Ecclesiastes 9:13
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
רָאִ֥יתִי
have I seen
H7200
רָאִ֥יתִי
have I seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
5 of 9
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
also under the sun
H8121
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
also under the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
6 of 9
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
וּגְדוֹלָ֥ה
and it seemed great
H1419
וּגְדוֹלָ֥ה
and it seemed great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
7 of 9
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 8:16When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)Ecclesiastes 6:1There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:Ecclesiastes 7:15All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
Historical Context
Wisdom literature across the ancient Near East used parables and exemplary narratives to convey principles. Qoheleth's 'under the sun' observations included both personal experience and traditional stories illustrating timeless truths.
Questions for Reflection
- What examples of 'great wisdom' have you observed that made lasting impact on your thinking?
- How do you respond when wisdom proves effective yet goes unrecognized or unrewarded?
- What does it mean that even impressive wisdom operates 'under the sun'—within earthly limitations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me (גַּם־זֹה רָאִיתִי חָכְמָה תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ וּגְדוֹלָה הִיא אֵלָי, gam-zoh ra'iti chokhmah tachat hashemesh ugedolah hi elai)—'also this wisdom I have seen under the sun, and it was great to me.' The emphatic gedolah hi elai (great/important it is to me) introduces a parable illustrating wisdom's value yet tragic vulnerability.
After declaring humanity's ignorance of crisis timing (v. 12), Qoheleth pivots to showcase wisdom's power through narrative example. The phrase 'under the sun' maintains his empirical, observation-based approach. The assessment 'it seemed great unto me' (gedolah hi elai) reveals personal impact—this wasn't abstract theorizing but wisdom that genuinely impressed the Preacher. What follows (verses 14-16) is a parable about wisdom's effectiveness in crisis yet society's tragic ingratitude toward the wise. This sets up the book's recurring tension: wisdom is genuinely valuable, yet its earthly rewards are unreliable—anticipating Christ, whose wisdom saved yet was despised (Isaiah 53:3).