Ecclesiastes 1:13

Ecclesiastes 1:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them!

King James Version KJV

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

American Standard Version ASV

And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I gave my heart to searching out in wisdom all things which are done under heaven: it is a hard thing which God has put on the sons of men to do.

Free Bible Version FBV

I decided to focus my mind to explore, using wisdom, everything that happens here on earth. This is a tough assignment that God has given people to keep them busy!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I haue giuen mine heart to search and finde out wisdome by all things that are done vnder the heauen: (this sore trauaile hath GOD giuen to the sonnes of men, to humble them thereby)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I have given my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that hath been done under the heavens. It [is] a sad travail God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.

World English Bible WEB

I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this grievous labor hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised with it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I proposed in my mind to seek and search out wisely concerning all things that are done under the sun. This painful occupation hath God given to the children of men, to be exercised therein.

Translation for Translators T4T

By being wise, I concentrated on understanding everything that was being done on the earth [MTY]. But I found out that God causes all of us to experience things that cause us to be unhappy/miserable.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 1:13

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ecclesiastes 1:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/נָתַ֣תִּי אֶת לִבִּ֗/י לִ/דְר֤וֹשׁ וְ/לָ/תוּר֙ בַּֽ/חָכְמָ֔ה עַ֛ל כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר נַעֲשָׂ֖ה תַּ֣חַת הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם ה֣וּא עִנְיַ֣ן רָ֗ע נָתַ֧ן אֱלֹהִ֛ים לִ/בְנֵ֥י הָ/אָדָ֖ם לַ/עֲנ֥וֹת בּֽ/וֹ

וְ/נָתַ֣תִּי nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לִבִּ֗/י lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

לִ/דְר֤וֹשׁ dârash H1875 to seek Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/לָ/תוּר֙ tûwr H8446 to spy Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בַּֽ/חָכְמָ֔ה chokmâh H2451 wisdom Prep | N-fs

עַ֛ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נַעֲשָׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

עִנְיַ֣ן ʻinyân H6045 task N-ms

רָ֗ע raʻ H7451 bad Adj

נָתַ֧ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֱלֹהִ֛ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

הָ/אָדָ֖ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) Art | N-ms

לַ/עֲנ֥וֹת ʻânâh H6031 be occupied Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בּֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 1:13

וְ/נָתַ֣תִּי nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לִבִּ֗/י lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

לִ/דְר֤וֹשׁ dârash H1875 "to seek" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.

Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.

וְ/לָ/תוּר֙ tûwr H8446 "to spy" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.

Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.

בַּֽ/חָכְמָ֔ה chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" Prep | N-fs

Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.

Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)

Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.

עַ֛ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

נַעֲשָׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

עִנְיַ֣ן ʻinyân H6045 "task" N-ms

This Hebrew word means a task or job, like a responsibility or employment, and is used to describe hard work or a difficult situation, as seen in the Bible's KJV translations as business or travail.

Definition: occupation, task, job

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: business, travail. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Ecclesiastes 8:16.

רָ֗ע raʻ H7451 "bad" Adj

Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.

Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions

Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.

נָתַ֧ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֱלֹהִ֛ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

הָ/אָדָ֖ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" Art | N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

לַ/עֲנ֥וֹת ʻânâh H6031 "be occupied" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.

Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.

בּֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 1:13

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Context
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 1:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:13
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:13

Context — With Wisdom Comes Sorrow

11There is no remembrance of those who came before, and those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow after. 12I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

13And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a miserable task God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them!

14I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. 15What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ecclesiastes 3:10	I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.
2	Genesis 3:19	By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
3	1 Timothy 4:15	Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
4	Ecclesiastes 8:16–17	When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night— I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.
5	Ecclesiastes 1:17	So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind.
6	Ecclesiastes 12:12	And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body.
7	Ecclesiastes 7:25	I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.
8	Psalms 111:2	Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
9	Proverbs 4:7	Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
10	Proverbs 23:26	My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.

Ecclesiastes 1:13 Summary

[This verse is saying that King Solomon tried to use his wisdom to understand everything that happens in the world, but he realized that it's a big job and can be very frustrating, as also mentioned in Ecclesiastes 8:17. He saw that God has given us a lot to think about and figure out, but it's not always easy. In fact, sometimes it feels like a heavy burden, as noted in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. The good news is that God is always with us and wants to help us make sense of things, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 55:22.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to seek and explore by wisdom as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 1:13?

This means using our God-given ability to think and reason to understand the world around us, as Solomon did, and it is a theme also seen in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Why does the verse say that God has laid a heavy burden upon the sons of men?

This burden refers to the futility and frustration that comes from trying to find meaning and purpose in life without God, as also described in Ecclesiastes 2:17 and Romans 8:20, where creation was subjected to futility.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

It reminds us that our efforts to find happiness and fulfillment in earthly things will ultimately be unsatisfying, as stated in Ecclesiastes 1:14, and that true purpose and meaning can only be found in a relationship with God, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 16:11.

Is the pursuit of wisdom a pointless task according to this verse?

No, the pursuit of wisdom is not pointless, but rather, it is the pursuit of wisdom without acknowledging God that leads to frustration, as Solomon notes in Ecclesiastes 1:18, and as the Psalmist says in Psalm 111:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that you have tried to find meaning and purpose in life, and how have they worked out for you?
How does the idea that God has laid a heavy burden upon humanity affect your understanding of the world and your place in it?
In what ways do you see the futility and frustration described in this verse playing out in your own life or in the lives of those around you?
What does it mean to you to 'seek and explore by wisdom', and how can you apply this principle in your daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom,.... As he had all advantages and opportunities, so he did not want for industry and application to obtain knowledge; he gave his mind to it; he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13

I gave my heart, which phrase notes his serious and fixed purpose, his great industry and alacrity in it, to seek and search out, to seek diligently and accurately, by wisdom, wisely, or by the help of that wisdom wherewith God had endowed me, concerning all things that are done under heaven; concerning all the works of God and men in this lower world; the works of nature, and their causes, effects, properties, and operations; the works of Divine providence, and God’ s counsels and ends in them; the work and depths of human policy in the conduct of personal, and domestical, and public affairs. This sore travail, this difficult and toilsome work of searching out these things, hath God given to the sons of man; God hath inflicted this as a just punishment upon man for his eating of the tree of knowledge, that instead of that sweet and perfect knowledge which God had freely infused into man at his first creation, he should now grope after some small parcels or fragments of it, and those too not to be gotten without the sweat of his brows and brains. To be exercised therewith; to employ themselves in the painful study of these things, which now is both their duty and their punishment. Or, as it is rendered in the margin, and by many others, to afflict them in or by it, to chastise their former curiosity, and to give them matter of continual humiliation and vexation. And therefore knowledge is so far from making men happy, that it exposeth them to trouble and infelicity.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13

Ecclesiastes 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.Ver. 13. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom.] God had given Solomon a large heart, and great store of wisdom; and this made him not more idle, but more industrious, more sedulous and serious in seeking and … Searching out by wisdom,] i.e., By the best skill that he had, maturely and methodically, the causes, properties, and effects, with the reason of all things that are, and are done under heaven. Neither did he this in pride and curiosity (as Hugo de Sancto Victore here sharply censureth him), but soberly and modestly, setting down his disquisitions and observations of things political and natural for the use of posterity. And forasmuch as these are now lost - because haply too much admired and trusted to, by those that had the use of them under the first temple, in and with the which some Jews say they were burnt - what a high price we all set upon this and the other two books of Solomon, the wisest of men, as, not Apollo, but the true God of heaven hath called him, and commended him unto us! Surely, as in the Revelation, heaven never opened but some great mystery was revealed, some divine oracle uttered; so we may be confident that the Holy Ghost never sets any penman of Scripture a work but for excellent purpose. And if we disregard it, he will complain of us as once, - "I have written for them the great things of nay law, but they were counted as a strange thing." As for those other worthy works of Solomon (the fruits of this privy search into the natures of the creatures here mentioned), that the injury of time bereft us of, how much better may we say of them, than a godly and learned man once did of Origen’ s Octapla, Huius operis iacturam deplorare possumus, compensare non possumus, This great loss we may well bewail, but cannot help. 1 Kings 4:32-33. Rolloc., De Vocatione, p. 130.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13

(13) Gave my heart.—The phrase occurs again in this book (Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 8:9; Ecclesiastes 8:16) and often elsewhere. (See Daniel 10:12; 2 Chronicles 11:16, &c) The heart among the Hebrews is regarded as the seat, not merely of the feelings, but of the intellectual faculties, and so the word is constantly used in what follows. “I gave my heart” is the same as “I applied my mind.” To seek.—Deuteronomy 13:14; Leviticus 10:16. Search out.—Numbers 14:36; Numbers 14:38; Ecclesiastes 7:25. Travail.—The word occurs again in this book (Ecclesiastes 2:23; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 3:10; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Ecclesiastes 5:3; Ecclesiastes 5:14; Ecclesiastes 8:16) but no-where else in the Old Testament, though kindred forms are common. The word itself is common in Rabbinical Hebrew, in the sense of business. “To afflict them” (margin). This is too strong a translation; better, to travail therein.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:13

Verse 13. And I gave my heart to seek and search] While Solomon was faithful to his God, he diligently cultivated his mind. His giving himself to the study of natural history, philosophy, poetry, c., are sufficient proofs of it. He had not intuitive knowledge from God but he had a capacity to obtain every kind of knowledge useful to man. This sore travail] This is the way in which knowledge is to be acquired; and in order to investigate the operations of nature, the most laborious discussions and perplexing experiments must be instituted, and conducted to their proper results. It is God's determination that knowledge shall be acquired in no other way.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:13

13. I gave my heart] The phrase, so expressive of the spirit of an earnest seeker, is eminently characteristic of this book and meets us again in Ecclesiastes 1:17, chaps. Ecclesiastes 7:25, Ecclesiastes 8:9; Ecclesiastes 8:16. Like forms are found in Isai. 41:42; Psalms 48:14. “Heart” with the Hebrews, it may be noticed, is the seat of the intellect as well as the affections, and “to give the heart” is therefore specially expressive of an act of concentrated mental energy. The all that is done under heaven (we note the variation of phrase from the “under the sun” of Ecclesiastes 1:9) takes in the whole range of human action as distinct from the cosmical phenomena of Ecc 1:5-7. The enquiry of the seeker was throughout one of ethical rather than physical investigation. this sore travail] The words express the feeling with which the writer looked back on his inquiry. It had led to no satisfying result, and the first occurrence of the name of God in the book is coupled with the thought that this profitless search was His appointment. He gave the desire but, so the preacher murmurs in his real or seeming pessimism, not the full Truth in which only the desire can rest. The word for “travail” is peculiar to this book. That for “exercised” is formed from the same root.

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:13

Wisdom - As including both the powers of observation and judgment, and the knowledge acquired thereby (1 Kings 3:28; 1 Kings 4:29; 1 Kings 10:8, ...). It increases by exercise.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:13

	Sermon	Description
	Mixed or Unmixed? by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes the distinction between God's pure light and the mixed nature of worldly possessions. He explains that while God is entirely free from darkness, earthly pu
	Ecclesiastes 1:13 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith explores the theme of emptiness and frustration in life as depicted in Ecclesiastes 1:13, emphasizing humanity's insatiable thirst for meaning through various pursuits
	The Adam by W.J. Erdman	In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the focus is on the book of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the ultimate duty of man to fear God and keep His commandments. The term 'the Adam' is used to
	God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina
	(Genesis) Genesis 2:15-17 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He emphasizes that God gave man dominion over nature and placed him in the garden to take c
	(Genesis) Genesis 5:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 5, which focuses on the generations of Adam. The speaker highlights the significance of the two line
	(Genesis #7) Enoch Walked With God by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of walking with God. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who was changed after spending just an hour with Jesus. The p