Ecclesiastes 4:15
I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
Original Language Analysis
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I considered
H7200
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I considered
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים
all the living
H2416
הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים
all the living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 13
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
הַֽמְהַלְּכִ֖ים
which walk
H1980
הַֽמְהַלְּכִ֖ים
which walk
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
6 of 13
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
under the sun
H8121
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
under the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
7 of 13
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
עִ֚ם
H5973
עִ֚ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
with the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
with the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The rapid succession of Israelite and Judean kings after Solomon's death (Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Abijam, Asa, Nadab, etc.) within decades illustrates this pattern of rise and fall, popular support and abandonment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse guard against investing ultimate hope in political leaders or movements?
- What does the recurring pattern of generational replacement teach about seeking lasting legacy?
- How should Christians balance civic engagement with recognition that earthly kingdoms are temporary?
Analysis & Commentary
I considered all the living which walk under the sun (רָאִיתִי אֶת־כָּל־הַחַיִּים הַמְהַלְּכִים תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ, ra'iti et-kol-hachayim hamehalkhim tachat hashemesh)—the Preacher's empirical survey of humanity. With the second child that shall stand up in his stead (עִם הַיֶּלֶד הַשֵּׁנִי אֲשֶׁר יַעֲמֹד תַּחְתָּיו, im hayeled hasheni asher ya'amod tachtav)—'the second youth who stands in his place,' referring to the successor who replaces the old king.
Qoheleth now broadens the lens from the specific parable to universal observation: populations gravitate toward new leadership, abandoning the previous generation. The 'second child' represents fresh hope, the promise of change that each generation invests in its successors. Yet verses 13-16 form a cycle: today's celebrated reformer becomes tomorrow's obsolete ruler. This captures the fickleness of public opinion and the transitory nature of political power. No earthly kingdom endures through human leadership alone—only the eternal kingdom where Christ's throne is established forever (Luke 1:33) breaks this cycle.