Ecclesiastes 7:22
Ecclesiastes 7:22 in Multiple Translations
For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Your heart has knowledge how frequently others have been cursed by you.
for you know how many times you yourself have talked badly about others!
Surely there is no man iust in the earth, that doeth good and sinneth not.
For many times also hath thy heart known that thou thyself also hast reviled others.
for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.
For often also thy own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
But do not apply thy heart to all words that are spoken: lest perhaps thou hear thy servant reviling thee.
You know that you have also cursed other people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 7:22
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 7:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
גַּם
פְּעָמִ֥ים
רַבּ֖וֹת
יָדַ֣ע
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
גַּם
את
אַתָּ֖ה
קִלַּ֥לְתָּ
אֲחֵרִֽים
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
פְּעָמִ֥ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
רַבּ֖וֹת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
את
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
קִלַּ֥לְתָּ
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
אֲחֵרִֽים
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 7:22
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
פְּעָמִ֥ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
רַבּ֖וֹת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
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.
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.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
את
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
קִלַּ֥לְתָּ
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
אֲחֵרִֽים
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 7:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 7:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:22
Context — The Limits of Human Wisdom
20Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
21Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you.
22For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
23All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me. 24What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 3:9 | With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. |
| 2 | Matthew 18:32–35 | Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” |
| 3 | John 8:7–9 | When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” And again He bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there. |
| 4 | Matthew 15:19 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 2:44 | The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head. |
Ecclesiastes 7:22 Summary
This verse reminds us that we've all said things we regret, and that we should be careful not to judge others too harshly because of it. It's like the Bible says in Matthew 7:3-5, we need to look at our own mistakes before we try to correct someone else. We should strive to speak kindly and graciously to others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32, and be mindful of the impact our words can have on those around us. By recognizing our own flaws and weaknesses, we can cultivate humility and compassion towards others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to curse others in this verse?
In Ecclesiastes 7:22, cursing others refers to speaking negatively or wishing harm upon them, as seen in Psalm 10:7 where the wicked man uses his tongue to curse and deceitfully oppress the poor and needy.
Is the author saying it's okay to curse others since we've all done it?
No, the author is not condoning cursing others, but rather acknowledging our common humanity and tendency to sin, as stated in Ecclesiastes 7:20, where it says there is no one who does good and never sins, and reminding us to be humble and not judge others too harshly, as taught in Matthew 7:1-5.
How does this verse relate to our speech and interactions with others?
This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of our words and how they affect others, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29-32, where we are encouraged to speak graciously and avoid corrupting talk, and to consider our own guilt and hypocrisy before judging or speaking negatively about others.
What is the main point the author is trying to convey in this verse?
The author is emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and humility, recognizing that we are all prone to sin and have spoken negatively about others at times, and therefore should be cautious not to judge others too harshly, as warned in James 1:26 and Romans 2:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I spoken negatively about others, and how can I seek forgiveness and change my speech patterns?
- How does recognizing my own tendency to sin and curse others impact my relationships and interactions with those around me?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of humility and self-reflection from this verse in my daily life?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth and hold others accountable with the command to not judge or speak negatively about them?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:22
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth,.... Or "thy conscience", as the Vulgate Latin version, which is as a thousand witnesses; which, if a man attends to, he will be convinced of his own
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:22
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
Heart; mind or conscience, as that word is frequently used. Hast cursed others; either upon some great provocation and sudden passion, or possibly upon a mere mistake, or false report; in which case thou hast both needed and desired the forbearance and forgiveness of others, and therefore by the rules of justice, as well as of piety and clarity, thou art obliged to deal likewise with others.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
Ecclesiastes 7:22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.Ver. 22. For oftentimes also thine own heart knows.] Conscience is God’ s spy, and man’ s overseer; and though some can make a sorry shift to muzzle her for a time, or to stop their own ears, yet ipsa se offert, ipsa se ingerit, saith Bernard; sooner or later she will tell a man his own to some tune, as they say; she will not go behind the door to let him know that he himself likewise hath cursed others, as now by God’ s just judgment others curse him. The conscience of our own evil doings, though hid from the world, should meeken us toward those that do amiss. See Titus 3:3. Say to yourselves, - “ Aut sumus, aut fuimus, aut possumus esse quod hic est. ” Either we are, or will be, or we are able to be what this is. The wrong that David had done to Uriah helped him to bear the barkings of that dead dog Shimei. Here, then, "Take no heed unto all words," &c., as in the former verse. For, nihil amarius quam id ipsum pati quod feceris, there is nothing more bitter than to suffer that which thou hast done to others; because those sufferings sting the conscience with unquestionable conviction and horror, as is to be seen in Adonibezek, who acknowledged with a regret, a just remuneration. Tertul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
(22) Thine own heart knoweth.—Ecclesiastes 8:5; 1 Kings 2:44; Proverbs 14:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
Verse 22. Thou thyself - hast cursed others.] קללת kalalta, thou hast spoken evil; hast vilified others. O, who is free from evil speaking, from uncharitable speaking; from detailing their neighbour's faults, from whispering, talebearing, and backbiting? Do not wonder if God, in his justice, permit thee to be calumniated, seeing thou hast so frequently calumniated others. See my discourse on Psalms 15:1-5.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:22
22. For oftentimes also thine own heart] The rule of the previous verse is backed by an appeal to a man’s own conscience, “mutato nomine de te fabula narratur.” “Thou too art not free from the habit of censorious censure, of hard and bitter speeches; even, it may be, of ‘cursing,’ where blessing would have been better.”
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:22
22. Cursed — This rendering is rather harsh. Spoken evil is more in harmony with the sentiment. Koheleth’s personal appeal finds us all vulnerable. We have talked freely, and even with relish, of the faults of others.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicat |
|
James, 1977 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the fourth dimension and how the mind is the closest we can get to experiencing it. He emphasizes the importance of loving our |
|
The Heart of James by Steve Mays | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses leading the Israelites to the Red Sea. He explains that God brought them into a seemingly impossible situation to show the |
|
Stewardship - Part 2 by David Adams | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of stewardship as seen in the book of Genesis. He explains that a steward is someone who is entrusted with the goods of another a |
|
Things God Has Taught Me This Year 19.2.1972 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for self-reflection and not getting caught up in worldly distractions. They highlight the importance of reaching out to those who ar |
|
Practicing Honour by Thaddeus Barnum | Thaddeus Barnum emphasizes the significance of practicing honor in our lives, urging the congregation to pray for the character of honor to be built within them. He discusses how h |
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Four Attitudes to the Holy Spirit by Roy Hession | The preacher delves into the concept of cursing, explaining that it involves invoking evil on someone through prayers or wishes, calling down harm or ruin upon them. While it is na |