King James Version
Ecclesiastes 9:13 in the King James Version says “This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:”
Ecclesiastes 9:13 · King James Version
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
“have I seen”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
“also under the sun”
H8121the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
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
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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge