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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 4:15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed this second one, the youth who succeeded the king.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/21_Ecc_04_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 4:15 - The Futility of Power" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed this second one, the youth who succeeded the king." /><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'; 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They were with the second youth who stands in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all those living under the sun move to the side of the second youth who replaces him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I have seen all the living who walk about under the sun <i>go along</i> with the second lad who stands in place of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the living under the sun join with the second youth (the king’s acknowledged successor) who replaces him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I saw all the living, who move about under the sun, follow a second youth who succeeds him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I saw all the living, who move about under the sun, follow a second youth who succeeds him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I once saw everyone in the world follow a young leader who came to power after the king was gone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I saw all the living which walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I saw all living people moving about under the sun. They sided with the second young man, the king's successor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I thought about all the people who live in this world, and I realized that somewhere among them there is a young man who will take the king's place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I observed everyone who lives and walks on earth, along with the youth who will take the king's place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed this second one, the youth who succeeded the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I considered all the living who walk on earth, as well as the successor who would arise in his place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I considered all the living who walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen all the living, who are walking under the sun, with the second youth who stands in his place;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have seen all the living, who are walking under the sun, with the second youth who doth stand in his place;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I saw all the living going under the sun, with the second child which shall stand in his stead.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I saw all men living, that walk under the sun with the second young man, who shall rise up in his place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I saw all the living who are walking under the sun, and I saw the next generation, who shall rise up in their places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I saw all the living, those who move about under the sun, with the second youth who will succeed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I saw all the living who, moving about under the sun, follow that youth who replaced the king;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I considered all the living who walk under the sun, with the young men, who shall rise up in their place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have seen All Life walking under the sun, with The Second Young Man that will arise in his place<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the child, the second, that was to stand up in his stead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I beheld all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/4-15.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=787" 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/4.htm">The Futility of Power</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’î·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I saw that</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ha·ḥay·yîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">who lived</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ham·hal·lə·ḵîm (Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and walked</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·šā·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">the sun</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">followed</a> <a href="/hebrew/8145.htm" title="8145: haš·šê·nî (Art:: Number-oms) -- Second (an ord. number). From shanah; properly, double, i.e. Second; also adverbially, again.">this second one,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: hay·ye·leḏ (Art:: N-ms) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">the youth</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ya·‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">succeeded</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: taḥ·tāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">the king.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.…<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/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5-40</a></span><br />At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5-22</a></span><br />“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. / And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1-6</a></span><br />Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">1 Kings 12:1-20</a></span><br />Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-12.htm">2 Kings 11:12-20</a></span><br />Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!” / When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD. / And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/11-21.htm">Daniel 11:21-23</a></span><br />In his place a despicable person will arise; royal honors will not be given to him, but he will come in a time of peace and seize the kingdom by intrigue. / Then a flood of forces will be swept away before him and destroyed, along with a prince of the covenant. / After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully; for he will rise to power with only a few people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Proverbs 27:24</a></span><br />for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-4.htm">Isaiah 3:4-5</a></span><br />“I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.” / The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-11.htm">Jeremiah 22:11-12</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says concerning Shallum son of Josiah, king of Judah, who succeeded his father Josiah but has gone forth from this place: “He will never return, / but he will die in the place to which he was exiled; he will never see this land again.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4</a></span><br />They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-8.htm">Matthew 21:8-11</a></span><br />A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. / The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” / When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-8.htm">Mark 11:8-10</a></span><br />Many in the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut from the fields. / The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” / “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-36.htm">Luke 19:36-38</a></span><br />As He rode along, the people spread their cloaks on the road. / And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: / “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-12.htm">John 12:12-13</a></span><br />The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. / They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-36.htm">Acts 5:36-37</a></span><br />Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. / After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.</p><p class="hdg">child</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">2 Samuel 15:6</a></b></br> And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Child</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-29.htm">Move</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Round</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-26.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Second</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/job/9-4.htm">Succeeded</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-26.htm">Throng</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-29.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Young</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Child</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-2.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Move</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Round</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-11.htm">Second</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-38.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-11.htm">Succeeded</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Throng</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-9.htm">Young</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">vanity is increased unto men by oppression</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">by envy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">by idleness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">by covetousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">by solitariness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">by willfulness</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the universal nature of the observation, indicating that it applies to all people living on earth. The expression "under the sun" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, symbolizing life in the earthly realm, often with a focus on its temporal and sometimes futile nature. This phrase sets the stage for a reflection on human behavior and societal dynamics, suggesting a commonality in human experience. The phrase "under the sun" is used throughout Ecclesiastes to highlight the limitations of human understanding and the repetitive cycles of life, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:9</a>, which states, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."