Ecclesiastes 2:13–16
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
†Then I saw that wisedome excelleth folly, as farre as light excelleth darkenesse.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Hebrew wordingHebr. That there is an excellencie in Wisedome more then in folly,&c.
The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
*The wise mans eyes are in his head, but the foole walketh in darknes: and I my selfe perceiued also that one euent happeneth to them all.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referenceProu. 17.24. chap. 8.1.
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
†Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the foole, so it happeneth euen to me, and why was I then more wise? then I said in my heart, That this also is vanitie.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Hebrew wordingHebr. happeneth to me, euen to me.
For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
For there is no remembrance of the wise, more then of the foole for euer; seeing that which now is, in the dayes to come shall be forgotten; and how dieth the wise man? as the foole.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
PASSAGE SELECTION
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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
20 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 13
- Ephesians 5:8Rank 1 from verse 13
- Ecclesiastes 7:11–12Rank 2 from verse 13
11¶ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
11¶ ‖Wisedome is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profite to them that see the sunne.
12†For wisedome is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellencie of knowledge is, that wisedome giueth life to them that haue it.
- Ecclesiastes 11:7Rank 3 from verse 13
- Matthew 6:23Rank 4 from verse 13
23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
23But if thine eye be euill, thy whole body shall be full of darknesse. If therfore the light that is in thee be darkenesse, how great is that darkenesse?
- Luke 11:34–35Rank 5 from verse 13
34The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
34*The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light: but when thine eye is euill, thy body also is full of darkenesse.
35Take heede therefore, that the light which is in thee, be not darknesse.
- Malachi 3:18–2Rank 6 from verse 13
Verse text is unavailable.
Verse text is unavailable.
- Psalms 119:105Rank 7 from verse 13
- Ecclesiastes 7:19Rank 8 from verse 13
- Ecclesiastes 9:16Rank 9 from verse 13
- Ecclesiastes 9:18Rank 10 from verse 13
- Proverbs 16:16Rank 11 from verse 13
- Proverbs 4:18–19Rank 12 from verse 13
18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
18But the path of the iust is as the shining light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day.
19The way of the wicked is as darknes: they know not at what they stumble.
- Proverbs 4:5–7Rank 13 from verse 13
5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
5Get wisedome, get vnderstanding: forget it not, neither decline from the wordes of my mouth.
6Forsake her not, and she shall preserue thee: loue her, and she shall keepe thee.
7Wisedome is the principall thing, therefore get wisedome: and with all thy getting, get vnderstanding.
- Psalms 119:130Rank 14 from verse 13
From verse 14
- Psalms 49:10Rank 1 from verse 14
- Proverbs 17:24Rank 2 from verse 14
- Ecclesiastes 9:11Rank 3 from verse 14
11¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
11¶ I returned, and saw vnder the Sunne, That the race is not to the swift, nor the battell to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of vnderstanding, nor yet fauour to men of skil; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
- 1 John 2:11Rank 4 from verse 14
11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
11But he that hateth his brother, is in darknesse, and walketh in darknesse, and knoweth not whither hee goeth, because that darknesse hath blinded his eyes.
- Ecclesiastes 3:19Rank 5 from verse 14
19For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
19*For that which befalleth the sonnes of men, befalleth beastes, euen one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea they haue all one breath, so that a man hath no preheminence aboue a beast; for all is vanitie.
- Ecclesiastes 9:1–3Rank 6 from verse 14
1FOR all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.
2All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
3This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
1¶ †For all this I considered in my heart, euen to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their workes, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either loue, or hatred, by all that is before them.
2*All things come alike to all: there is one euent to the righteous and to the wicked, to the good and to the cleane, and to the vncleane; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner, and hee that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
3This is an euill among all things that are done vnder the Sunne, that there is one euent vnto all: yea also the heart of the sonnes of men is full of euill, and madnesse is in their heart while they liue, and after that they goe to the dead.
- Ecclesiastes 10:2–3Rank 7 from verse 14
2A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.
3Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
2A wise mans heart is at his right hand: but a fooles heart at his left.
3†Yea also when hee that is a foole walketh by the way, his wisedome faileth him, and hee saith to euery one that he is a foole.
- Ecclesiastes 6:6Rank 8 from verse 14
- Ecclesiastes 7:2Rank 9 from verse 14
2¶ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
2¶ It is better to goe to the house of mourning, then to goe to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the liuing will lay it to his heart.
- Ecclesiastes 8:1Rank 10 from verse 14
1WHO is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
1¶ *†Who is as the Wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a mans wisedome maketh his face to shine, and the boldnes of his face shalbe changed.
