Ecclesiastes 9:15
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
Original Language Analysis
וּמָ֣צָא
Now there was found
H4672
וּמָ֣צָא
Now there was found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
הָאִ֥ישׁ
man
H376
הָאִ֥ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וּמִלַּט
delivered
H4422
וּמִלַּט
delivered
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 17
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעִ֖יר
the city
H5892
הָעִ֖יר
the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְאָדָם֙
yet no man
H120
וְאָדָם֙
yet no man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
11 of 17
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
זָכַ֔ר
remembered
H2142
זָכַ֔ר
remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 4:13Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.Genesis 40:23Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.2 Samuel 20:22Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
Historical Context
Specific historical referents are debated—some suggest siege of Abel Beth Maacah (2 Samuel 20:14-22) where a wise woman saved the city. The pattern repeats throughout history: unsung heroes whose wisdom averts disaster yet receives no recognition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this parable challenge cultural assumptions about who deserves credit and recognition?
- In what ways might you be overlooking 'poor wise' people whose counsel could prove invaluable?
- How should Christians respond to serving faithfully even when recognition or gratitude never comes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now there was found in it a poor wise man (וּמָצָא בָה אִישׁ מִסְכֵּן חָכָם, umatsa vah ish misken chakam)—'and there was found in it a poor wise man.' The adjective misken (poor, humble, of low status) contrasts with chakam (wise). And he by his wisdom delivered the city (וּמִלַּט־הוּא אֶת־הָעִיר בְּחָכְמָתוֹ, umillat-hu et-ha'ir bechokhmato)—literally 'and he delivered the city by his wisdom,' using malat (to escape, save, deliver). Yet no man remembered that same poor man (וְאָדָם לֹא זָכַר אֶת־הָאִישׁ הַמִּסְכֵּן הַהוּא, ve'adam lo zakhar et-ha'ish hamisken hahu).
The dramatic reversal: a misken (poor, insignificant) man achieves what military might couldn't—deliverance (malat) through chokhmah (wisdom). Whether through clever diplomacy, strategic counsel, or innovative tactics, wisdom succeeded where strength failed. Yet the tragedy: lo zakhar (none remembered) the deliverer. The Hebrew zakhar means to remember, commemorate, honor—total social amnesia about the savior. This anticipates Christ, the ultimate 'poor wise man' (2 Corinthians 8:9) who delivered humanity yet was forgotten, denied, abandoned (Mark 14:50). The world credits power and status, forgetting humble wisdom—yet 'God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise' (1 Corinthians 1:27).