Ecclesiastes 7:13

Authorized King James Version

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Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

Original Language Analysis

רְאֵ֖ה Consider H7200
רְאֵ֖ה Consider
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה the work H4639
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה the work
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 3 of 11
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים of God H430
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים of God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִ֤י H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 6 of 11
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יוּכַל֙ for who can H3201
יוּכַל֙ for who can
Strong's: H3201
Word #: 7 of 11
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לְתַקֵּ֔ן make that straight H8626
לְתַקֵּ֔ן make that straight
Strong's: H8626
Word #: 8 of 11
to equalize, i.e., straighten (intransitive or transitive); figuratively, to compose
אֵ֖ת H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 10 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עִוְּתֽוֹ׃ which he hath made crooked H5791
עִוְּתֽוֹ׃ which he hath made crooked
Strong's: H5791
Word #: 11 of 11
to wrest

Analysis & Commentary

Consider the work of God (רְאֵה אֶת־מַעֲשֵׂה הָאֱלֹהִים, re'eh et-ma'aseh ha'Elohim)—The command 'consider' (re'eh, literally 'see') calls for careful observation and meditation. 'Work' (ma'aseh) refers to God's acts in creation, providence, and sovereignty. The definite article ha'Elohim ('the God') emphasizes His unique deity.

For who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? (כִּי מִי יוּכַל לְתַקֵּן אֵת אֲשֶׁר עִוְּתוֹ, ki mi yukhal letaken et asher iveto)—The rhetorical question ('who can...?') expects the answer 'no one.' 'Make straight' (letaken) means to set right or correct, while 'made crooked' (iveto) means bent or perverted. This echoes 1:15: 'That which is crooked cannot be made straight.' God's sovereignty extends over all circumstances, including those appearing 'crooked' from our limited perspective (Isaiah 45:7). Job learned this lesson through suffering: God's ways transcend human understanding (Job 42:1-6). Romans 11:33 declares 'how unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!'

Historical Context

Ancient wisdom traditions grappled with divine sovereignty and human limitation. Unlike pagan fatalism, biblical teaching affirms both God's absolute control and human responsibility. The verse doesn't promote passive resignation but humble acceptance of divine providence. Joseph exemplified this perspective: what brothers intended for evil, God intended for good (Genesis 50:20). The exile appeared 'crooked'—a national catastrophe—yet served God's redemptive purposes (Jeremiah 29:11-14). Church history reveals God's providence through persecution (spreading the gospel), theological controversies (clarifying doctrine), and suffering (refining saints). The sovereignty celebrated here should produce neither fatalism nor pride, but worship and trust.

Questions for Reflection