- Ecclesiastes 9:16Rank 11 from verse 14
- Proverbs 14:8Rank 12 from verse 14
- Psalms 19:10Rank 13 from verse 14
From verse 15
- Ecclesiastes 6:8Rank 1 from verse 15
- Ecclesiastes 1:14Rank 2 from verse 15
- 1 Kings 3:12Rank 3 from verse 15
12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
12Behold, I haue done according to thy word: loe, I haue giuen thee a wise and an vnderstanding heart, so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like vnto thee.
- Ecclesiastes 1:16Rank 4 from verse 15
16I 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.
16I communed with mine owne heart, saying, Loe, I am come to great estate, and haue gotten *more wisedome then all they that haue beene before me in Ierusalem: yea my heart †had great experience of wisedome & knowledge.
- Ecclesiastes 1:18–1Rank 5 from verse 15
Verse text is unavailable.
Verse text is unavailable.
- Ecclesiastes 1:2Rank 6 from verse 15
- Ecclesiastes 2:16Rank 7 from verse 15
16For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
16For there is no remembrance of the wise, more then of the foole for euer; seeing that which now is, in the dayes to come shall be forgotten; and how dieth the wise man? as the foole.
From verse 16
- Ecclesiastes 1:11Rank 1 from verse 16
- Ecclesiastes 9:5Rank 2 from verse 16
- Exodus 1:8Rank 3 from verse 16
- Hebrews 9:27Rank 4 from verse 16
- Malachi 3:16Rank 5 from verse 16
16¶ Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
16¶ Then they that feared the LORD, spake often one to another, and the LORD hearkened and heard it, & a booke of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the LORD, & that thought vpon his name.
- Psalms 88:12Rank 6 from verse 16
- 2 Samuel 3:33Rank 7 from verse 16
- Ecclesiastes 2:14Rank 8 from verse 16
- Ecclesiastes 6:8Rank 9 from verse 16
- Exodus 1:6Rank 10 from verse 16
- Psalms 103:16Rank 11 from verse 16
- Psalms 49:10Rank 12 from verse 16
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
Open a word for its full definition and concordance.
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:13
Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Surpasses, exceeds, outshines, or is superior to another in the respect stated.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Brightness or illumination. Sense 2: A source or opening that gives light. Sense 3: Figuratively, truth, knowledge, revelation, life, or favour contrasted with darkness. Sense 4: To illuminate or kindle. Sense 5: To alight or come upon. Sense 6: Slight, easy, swift, or not heavy.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Absence of light. Sense 2: Obscurity, ignorance, distress, or moral evil by figure.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:14
Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The bodily organs of sight; by extension, sight, attention, observation, perception, understanding, desire, judgment, estimation, favour, or the presence and view before which something occurs.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The upper part of the body; a chief, source, summit, or leading position.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
Sense 1: A person lacking wisdom or moral understanding. Sense 2: As a verb, to act foolishly or deceive.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Absence of light. Sense 2: Obscurity, ignorance, distress, or moral evil by figure.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Became aware of, recognized, discerned, or understood.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An outcome or end.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:15
Spoke, declared, reported, commanded, or expressed in words.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A person lacking wisdom or moral understanding. Sense 2: As a verb, to act foolishly or deceive.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Emptiness, futility, worthlessness, falsehood, unreliability, or transience.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:16
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Without end; for all time. 2. Continually or permanently throughout the duration in view.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
remembrance
1. The act or state of remembering; recollection or mindful regard; the continued memory or notice of someone or something. 2. Something that brings or keeps someone or something to mind; a memorial or reminder.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A person lacking wisdom or moral understanding. Sense 2: As a verb, to act foolishly or deceive.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
At any time; always or continually; throughout all time or for ever.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. As a connective, because, since, or in view of a stated fact. 2. Perceiving with the eyes; observing. 3. Recognizing, discerning, understanding, or foreseeing.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
rememberance
1. The act or state of remembering; recollection or mindful regard; the continued memory or notice of someone or something. 2. Something that brings or keeps someone or something to mind; a memorial or reminder.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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12¶ And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
12¶ *‖And I turned my selfe to behold wisedome, and madnesse and folly: for what can the man doe, that commeth after the king? euen that which hath bene already done.
13Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
13†Then I saw that wisedome excelleth folly, as farre as light excelleth darkenesse.
Selected passage14The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
14*The wise mans eyes are in his head, but the foole walketh in darknes: and I my selfe perceiued also that one euent happeneth to them all.
Selected passage15Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
15†Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the foole, so it happeneth euen to me, and why was I then more wise? then I said in my heart, That this also is vanitie.
Selected passage16For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
16For there is no remembrance of the wise, more then of the foole for euer; seeing that which now is, in the dayes to come shall be forgotten; and how dieth the wise man? as the foole.
Selected passage17Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
17Therefore I hated life, because the worke that is wrought vnder the Sunne is grieuous vnto mee: for all is vanitie, and vexation of spirit.