CINXE.COM

<!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 1:12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/21_Ecc_01_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 1:12 - With Wisdom Comes Sorrow" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem." /><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/1-12.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/1-12.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 12</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="/ad12.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/1-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 1:11">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 1:12 <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 1:13">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, was king of Israel, and I lived in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I said these things when I lived in Jerusalem as king of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I, the spokesman, have been king of Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I, the Philosopher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I the preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I, a preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I, a preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I the preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I Ecclesiastes was king over Israel in Jerusalem, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I, Ecclesiastes, was king of Israel at Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I, Qoheleth, was king over Israel in Jerusalem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I, The Preacher, have been King over Israel in Jerusalem<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I Koheleth have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/1-12.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=96" 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/1.htm">With Wisdom Comes Sorrow</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6953.htm" title="6953: qō·he·leṯ (N-ms) -- Feminine of active participle from qahal; a assembler: abstractly, preaching.">the Teacher,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</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> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them!…<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/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-34</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. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23-24</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/1-10.htm">2 Chronicles 1:10-12</a></span><br />Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— / therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">Proverbs 1:1-7</a></span><br />These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, / for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, / and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a></span><br />For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Proverbs 8:12-14</a></span><br />I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. / To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. / Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<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="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<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">I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">1 Kings 4:1</a></b></br> So king Solomon was king over all Israel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Koheleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Teacher</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/3-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Koheleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Teacher</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">the preacher shows that all human courses are vain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">because the creatures are restless in their courses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdom</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I, the Teacher</b><br>The term "Teacher" is often translated as "Preacher" or "Qoheleth" in Hebrew, which means one who gathers or assembles. This title suggests a role of imparting wisdom and knowledge. The Teacher is traditionally understood to be Solomon, known for his wisdom (<a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-34</a>). Solomon's role as a teacher aligns with his reputation for gathering people to hear his insights and judgments.<p><b>was king over Israel</b><br>This phrase indicates a position of authority and governance. Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba, and he reigned as king over a united Israel. His reign is noted for peace, prosperity, and the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6). The historical context of Solomon's reign provides a backdrop for the exploration of themes such as the futility of human endeavors and the search for meaning, as he had the resources and power to explore all aspects of life.<p><b>in Jerusalem</b><br>Jerusalem was the political and spiritual center of Israel during Solomon's reign. It was the location of the Temple, which Solomon built as a dwelling place for God (1 Kings 8). The city holds significant historical and theological importance, serving as a symbol of God's presence among His people. The mention of Jerusalem underscores the Teacher's authority and the centrality of the city in Israel's religious life. Solomon's connection to Jerusalem also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would later teach and perform miracles in the same city, ultimately fulfilling the role of the ultimate Teacher and King.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_teacher.htm">The Teacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>Traditionally understood to be Solomon, the son of David, known for his wisdom and wealth. The term "Qoheleth" is derived from the Hebrew root "qahal," meaning to assemble or gather, indicating a role of one who addresses an assembly.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_over_israel.htm">King over Israel</a></b><br>Refers to the ruler of the united kingdom of Israel, a position of significant authority and responsibility. Solomon is often associated with this role due to his reign during a time of peace and prosperity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, a central place of worship and governance. It holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the location of the Temple built by Solomon.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to seek wisdom, understanding that true wisdom comes from God. Solomon's life exemplifies the importance of prioritizing divine wisdom over earthly pursuits.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Solomon's position as king highlights the responsibility of leaders to govern with integrity and wisdom. In our own spheres of influence, we should strive to lead with godly principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_place.htm">The Significance of Place</a></b><br>Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual centers in our lives. We should prioritize places and practices that draw us closer to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_earthly_authority.htm">The Temporary Nature of Earthly Authority</a></b><br>While Solomon held great power, Ecclesiastes reminds us of the fleeting nature of earthly authority. Our ultimate allegiance should be to God's eternal kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 1</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/what's_ecclesiastes'_main_theme.htm">What is the main theme 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/who_is_the_preacher_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is the Preacher in Ecclesiastes?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>KOHELETH RELATES HIS OWN EXPERIENCE.</span><p>(12) Having in the introductory verses stated the argument of the treatise, the writer proceeds to prove what he has asserted as to the vanity of earthly pursuits, by relating the failures of one who might be expected, if any one could, to bring such pursuits to a satisfactory result. Solomon, in this book called Koheleth, pre-eminent among Jewish sovereigns as well for wisdom as for temporal prosperity, speaking in the first person, tells how, with all his advantages, he could secure in this life no lasting or satisfying happiness. He relates first how he found no satisfaction from an enlightened survey of human life. He found (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm" title="I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a>) that it presented a scene of laborious exertion empty of profitable results. His researches (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-15.htm" title="That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.">Ecclesiastes 1:15</a>) only brought to light errors and defects which it was impossible to remedy; so that (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm" title="For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increases knowledge increases sorrow.">Ecclesiastes 1:18</a>) the more thought a man bestowed on the subject, the greater his grief. On the name Koheleth, and the phrase "was king," see Introduction.<p><span class= "bld">Over Israel.</span>--King <span class= "ital">of </span>Israel is the usual phrase in the earlier books, but there are examples of that here employed (<a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm" title="And Samuel said to Saul, I will not return with you: for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.">1Samuel 15:26</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/19-23.htm" title="Therefore the king said to Shimei, You shall not die. And the king swore to him.">2Samuel 19:23</a>; <a href="/1_kings/11-37.htm" title="And I will take you, and you shall reign according to all that your soul desires, and shall be king over Israel.">1Kings 11:37</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12</span> - <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a>. - Division. I. PROOF OF THE VANITY OF EARTHLY THINGS FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND GENERAL OBSERVATION. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12-18.</span> - Section 1. <span class="accented">Vanity of striving for wisdom and knowledge</span>. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem</span>. Koheleth relates his own experience as king, in accordance with his assumption of the person of Solomon. The use of the past tense in this verse is regarded by many as strong evidence against the Solomonic authorship of the book. "I have been king" (not "I have become king," as Gratz would translate) is a statement introducing the supposed speaker, not as a reigning monarch, but as one who, in time past, exercised sovereignty. Solomon is represented as speaking from the grave, and recalling the past for the instruction of his auditors. In a similar manner, the author of the Book of Wisdom (8:1-13) speaks in his impersonation of Solomon. That king himself, who reigned without interruption to his death, could not have spoken of himself in the terms used here. He lost neither his throne nor his power; and, therefore, the expression cannot be paralleled (as Mr. Bullock suggests) by the complaint of Louis XIV., unsuccessful in war and weary of rule, "When I was king." Solomon <span class="accented">redivivus</span> is introduced to give weight to the succeeding experiences. Here is one who had every and the most favorable opportunity of seeing the best side of things; and yet his testimony is that all is vanity. In the acquisition of wisdom, the contrast between the advantage of learned leisure and the interruptions of a laborious life is set forth in Ecclus. 38:24, etc. <span class="accented">King over Israel</span>. The expression indicates a time before the division of the kingdom. We have it in <a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26</a>, and occasionally elsewhere. The usual phrase is "King of Israel." (For <span class="accented">in Jerusalem</span>, see on ver. 1.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/1-12.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,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Teacher,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹהֶ֗לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(qō·he·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6953.htm">Strong's 6953: </a> </span><span class="str2">Preacher -- 'a collector (of sentences)', 'a preacher', a son of David</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיִ֥יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common 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">king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Jerusalem.</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:12 I the Preacher was king over Israel (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 1:13" /></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>