Ecclesiastes 8:17

Translations

Modern

I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.

Traditional

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

Literal

…and I saw all the work of God, that man is not able to find out the work that is done under the sun in that to which man might toil to seek it, and he will not find it; and even though the wise one claims to know it, he is not able to find it.

Latin

Et intellexi quod omnium operum Dei nullam possit homo invenire rationem eorum quæ fiunt sub sole; et quanto plus laboraverit ad quærendum, tanto minus inveniat: etiam si dixerit sapiens se nosse, non poterit reperire.

Original

Hebrew

English

I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.

Notes

Ecclesiastes 8:16–17

A person could spend all their time searching for answers, but some reasons will remain unclear. For example, God's justice can be mysterious.

Ecclesiastes 8:16–9:12

From observing life, it seems death often lacks meaning. Why do some people die while others live longer? God's decision on this is unpredictable (Ecclesiastes 7:13–14).

Related verses

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.
Psalm 73:16
When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
Job 11:7–9
Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.
Ecclesiastes 7:23–24
All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me.
Job 5:9
…the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number.
Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Psalm 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You—if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.
Proverbs 30:3–4
I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.
Psalm 104:24
How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes

Topics

Evolution God: Providence of, Mysterious and Misinterpreted Ignorance: General Scriptures Concerning Wisdom: Worldly Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning

Ecclesiastes 8:17

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Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

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