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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.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/9-12.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:12">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 9:13 <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:14">►</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/9.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/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it <i>seemed</i> great unto me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it <i>seemed</i> great to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />This too I saw as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />This [illustration of] wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and great it was to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have observed that this also is wisdom under the sun, and it is significant to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have observed that this also is wisdom under the sun, and it is significant to me: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Once I saw what people really think of wisdom, and it made an impression on me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I have also seen wisdom under the sun on this wise, and it seemed great unto me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I also have seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it made a deep impression on me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There is something else I saw, a good example of how wisdom is regarded in this world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I also observed this example of wisdom on earth, and it seemed important to me: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth, and it is a great burden to me: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed to me great:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />This also I have seen: wisdom under the sun, and it is great to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> This also I have seen: wisdom under the sun, and it is great to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Also this I saw, the wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />This wisdom also I have seen under the sun, and it seemed to me to be very great: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />This wisdom, likewise, I have seen under the sun, and I have examined it intensely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />On the other hand I saw this wise deed under the sun, which I thought magnificent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />This wisdom I have seen also under the sun, and it seemed great to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />This wisdom also I have seen under the sun, and it is great to me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />This also have I seen as wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />This I also saw <i>to be</i> wisdom under the sun, and it is great before me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/9-13.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=1787" 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/9.htm">Wisdom is Better than Strength</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">13</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 have also seen</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2090.htm" title="2090: zōh (Pro-fs) -- This. For zeh; this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</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/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">and it</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ū·ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh (Conj-w:: Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">was great</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me:</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it.…<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="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Proverbs 24:5</a></span><br />A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-16.htm">2 Samuel 20:16-22</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Matthew 11:19</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Proverbs 8:14-16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></span><br />A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a></span><br />For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Proverbs 10:8</a></span><br />A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great to me:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13</a></b></br> This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it <i>seemed</i> great unto me:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:1</a></b></br> There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it <i>is</i> common among men:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:15</a></b></br> All <i>things</i> have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just <i>man</i> that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked <i>man</i> that prolongeth <i>his life</i> in his wickedness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Example</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-24.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/luke/4-33.htm">Impressed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/lamentations/2-13.htm">Example</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-1.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-14.htm">Impressed</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">like things happen to good and bad</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">there is a necessity of death unto men</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Comfort is all their portion in this life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">God's providence rules over all</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">wisdom is better than strength</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/9.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/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I have also seen this wisdom under the sun,</b><br>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.<p><b>and it was great to me:</b><br>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 (<a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>). 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 (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>).<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 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_observing_life.htm">The Value of Observing Life</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_wisdom.htm">The Limitations of Human Wisdom</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a></b><br>Recognizing the greatness of wisdom "under the sun" should lead us to humility, acknowledging that our understanding is partial and dependent on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_wisdom.htm">Seeking Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to seek wisdom that aligns with God’s character and purposes, which often contrasts with worldly wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_wisely_in_a_fallen_world.htm">Living Wisely in a Fallen World</a></b><br>Ecclesiastes encourages us to live wisely amidst the complexities and uncertainties of life, trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9</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_are_the_poetic_books_of_the_bible.htm">What wisdom and teachings do the Ketuvim offer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_wisdom_futile_in_ecclesiastes_2_15-16.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_10_10_stress_effort_over_faith.htm">Does the advice to sharpen the axe in Ecclesiastes 10:10 imply a reliance on human effort over divine intervention, creating tension with texts that stress faith and dependence on God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 13-16.</span> - Section 9. That <span class="accented">wisdom, even when it does good service, is not always rewarded, is</span> shown by an example. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">This wisdom have I seen also under the sun</span>; better, as the Septuagint, <span class="accented">This also I saw to be wisdom under the sun</span>. 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 <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">2 Samuel 20:15-22</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And it seemed great unto me</span>; Septuagint, <span class="greek">Καὶ μεγάλη ἐστι πρὸς μέ</span>, "And it is great before me." To my mind it appeared an important example (comp. <a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Esther 10:3</a>). 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 (<a href="/2_kings/19-2.htm">2 Kings 19:2, 6, 20</a>), but was wholly disregarded afterwards, nay, was put to death by the son of the king whom he saved. But all this is <span class="accented">nihil ad rem</span>. As Plautus says, "Haec quidem deliramenta loquitur." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/9-13.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 have also seen</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאִ֥יתִי</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">this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֹ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(zōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2090.htm">Strong's 2090: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāḵ·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine 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">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">and it</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֖יא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] great</span><br /><span class="heb">וּגְדוֹלָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me:</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:13 I have also seen wisdom under (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:14" /></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>