historical context of the united monarchy, a period of relative peace and prosperity in Israel's history.<p><b>and my wisdom remained with me.</b><br>Despite his pursuit of worldly achievements, Solomon asserts that his wisdom remained intact. This wisdom, granted by God as described in <a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a>, was a defining characteristic of Solomon's reign. It allowed him to make judicious decisions and gain a reputation for understanding and insight. However, the narrative of Ecclesiastes suggests a tension between human wisdom and divine wisdom, as Solomon reflects on the limitations and vanity of earthly pursuits. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of wisdom literature, which includes Proverbs and Job, exploring the nature of true wisdom and its application in life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, significant as the political and spiritual center during Solomon's reign. It symbolizes the height of Israel's power and prosperity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/predecessors_in_jerusalem.htm">Predecessors in Jerusalem</a></b><br>Refers to the kings and leaders who ruled before Solomon, highlighting his surpassing greatness in wisdom and accomplishments.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_greatness.htm">The Pursuit of Greatness</a></b><br>Solomon's achievements remind us that earthly greatness, while impressive, is ultimately fleeting. True greatness is found in serving God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom's_limitations.htm">Wisdom's Limitations</a></b><br>Despite Solomon's wisdom, he acknowledges its limitations in providing lasting satisfaction. Believers are encouraged to seek divine wisdom, which leads to eternal life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_christ.htm">Contentment in Christ</a></b><br>Solomon's experiences teach us that contentment is not found in surpassing others but in a relationship with Christ, who offers peace and fulfillment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_legacy.htm">Reflecting on Legacy</a></b><br>Consider what kind of legacy you are building. Is it one of temporary achievements or eternal impact through faith and obedience to God?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom.htm">The Role of Wisdom</a></b><br>While wisdom is valuable, it should be used to glorify God and serve His purposes, rather than for personal gain or status.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_qoheleth_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_title_'god_the_son'_mean.htm">Who is the author of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is the author of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proof_solomon's_wisdom_wealth_true.htm">2 Chronicles 1:10 - Is there historical or archeological proof that Solomon's wisdom and wealth matched the biblical account?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9-11) Koheleth carried out his plan of tempering his enjoyment with discretion, but while he took his fill of the pleasure that fell to his lot, he found in it no abiding profit. He goes on in the following paragraph to complain that the wisdom and other advantages he possessed in his search for happiness render his failure the more disheartening.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So I was great</span> (see on Ecclesiastes 1:16). This refers to the magnificence and extent of his possessions and luxury, as the former passage to the surpassing excellence of his wisdom. We may compare the mention of Abraham (<a href="/genesis/26-13.htm">Genesis 26:13</a>), "The man waxed great, and grew more and more until he became very great" (<span class="accented">sc</span>. <a href="/job/1-3.htm">Job 1:3</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Also my wisdom remained with me</span>; <span class="accented">perseveravit mecum</span> (Vulgate); <span class="greek">ἐστάθη μοι</span> (Septuagint). In accordance with the purpose mentioned in ver. 3, he retained command of himself, studying philosophically the effects and nature of the pleasures of which he partook, and keeping ever in view the object of his pursuit. Voluptuousness was not the end which he sought, but one of the means to obtain the end; and what he calls his wisdom is not pure Divine wisdom that comes from above, but an earthly prudence and self-restraint. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So I became great</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגָדַ֣לְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡā·ḏal·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1431.htm">Strong's 1431: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grow up, become great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and surpassed</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹסַ֔פְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·sap̄·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכֹּ֛ל</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Jerusalem</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bî·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who had preceded me;</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁהָיָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(še·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(’ap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_637.htm">Strong's 637: </a> </span><span class="str2">Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָתִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵə·mā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">remained with me.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֥מְדָה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·mə·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:9 So I was great and increased more (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>