<p><b>followed this second one</b><br>The "second one" refers to a successor, likely a younger individual who rises to power or prominence. This reflects the transient nature of leadership and the inevitable change in authority. The idea of following a new leader can be seen throughout biblical history, such as the transition from Saul to David in <a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16</a>, where David, though initially a shepherd boy, is anointed as the future king of Israel. This phrase may also imply the fickle nature of public opinion and the tendency of people to shift their allegiance to new leaders, often driven by the hope of better circumstances or change.<p><b>the youth who succeeded the king</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the theme of succession and the rise of a younger generation. In the historical context of ancient Israel and surrounding nations, it was common for younger individuals to ascend to positions of power, sometimes through unexpected means. The mention of "youth" suggests vigor, potential, and the promise of new beginnings, but also inexperience and the challenges that come with leadership. This can be compared to the story of Solomon himself, who became king at a young age and initially sought wisdom from God to govern his people effectively, as recorded in <a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7-9</a>. The phrase underscores the cyclical nature of leadership and the inevitability of generational change, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Ecclesiastes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>Traditionally identified as King Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, who reflects on the meaning of life and human endeavors.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>Represents established authority and leadership, possibly an older ruler who is succeeded.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_youth.htm">The Youth</a></b><br>A young successor who rises to power, symbolizing change and the transient nature of human leadership.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a></b><br>A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to denote life on earth, emphasizing the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/followers.htm">Followers</a></b><br>The people who shift their allegiance from the old king to the new youth, illustrating the fickle nature of public opinion and support.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_human_leadership.htm">The Transience of Human Leadership</a></b><br>Earthly power and authority are temporary. Just as the youth succeeds the king, so too will every leader eventually be replaced. This should remind us to hold our positions and influence with humility and stewardship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fickleness_of_public_opinion.htm">The Fickleness of Public Opinion</a></b><br>The people’s shift in allegiance from the king to the youth illustrates the unstable nature of human approval. We should seek to please God rather than man, as human favor is fleeting.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god_in_leadership_changes.htm">The Sovereignty of God in Leadership Changes</a></b><br>While human leadership is transient, God’s sovereignty remains constant. He orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders according to His divine plan, and we can trust His wisdom in these changes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_wisdom_in_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>The youth’s rise to power should be accompanied by wisdom and discernment. As believers, we should pray for our leaders to seek God’s guidance and lead with integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_invest_in_eternal_treasures.htm">The Call to Invest in Eternal Treasures</a></b><br>The focus on earthly leadership and success should not distract us from investing in eternal treasures. Our ultimate allegiance should be to God’s kingdom, which is everlasting.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_of_bible's_books.htm">What are the main themes of the Bible's books?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_contradict_itself.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 promotes partnership, yet 4:13-16 points to the fleeting nature of leadership--does this suggest a contradiction in views on societal structure?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_2-3_contradict_pro-life.htm">In Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, the speaker says the dead or unborn are more fortunate than the living--does this contradict the Bible's overall respect for life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_eccl._6_9-12_contradict_hope_themes.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9-12 - Do these verses' pessimistic tone and emphasis on life's vanity contradict the Bible's broader themes of hope and purpose?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">I considered.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">I saw. </span>Most modern interpreters regard the "second child" as identical with the "young man" of <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm" title="Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.">Ecclesiastes 4:13</a>, and understand the passage, "I saw him at the head of all his people; yet his great popularity was but temporary, and the next generation took no pleasure in him." It seems to me that by no stretch of rhetoric can "all the living which walk under the sun" be taken for the subjects of the sovereign in question. I am inclined to think that the Preacher reverts to the general topic, and considered all the living with the "second youth," <span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, the second generation which shall succeed them. He saw the old generation hardened in its ways, and incapable of being admonished, and then displaced by a new generation, with which the next will feel equal dissatisfaction.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I considered all the living which walk under the sun</span>; or, <span class="accented">I have seen</span> all the population. The expression is hyperbolical, as Eastern monarchs speak of their dominions as if they comprised the whole world (see <a href="/daniel/4-1.htm">Daniel 4:1</a>; <a href="/daniel/6-25.htm">Daniel 6:25</a>). <span class="cmt_word">With the second child that shall stand up in his stead.</span> "With" (<span class="hebrew">עִם</span>) means "in company with," "on the side of;" and the clause should be rendered, as in the Revised Version, <span class="accented">That they were with the youth</span>, <span class="accented">the second</span>, <span class="accented">that stood up in his stead</span>. The youth who is called the second is the one spoken of in the previous verses, who by general acclamation is raised to the highest place in the realm, while the old monarch is dethroned or depreciated. He is named <span class="accented">second</span>, as being the successor of the other, either in popular favor or on the throne. It is the old story of worshipping the rising sun. The verse may still be applied to Joseph, who was made second to Pharaoh, and was virtually supreme in Egypt, standing in the king's place (<a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Genesis 41:40-44</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/4-15.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">I saw that</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאִ֙יתִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’î·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<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">who lived</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and walked</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמְהַלְּכִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·hal·lə·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sun</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·meš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> </span><span class="str2">The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">followed</span><br /><span class="heb">עִ֚ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this second</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשֵּׁנִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8145.htm">Strong's 8145: </a> </span><span class="str2">Second (an ordinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">child,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיֶּ֣לֶד</span> <span class="translit">(hay·ye·leḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">succeeded</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲמֹ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine 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 /><br /><span class="word">[the king].</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחְתָּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(taḥ·tāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:15 I saw all the living who walk (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:16" /></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>