Ecclesiastes 1:16

Translations

Modern

I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”

Traditional

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

Literal

I spoke with my heart, saying, “Behold, I have become great, and I have added wisdom over all who were before me in Jerusalem, and my heart has seen great wisdom and knowledge.”

Latin

Locutus sum in corde meo, dicens: Ecce magnus effectus sum, et præcessi omnes sapientia qui fuerunt ante me in Jerusalem; et mens mea contemplata est multa sapienter, et didici.

Original

Hebrew

English

I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”

Notes

Ecclesiastes 1:12–2:26

The Teacher examines how wisdom, work, and pleasure relate to each other.

Related verses

Ecclesiastes 2:9
So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.
1 Kings 4:30
Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
1 Kings 10:7
But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.
1 Kings 3:12–13
…behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
Psalm 4:4
Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah
2 Chronicles 1:10–12
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
2 Chronicles 2:12
And Hiram added: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made the heavens and the earth! He has given King David a wise son with insight and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself.
2 Chronicles 9:22–23
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
Ezekiel 38:10–11
This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.
Psalm 77:6
At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered:
Jeremiah 22:14
…who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion.

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes

Topics

Instruction: from Nature Investigation: General Scriptures Concerning Science: Observations of, and Deductions From, Facts Solomon: Wealth of Solomon: Wisdom and Fame of

Ecclesiastes 1:16

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