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

ECCLESIASTES 9:13KJV
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Ecclesiastes 9:13 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 9:13 mean?

Ecclesiastes 9:13 describes how the writer, traditionally understood to be Solomon, observed a particular example of wisdom in the world that stood out to him as especially impressive. The verse introduces a story or lesson about wisdom that made a significant impact on him.

In this verse, Solomon is reflecting on something he has personally witnessed "under the sun," a phrase he often uses to describe life as people experience it on earth. He is speaking to his readers, preparing them to consider a real-life example of wisdom that, in his view, was remarkable and worth paying attention to.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 9:13

  • "This" (זֹאת, zōt): This word points to a specific event or example Solomon is about to describe, highlighting its importance among many things he has seen.
  • "Wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): This term refers to practical skill or insight, not just knowledge. Here, it signals that what follows is not just cleverness but a deep, effective understanding at work in real life.
  • "Seen" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means to observe or witness firsthand. Solomon is not sharing a rumor or theory, but something he personally noticed.
  • "Sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh): The phrase "under the sun" is a hallmark of Ecclesiastes, reminding readers that the wisdom described is found in ordinary, earthly life.
  • "Great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means "large," "important," or "impressive." Solomon is emphasizing that the wisdom he saw was not minor or trivial, but something that stood out as truly significant.

Why Ecclesiastes 9:13 matters

  • This verse sets the stage for a story that illustrates how wisdom can make a real difference, even in unexpected or humble situations.
  • By calling the wisdom "great," Solomon challenges the reader to pay close attention, suggesting that wisdom's value is sometimes overlooked in everyday life.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which often contrasts human effort and achievement with the lasting impact of true wisdom.

Where else these words appear

“This” Hebrew H2090 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 18:4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.
  • 2 Kings 6:19 And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

“sun” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 2:24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

“wisdom” Hebrew H2451 · used in 141 verses

  • Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Job 28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
  • Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.