King James Version
Ecclesiastes 1:14 in the King James Version says “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14 · KJV
I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
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
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. that which is wanting: Heb. defect
I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. had: Heb. had seen much
KJV Study — Public Domain
“I have seen”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“all the works”
H4639an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
“that are done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
“under the sun”
H8121the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“and behold all is vanity”
H1892emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
“of spirit”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
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.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 1:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge