King James Version
Ecclesiastes 4:15 in the King James Version says “I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.”
Ecclesiastes 4:15 · KJV
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. who: Heb. who knoweth not to be admonished
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“I considered”
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 living”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
“which walk”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
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
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“that shall stand up”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge