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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ecclesiastes 2  › Ecclesiastes 2:9

Ecclesiastes 2:9

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Ecclesiastes 2:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.

King James Version KJV

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

American Standard Version ASV

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I became great; increasing more than all who had been before me in Jerusalem, and my wisdom was still with me.

Free Bible Version FBV

I became great—greater than anyone in Jerusalem before me. All the while my wisdom stayed with me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I was great, and increased aboue all that were before me in Ierusalem: also my wisedome remained with me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I became great, and increased above every one who had been before me in Jerusalem; also, my wisdom stood with me.

World English Bible WEB

So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I surpassed in riches all that were before me in Jerusalem: my wisdom also remained with me.

Translation for Translators T4T

So, I became greater than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and I was very wise.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:9

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 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/גָדַ֣לְתִּי וְ/הוֹסַ֔פְתִּי מִ/כֹּ֛ל שֶׁ/הָיָ֥ה לְ/פָנַ֖/י בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם אַ֥ף חָכְמָתִ֖/י עָ֥מְדָה לִּֽ/י
וְ/גָדַ֣לְתִּי gâdal H1431 to magnify Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/הוֹסַ֔פְתִּי yâçaph H3254 to add Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
מִ/כֹּ֛ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
שֶׁ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/פָנַ֖/י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
אַ֥ף ʼaph H637 also DirObjM
חָכְמָתִ֖/י chokmâh H2451 wisdom N-fs | Suff
עָ֥מְדָה ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לִּֽ/י Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:9

וְ/גָדַ֣לְתִּי gâdal H1431 "to magnify" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
וְ/הוֹסַ֔פְתִּי yâçaph H3254 "to add" Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
מִ/כֹּ֛ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | 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.
שֶׁ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/פָנַ֖/י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
אַ֥ף ʼaph H637 "also" DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
חָכְמָתִ֖/י chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" N-fs | Suff
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.
עָ֥מְדָה ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִּֽ/י "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 29:25 The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.
2 Ecclesiastes 1:16 I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”
3 1 Kings 10:23 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
4 2 Chronicles 9:22–23 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.
5 1 Kings 10:7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.
6 1 Kings 3:12 behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.
7 2 Chronicles 1:1 Now Solomon son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and highly exalted him.

Ecclesiastes 2:9 Summary

Ecclesiastes 2:9 tells us that Solomon became very powerful and wealthy, more so than anyone else in Jerusalem before him. He also kept his wisdom, which is important because it helped him see that all his accomplishments were not the most important things in life (as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:11). This verse reminds us that true greatness is not just about what we have or what we do, but about our relationship with God (as seen in Matthew 6:19-21 and Luke 12:15). We should focus on living a life that pleases God, rather than just trying to be great in the eyes of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Solomon 'became great' in Ecclesiastes 2:9?

In this context, 'becoming great' refers to Solomon's accumulation of wealth, power, and influence, as described in the preceding verses, such as Ecclesiastes 2:7-8. This greatness is a result of his efforts to find fulfillment and meaning in his life (as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:10).

How did Solomon's wisdom impact his life according to Ecclesiastes 2:9?

Solomon's wisdom, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 2:9, remained with him despite his pursuit of earthly pleasures and wealth. This suggests that his wisdom was a constant companion, possibly guiding him to see the emptiness of his pursuits, as later expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:11.

Is Ecclesiastes 2:9 promoting the idea that wealth and power are the keys to greatness?

No, Ecclesiastes 2:9 is not promoting wealth and power as the keys to greatness. Instead, it sets the stage for Solomon's realization in Ecclesiastes 2:11 that all his accomplishments were 'futile, a pursuit of the wind.' This verse should be seen in the context of Solomon's overall search for meaning, as described in Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 and other parts of the book.

What role does humility play in understanding Ecclesiastes 2:9?

Humility is crucial in understanding Ecclesiastes 2:9 because it helps the reader recognize that true greatness is not measured by earthly standards, but by a relationship with God, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:4 and other scriptures. Solomon's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the fleeting nature of earthly achievements.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am pursuing 'greatness' or recognition, and how do these pursuits align with my faith?
  2. How can I, like Solomon, acknowledge the wisdom that God has given me and use it to evaluate my priorities and actions?
  3. In what ways can I apply the lesson from Ecclesiastes 2:9 that true fulfillment cannot be found solely in earthly accomplishments or wealth?
  4. What does it mean to 'surpass' others in a way that honors God, and how can I strive for greatness in a manner that is pleasing to Him?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:9

So I was great,.... Became famous for the great works wrought by him before mentioned; and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem; the Targum adds, "in riches"; but it seems rather

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:9

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:9

I was great, in riches, and power, and glory. Also my wisdom remained with me; as yet I was not wholly besotted and seduced from God by these things, as I was afterwards; I still had the use of my reason, whereby I was capable of searching after and finding satisfaction, if it was to be had in those things.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:9

Ecclesiastes 2:9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.Ver. 9. Also my wisdom remained with me.] Outward things are dead things, and cannot touch the soul, a lively spirit, unless by way of taint. Solomon, if not at first, yet at length, was fearfully tainted by them, making good that of the poet - “ Stultitiam patiuntur opes … Ardua res haec est, opibus non tradere mores, Et cum tot Croesos viceris, esse Numam.” - Martial.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:9

(9-11) Kohéleth carried out his plan of tempering his enjoyment with discretion, but while he took his fill of the pleasure that fell to his lot, he found in it no abiding profit. He goes on in the following paragraph to complain that the wisdom and other advantages he possessed in his search for happiness render his failure the more disheartening.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:9

9. I was great, and increased] There is something significant in the repetition of the formula of ch. Ecclesiastes 1:16. The king had surpassed all others in wisdom, he was now surpassing all others in magnificence. also my wisdom remained with me] The thought expressed seems to be, as in Ecclesiastes 2:3, that the seeker, though he plunged into the pleasures of a sensual life, was never altogether their slave. They were for him experiments which he watched as with an intellectual impartiality. Like Goethe, he analysed his voluptuousness, and studied his own faculties of enjoyment.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:9

9. So I was great — The result of all these efforts, his wisdom standing by to guide him, was the unrivalled greatness of the “Grand Monarch.” He developed every resource of his kingdom, and by

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:9

SermonDescription
Edwin Fesche Thirst by Edwin Fesche The sermon transcript discusses the power of good news to satisfy the soul, comparing it to water quenching thirst. It emphasizes that the good news of the gospel is only meaningfu
David Hocking All Is Vanity by David Hocking In this sermon, the preacher discusses the futility of pursuing worldly goals and pleasures. He emphasizes that these pursuits do not bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. The
Anton Bosch Experiencing God by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch preaches about the misconception of 'experiencing God' and how it is not based on the Bible but rather on ancient occultic practices and modern entertainment culture. H
David Wilkerson (Poland) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in Broadway and as a preacher. He talks about a show on Broadway that received terrible reviews and onl
Greg Locke Get Your Fingers Out of Your Ears by Greg Locke In this sermon, the preacher discusses why people, both physically and spiritually, stick their fingers in their ears and refuse to listen to the message of God. He believes there
Jonathan Edwards The Most High a Prayer Hearing God by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches on the character of the Most High as a prayer-hearing God, emphasizing that God graciously takes notice of the prayers of His people, accepts their suppli
G.W. North Fire on the Altar by G.W. North In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Solomon and the dedication of the temple. He describes how the people witnessed the fire of God coming down and the glory
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