1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The words H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- of the Preacher H6953 (קֹהֶלֶת) — a (female) assembler (i.e. lecturer); abstractly, preaching (used as a 'nom de plume', Koheleth)
- the son H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- of David H1732 (דָּוִד) — David, the youngest son of Jesse
- king H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
- in Jerusalem H3389 (יְרוּשָׁלִַ͏ם) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine
2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Vanity H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
- of vanities H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
- saith H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- the Preacher H6953 (קֹהֶלֶת) — a (female) assembler (i.e. lecturer); abstractly, preaching (used as a 'nom de plume', Koheleth)
3 What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- What profit H3504 (יִתְרוֹן) — preeminence, gain
- hath a man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- of all his labour H5999 (עָמָל) — toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
- which he taketh H5998 (עָמַל) — to toil, i.e. work severely and with irksomeness
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
4 One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- generation H1755 (דּוֹר) — properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling
- passeth away H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
- cometh H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
- but the earth H776 (אֶרֶץ) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
- abideth H5975 (עָמַד) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
- for ever H5769 (עוֹלָם) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially…
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to its place where it ariseth.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- also ariseth H2224 (זָרַח) — properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e. to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
- and the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- goeth down H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
- and hasteth H7602 (שָׁאַף) — to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
- to his place H4725 (מָקוֹם) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
- where he arose H2224 (זָרַח) — properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e. to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth about continually in its course, and the wind returneth again to its circuits.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- The wind H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
- goeth H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
- toward the south H1864 (דָּרוֹם) — the south; poet. the south wind
- and turneth about H5437 (סָבַב) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
- unto the north H6828 (צָפוֹן) — properly, hidden, i.e. dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
- it whirleth about continually H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
- and the wind H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
- returneth again H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
- according to his circuits H5439 (סָבִיב) — (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; unto the place whither the rivers go, thither they go again.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- All the rivers H5158 (נַחַל) — a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
- run H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
- into the sea H3220 (יָם) — a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or an artifical basin…
- yet the sea H3220 (יָם) — a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or an artifical basin…
- not full H4392 (מָלֵא) — full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
- unto the place H4725 (מָקוֹם) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
- from whence the rivers H5158 (נַחַל) — a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
- come H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
- thither they return H7725 (שׁוּב) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally…
- again H3212 (יָלַךְ) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
8 All things are full of weariness; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- All things H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- full of labour H3023 (יָגֵעַ) — tired; hence (transitive) tiresome
- man H376 (אִישׁ) — 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)
- cannot H3201 (יָכֹל) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
- utter H1696 (דָבַר) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
- the eye H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
- is not satisfied H7646 (שָׂבַע) — to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
- with seeing H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- nor the ear H241 (אֹזֶן) — broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
- filled H4390 (מָלֵא) — to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
- with hearing H8085 (שָׁמַע) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
9 That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- which shall be; and that which is done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- that which shall be done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- no new H2319 (חָדָשׁ) — new
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
10 Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Is there H3426 (יֵשׁ) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
- thing H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- whereof it may be said H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- See H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- new H2319 (חָדָשׁ) — new
- it hath been already H3528 (כְּבָר) — properly, extent of time, i.e. a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto
- of old time H5769 (עוֹלָם) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially…
- which was before H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
11 There is no remembrance of the former generations; neither shall there be any remembrance of the latter generations that are to come, among those that shall come after.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- no remembrance H2146 (זִכְרוֹן) — a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
- of former H7223 (רִאשׁוֹן) — first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
- remembrance H2146 (זִכְרוֹן) — a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
- that are to come H314 (אַחֲרוֹן) — hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
- that shall come after H314 (אַחֲרוֹן) — hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
12 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- I the Preacher H6953 (קֹהֶלֶת) — a (female) assembler (i.e. lecturer); abstractly, preaching (used as a 'nom de plume', Koheleth)
- was king H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
- over Israel H3478 (יִשְׂרָאֵל) — he will rule as God; Jisraël, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
- in Jerusalem H3389 (יְרוּשָׁלִַ͏ם) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine
13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- And I gave H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- my heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- to seek H1875 (דָּרַשׁ) — properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
- and search out H8446 (תּוּר) — to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
- by wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- that are done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- under heaven H8064 (שָׁמַיִם) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)
- this sore H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- travail H6045 (עִנְיָן) — ado, i.e. (generally) employment or (specifically) an affair
- hath God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…
- given H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- to the sons H1121 (בֵּן) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,…
- of man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- to be exercised H6031 (עָנָה) — to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- I have seen H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- all the works H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- that are done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- vanity H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
- and vexation H7469 (רְעוּת) — a feeding upon, i.e. grasping after
- of spirit H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight; and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- crooked H5791 (עָוַת) — to wrest
- cannot H3201 (יָכֹל) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
- be made straight H8626 (תָּקַן) — to equalize, i.e. straighten (intransitive or transitive); figuratively, to compose
- and that which is wanting H2642 (חֶסְרוֹן) — deficiency
- be numbered H4487 (מָנָה) — properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
16 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom above all that were before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- I communed H1696 (דָבַר) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
- with mine own heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- saying H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- Lo, I am come to great estate H1431 (גָּדַל) — to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
- and have gotten H3254 (יָסַף) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
- more wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- that have been before H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
- me in Jerusalem H3389 (יְרוּשָׁלִַ͏ם) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine
- yea, my heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- had great H7235 (רָבָה) — to increase (in whatever respect)
- experience H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- of wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- and knowledge H1847 (דַּעַת) — knowledge
17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- And I gave H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- my heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
- to know H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- and to know H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- madness H1947 (הוֹלֵלָה) — folly
- and folly H5531 (סִכְלוּת) — silliness
- I perceived H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- that this H1571 (גַּם) — properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
- also is vexation H7475 (רַעְיוֹן) — desire
- of spirit H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- For in much H7230 (רֹב) — abundance (in any respect)
- wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- much H7230 (רֹב) — abundance (in any respect)
- grief H3708 (כַּעַס) — vexation
- and he that increaseth H3254 (יָסַף) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
- knowledge H1847 (דַּעַת) — knowledge
- increaseth H3254 (יָסַף) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
- sorrow H4341 (מַכְאֹב) — anguish or (figuratively) affliction