King James Version
Ecclesiastes 7:13 in the King James Version says “Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?”
Ecclesiastes 7:13 · KJV
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. good: or, as good as an inheritance, yea, better too
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. defence: Heb. shadow
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. set: Heb. made
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Consider”
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)
“the work”
H4639an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
“of God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“make that straight”
H8626to equalize, i.e., straighten (intransitive or transitive); figuratively, to compose
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, 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 7:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge