King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 1:13 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 1:13 in the King James Version says “And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. to be: or, to afflict them

Ecclesiastes 1:13 · KJV


Context

11

There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

12

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. to be: or, to afflict them

14

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

15

That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. that which is wanting: Heb. defect


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon describes his quest: 'And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.' The phrase 'gave my heart' (natati et-libi, נָתַתִּי אֶת־לִבִּי) indicates wholehearted intellectual pursuit. The verbs 'seek' (darosh, דָּרַשׁ) and 'search out' (tur, תּוּר) suggest comprehensive, systematic investigation. Yet this pursuit is 'sore travail' (inyan ra, עִנְיַן רָע)—burdensome, painful occupation. The phrase 'God given' indicates divine appointment: God designed humans to wrestle with ultimate questions about meaning, purpose, and reality. This intellectual struggle is both privilege (capacity for wisdom) and burden (never reaching complete understanding). The verse teaches that pursuing wisdom is divinely ordained human vocation, though limited and sometimes painful.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's wisdom was legendary (1 Kings 4:29-34), giving him authority to describe wisdom's pursuit and limitations. Ancient Near Eastern sages similarly pursued comprehensive knowledge—Egyptian wisdom schools, Mesopotamian scribes. Yet Ecclesiastes uniquely acknowledges that this quest is 'sore travail'—difficult, burdensome, ultimately incomplete. The fall affected human cognition; pursuing truth in a fallen world involves frustration and limitation. Yet the pursuit remains valuable—God designed humans as truth-seekers. The New Testament affirms this: 'we know in part' now (1 Corinthians 13:9) but will know fully in glory. The Reformers emphasized that while human reason is valuable, it cannot discover saving truth apart from revelation. Faith seeks understanding (Anselm), but ultimate wisdom comes through Christ (Colossians 2:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance vigorous intellectual pursuit of truth with humble acknowledgment of human cognitive limitations?
  2. In what ways is the quest for wisdom both privilege and burden in your experience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
נָתַ֧ן1 of 21

And I gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת2 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִבִּ֗י3 of 21

my heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לִדְר֤וֹשׁ4 of 21

to seek

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

וְלָתוּר֙5 of 21

and search out

H8446

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

בַּֽחָכְמָ֔ה6 of 21

by wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

עַ֛ל7 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל8 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נַעֲשָׂ֖ה10 of 21

concerning all things that are done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

תַּ֣חַת11 of 21
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם12 of 21

under heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

ה֣וּא׀13 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עִנְיַ֣ן14 of 21

travail

H6045

ado, i.e., (generally) employment or (specifically) an affair

רָ֗ע15 of 21

this sore

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

נָתַ֧ן16 of 21

And I gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֱלֹהִ֛ים17 of 21

hath God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִבְנֵ֥י18 of 21

to the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הָאָדָ֖ם19 of 21

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לַעֲנ֥וֹת20 of 21

to be exercised

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

בּֽוֹ׃21 of 21
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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