King James Version
Ecclesiastes 7:29 in the King James Version says “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”
Ecclesiastes 7:29 · KJV
Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: counting: or, weighing one thing after another, to find out the reason
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“this only”
H905properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
“Lo”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“have I found”
H4672properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“that 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
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“but they have sought out”
H1245to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
“inventions”
H2810a contrivance, i.e., actual (a warlike machine) or mental (a machination)
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 7:29 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 7:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge