King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 9:15 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 9:15 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ecclesiastes 9:15 · King James Version


Context

13

This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

14

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:

15

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.

16

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

17

The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Now there was found in it a poor wise man (וּמָצָא בָה אִישׁ מִסְכֵּן חָכָם, umatsa vah ish misken chakam)—'and there was found in it a poor wise man.' The adjective misken (poor, humble, of low status) contrasts with chakam (wise). And he by his wisdom delivered the city (וּמִלַּט־הוּא אֶת־הָעִיר בְּחָכְמָתוֹ, umillat-hu et-ha'ir bechokhmato)—literally 'and he delivered the city by his wisdom,' using malat (to escape, save, deliver). Yet no man remembered that same poor man (וְאָדָם לֹא זָכַר אֶת־הָאִישׁ הַמִּסְכֵּן הַהוּא, ve'adam lo zakhar et-ha'ish hamisken hahu).

The dramatic reversal: a misken (poor, insignificant) man achieves what military might couldn't—deliverance (malat) through chokhmah (wisdom). Whether through clever diplomacy, strategic counsel, or innovative tactics, wisdom succeeded where strength failed. Yet the tragedy: lo zakhar (none remembered) the deliverer. The Hebrew zakhar means to remember, commemorate, honor—total social amnesia about the savior. This anticipates Christ, the ultimate 'poor wise man' (2 Corinthians 8:9) who delivered humanity yet was forgotten, denied, abandoned (Mark 14:50). The world credits power and status, forgetting humble wisdom—yet 'God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise' (1 Corinthians 1:27).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Specific historical referents are debated—some suggest siege of Abel Beth Maacah (2 Samuel 20:14-22) where a wise woman saved the city. The pattern repeats throughout history: unsung heroes whose wisdom averts disaster yet receives no recognition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this parable challenge cultural assumptions about who deserves credit and recognition?
  2. In what ways might you be overlooking 'poor wise' people whose counsel could prove invaluable?
  3. How should Christians respond to serving faithfully even when recognition or gratitude never comes?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּמָ֣צָא1 of 17

Now there was found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בָ֗הּ2 of 17
H0
הָאִ֥ישׁ3 of 17

man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַמִּסְכֵּ֖ן4 of 17

in it a poor

H4542

indigent

חָכָ֔ם5 of 17

wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

וּמִלַּט6 of 17

delivered

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

ה֥וּא7 of 17
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

אֶת8 of 17
H853

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

הָעִ֖יר9 of 17

the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בְּחָכְמָת֑וֹ10 of 17

and he by his wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְאָדָם֙11 of 17

yet no man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לֹ֣א12 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זָכַ֔ר13 of 17

remembered

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת14 of 17
H853

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

הָאִ֥ישׁ15 of 17

man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַמִּסְכֵּ֖ן16 of 17

in it a poor

H4542

indigent

הַהֽוּא׃17 of 17
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


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 9:15 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 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study