King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 8:16 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 8:16 in the King James Version says “When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that n...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)”

Ecclesiastes 8:16 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

14

There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.

15

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

16

When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)

17

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth—the Preacher describes his investigative method: wholehearted intellectual pursuit ('applied mine heart,' natati et-libi, נָתַתִּי אֶת־לִבִּי) combined with empirical observation ('to see the business,' lir'ot et-ha'inyan, לִרְאוֹת אֶת־הָעִנְיָן). This represents comprehensive investigation—both theoretical reflection and practical observation.

For also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes—this phrase likely describes either the Preacher's own exhaustive investigation (staying awake to observe continuously) or humanity's restless striving. The absence of sleep symbolizes relentless human activity and anxiety. Despite comprehensive investigation, verse 17 concludes that humans cannot fully comprehend God's work—even tireless effort cannot penetrate divine mysteries completely. This humbles human reason while validating honest intellectual pursuit within creaturely limitations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's encyclopedic knowledge required extensive observation and study (1 Kings 4:29-34). Ancient sages pursued wisdom through disciplined investigation—Egyptian and Mesopotamian wisdom texts demonstrate similar comprehensive approaches. Yet Ecclesiastes uniquely acknowledges that even exhaustive study encounters limits: God's ways transcend human comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). Post-exilic Judaism wrestled with mysterious providence—how could covenant-faithful people experience exile and hardship? Daniel's example shows faithful study combined with humble acknowledgment of revelation's limits (Daniel 12:8-9). Paul later taught that current knowledge remains partial: 'now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face' (1 Corinthians 13:12). The Reformers emphasized Scripture's sufficiency for salvation while acknowledging God's secret counsel remains mysterious (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance vigorous intellectual pursuit with humble acknowledgment of creaturely limitations in understanding God's ways?
  2. What areas of your life reflect anxious, sleepless striving rather than wise investigation combined with restful trust?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֤תִּי2 of 21

“When I applied”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת3 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִבִּי֙4 of 21

“mine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לָדַ֣עַת5 of 21

“to know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

חָכְמָ֔ה6 of 21

“wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

רֹאֶֽה׃7 of 21

“and to see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת8 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָ֣עִנְיָ֔ן9 of 21

“the business”

H6045

ado, i.e., (generally) employment or (specifically) an affair

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נַעֲשָׂ֖ה11 of 21

“that is done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עַל12 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֑רֶץ13 of 21

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֣י14 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גַ֤ם15 of 21
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בַּיּוֹם֙16 of 21

“for also there is that neither day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּבַלַּ֔יְלָה17 of 21

“nor night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

שֵׁנָ֕ה18 of 21

“sleep”

H8142

sleep

בְּעֵינָ֖יו19 of 21

“with his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֵינֶ֥נּוּ20 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

רֹאֶֽה׃21 of 21

“and to see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 2:23Psalms 127:2Ecclesiastes 1:13Ecclesiastes 5:12Ecclesiastes 8:7Genesis 31:40

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