Ecclesiastes 9:15–17
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.
Now there was found in it a poore wise man, and hee by his wisedome deliuered the citie; yet no man remembred that same poore man.
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
*Then said I, Wisedome is better then strength: neuerthelesse, the poore mans wisedome is despised, and his words are not heard.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referenceProu. 21.22. chap.7.19.
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
The words of wise men are heard in quiet, more then the cry of him that ruleth among fooles.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
PASSAGE SELECTION
Build from either side
Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.
SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
15 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 15
- Ecclesiastes 4:13Rank 1 from verse 15
- Genesis 40:23Rank 2 from verse 15
- Esther 6:2–3Rank 3 from verse 15
2And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
3And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
2And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of ‖Bigthana, and Teresh, two of the kings chamberleus, the keepers of the †doore, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
3And the king said, What honour and dignitie hath bene done to Mordecai for this? Then said the kings seruants that ministred vnto him, There is nothing done for him.
- 2 Samuel 20:22Rank 4 from verse 15
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.
22Then the woman went vnto all the people in her wisedome, and they cut off the head of Sheba the sonne of Bichri, and cast it out to Ioab: and hee blew a trumpet, and they †retired from the citie, euery man to his tent: & Ioab returned to Ierusalem vnto the king.
- Ecclesiastes 2:16Rank 5 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 7:19Rank 1 from verse 16
- Proverbs 24:5Rank 2 from verse 16
- Proverbs 21:22Rank 3 from verse 16
- Mark 6:2–3Rank 4 from verse 16
2And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
2And when the Sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the Synagogue: and many hearing him, were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? And what wisedome is this which is giuen vnto him, that euen such mightie workes are wrought by his hands?
3Is not this the carpenter, the sonne of Mary, the brother of Iames and Ioses, and of Iuda, and Simon? And are not his sisters heere with vs? And they were offended at him.
- 1 Corinthians 1:26–29Rank 5 from verse 16
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called.
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weake things of the world, to confound the things which are mighty:
28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are,
29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
- James 2:2–6Rank 6 from verse 16
2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
2For if there come vnto your †assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poore man, in vile raiment:
3And yee haue respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say vnto him, Sit thou here ‖in a good place: and say to the poore, Stand thou there, or sit here vnder my footstoole:
4Are yee not then partiall in your selues, and are become iudges of euill thoughts?
5Hearken, my beloued brethren, Hath not God chosen the poore of this world, rich in faith, and heires of ‖the kingdome, which hee hath promised to them that loue him?
6But yee haue despised the poore. Doe not rich men oppresse you, and draw you before the Iudgement seats?
- Ecclesiastes 9:18Rank 7 from verse 16
- John 7:47–49Rank 8 from verse 16
47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceiued?
48Haue any of the rulers, or of the Pharises beleeued on him?
49But this people who knoweth not the Law, are cursed.
- Proverbs 10:15Rank 9 from verse 16
- John 9:24–34Rank 10 from verse 16
24Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
25He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
26Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
27He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
28Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.
29We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
30The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
32Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
33If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
34They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
24Then againe called they the man that was blind, and said vnto him, Giue God the praise, we know that this man is a sinner.
25He answered, and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: One thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see.
26Then saide they to him againe, What did he to thee? How opened hee thine eyes?
27He answered them, I haue told you already, and ye did not heare: wherfore would you heare it againe? Will ye also be his disciples?
28Then they reuiled him, and said, Thou art his disciple, but we are Moses disciples.
29Wee know that God spake vnto Moses: as for this fellow, we knowe not from whence he is.
30The man answered, and said vnto them, Why herein is a marueilous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man bee a worshipper of God, and doth his will, him he heareth.
32Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was borne blinde:
33If this man were not of God, he could doe nothing.
34They answered, and saide vnto him, Thou wast altogether borne in sinnes, and doest thou teach vs? And they ‖cast him out.
From verse 17
- James 3:17–18Rank 1 from verse 17
17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
17But the wisedome that is from aboue, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easie to be intreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, ‖without partialitie, and without hypocrisie.
18And the fruit of righteousnesse is sowen in peace, of them that make peace.
- Proverbs 28:23Rank 2 from verse 17
- Isaiah 42:2Rank 3 from verse 17
- James 1:20Rank 4 from verse 17
- 1 Samuel 7:3–6Rank 5 from verse 17
3¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only.
5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord.
6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
3¶ And Samuel spake vnto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye doe returne vnto the LORD with all your hearts, then *put away the strange gods, and *Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts vnto the LORD, and *serue him onely: & he will deliuer you out of the hand of the Philistines.
4Then the children of Israel did put away *Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and serued the LORD onely.
5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you vnto the LORD.
6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and powred it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We haue sinned against the LORD. And Samuel iudged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
- Genesis 41:33–40Rank 6 from verse 17
33Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
34Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
35And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
36And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
37¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
38And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
40Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
33Now therfore let Pharaoh looke out a man discreet and wise, and set him ouer the land of Egypt.
34Let Pharaoh doe this, and let him appoint ‖officers ouer the land, & take vp the fift part of the land of Egypt, in the seuen plenteous yeeres.
35And let them gather all the food of those good yeeres that come, and lay vp corne vnder the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keepe food in the cities.
36And that food shall be for store to the land, against the seuen yeeres of famine, which shall bee in the land of Egypt, that the land †perish not through the famine.
37¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his seruants.
38And Pharaoh said vnto his seruants, Can we find such a one, as this is, a man in whom the spirit of God is?
39And Pharaoh said vnto Ioseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreete and wise, as thou art:
40*Thou shalt be ouer my house, and according vnto thy word shall all my people be †ruled: only in the throne will I be greater then thou.
- Isaiah 42:4Rank 7 from verse 17
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
Open a word for its full definition and concordance.
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 9:15
1. Discovered or obtained. 2. Established or founded.
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
1. Lacking material means. 2. Afflicted, lowly, or humble.
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
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of deliver. Sense 1: To rescue, save, free, or bring safely out of danger or bondage. Sense 2: To hand over, give up, or place into another's power or possession. Sense 3: To bring forth, convey, declare, or commit something to another. Sense 4: To give birth or be delivered of a child.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
remembered
Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of remember. Sense 1: To retain in mind or call back to mind; to recall. Sense 2: To keep in mind with heed, observance, commemoration, or corresponding action. Sense 3: To take account of a person, promise, deed, sin, or need and act with regard to it.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 9:16
Spoke, declared, reported, commanded, or expressed in words.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Power, might, force, ability, firmness, courage, capacity, support, defence, resources, or that by which a person or thing is enabled to stand, act, endure, overcome, or accomplish a work.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
nevertheless
Yet; however; notwithstanding what has just been stated.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Lacking material means. 2. Afflicted, lowly, or humble.
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
Regarded or treated as of little or no worth; scorned or rejected.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Spoken or written expressions, sayings, statements, messages, commands, promises, reports, or units of meaningful speech.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Perceived by the ear. Sense 2: Received or learned by report. Sense 3: Listened to, regarded, or heeded. Sense 4: Favourably attended to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 9:17
Spoken or written expressions, sayings, statements, messages, commands, promises, reports, or units of meaningful speech.
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: Perceived by the ear. Sense 2: Received or learned by report. Sense 3: Listened to, regarded, or heeded. Sense 4: Favourably attended to.
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: Stillness, rest, peace, or freedom from disturbance. Sense 2: Calm or still, or to make calm.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A vocal call, shout, proclamation, alarm, wail, or other utterance, often loud. 2. An earnest appeal, prayer, complaint, or outcry for help, justice, or attention. 3. As a verb, to call out, shout, proclaim, wail, appeal, pray, or complain; figuratively, to bear urgent witness or demand notice.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Rules; governs, directs, controls, or exercises authority.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Persons lacking wisdom or sound judgment, especially in moral or spiritual conduct.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
FOLLOW THE THEME
Related Concepts
Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.
READ BEFORE AND AFTER
Surrounding Verses
Nearby Scripture remains separate from the selected passage until you add it.
14There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
14 There was a little citie, and few men within it; and there came a great King against it, and besieged it, & built great bulwarks against it:
15Now 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.
15Now there was found in it a poore wise man, and hee by his wisedome deliuered the citie; yet no man remembred that same poore man.
Selected passage16Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
16*Then said I, Wisedome is better then strength: neuerthelesse, the poore mans wisedome is despised, and his words are not heard.
Selected passage17The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
17The words of wise men are heard in quiet, more then the cry of him that ruleth among fooles.
Selected passage18Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
18Wisedome is better then weapons of warre: but one sinner destroyeth much good.