King James Version
What Does Ecclesiastes 1:17 Mean?
“And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.”
Context
15
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. that which is wanting: Heb. defect
16
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
17
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
18
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **Madness and folly** are words we should not expect to find in this context, and accordingly some interpreters have attempted by variations of reading to substitute for them words of the same nature as “wisdom and knowledge,” but see Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 7:25. Taking the text as it stands, it means to know wisdom and knowledge fully by a study of their contraries. The word for “madness” is peculiar to this book, but the corresponding verb occurs frequently in other books.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:17 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 1:17
Ecclesiastes 2:3
→1 Thessalonians 5:21
→Ecclesiastes 2:10-12
→Ecclesiastes 7:23-25
→Ecclesiastes 1:13-14
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge