King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 7:23 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 7:23 in the King James Version says “All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

Ecclesiastes 7:23 · KJV


Context

21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: take: Heb. give not thine heart

22

For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

23

All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

24

That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

25

I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: I applied: Heb. I and mine heart compassed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All this have I proved by wisdom (כָּל־זֹה נִסִּיתִי בַחָכְמָה, kol-zoh nissiti bachokhmah)—'all this I have tested/examined through wisdom,' from nasah (to test, try, prove). I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me (אָמַרְתִּי אֶחְכָּמָה וְהִיא רְחוֹקָה מִמֶּנִּי, amarti echkamah vehi rechokah mimmenni)—'I said I will become wise, but it was distant from me.' The verb echkamah is the reflexive form, 'I will make myself wise.'

After chapters of wisdom observations, Qoheleth confesses his own project's ultimate failure: despite rigorous examination (nissiti, systematic testing), true wisdom remained elusive. This isn't false modesty but epistemological honesty—human wisdom has limits. The phrase 'I will be wise' reveals the ambition; 'it was far from me' acknowledges the gap between aspiration and achievement. This anticipates Paul's 'the foolishness of God is wiser than men' (1 Corinthians 1:25). The wisest man concludes by admitting wisdom's depths exceed human grasp, preparing for the ultimate revelation: 'Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God' (1 Corinthians 1:30).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon pursued wisdom more systematically than perhaps any figure in history (1 Kings 4:29-34), yet concluded wisdom's essence remained elusive. This reflects the biblical pattern that human achievement, however great, cannot reach God's level.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does acknowledging the limits of human wisdom protect against intellectual pride?
  2. In what areas might you be pursuing 'wisdom' through self-effort rather than seeking God's revelation?
  3. What difference does it make that Christ is wisdom incarnate (1 Corinthians 1:30) for those pursuing understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כָּל1 of 9
H3605

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

זֹ֖ה2 of 9

All this

H2090

this or that

נִסִּ֣יתִי3 of 9

have I proved

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

בַֽחָכְמָ֑ה4 of 9

by wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

אָמַ֣רְתִּי5 of 9

I said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶחְכָּ֔מָה6 of 9

I will be wise

H2449

to be wise (in mind, word or act)

וְהִ֖יא7 of 9
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

רְחוֹקָ֥ה8 of 9

but it was far

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

מִמֶּֽנִּי׃9 of 9
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses


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 7:23 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 7:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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