1 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- as the wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- and who knoweth H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- the interpretation H6592 (פֵּשֶׁר)
- of a thing H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- a man’s H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- wisdom H2451 (חׇכְמָה) — wisdom (in a good sense)
- maketh his face 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…
- to shine H215 (אוֹר) — to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
- and the boldness H5797 (עֹז) — strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
- of his face 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…
- shall be changed H8132 (שָׁנָא) — to alter
2 I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- to keep H8104 (שָׁמַר) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.
- the king’s H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
- commandment H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
- in regard H1700 (דִּבְרָה) — a reason, suit or style
- of the oath H7621 (שְׁבוּעָה) — properly, something sworn, i.e. an oath
- of 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…
3 Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Be not hasty H926 (בָּהַל) — to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e. (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
- to go out H3212 (יָלַךְ) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
- of his sight 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…
- stand H5975 (עָמַד) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
- not in an evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- thing H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- for he doeth H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- whatsoever pleaseth H2654 (חָפֵץ) — properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
4 For the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Where the word H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- of a king H4428 (מֶלֶךְ) — a king
- power H7983 (שִׁלְטוֹן) — a potentate
- and who may say H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- unto him, What doest H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man’s heart discerneth time and judgment:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Whoso keepeth H8104 (שָׁמַר) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.
- the commandment H4687 (מִצְוָה) — a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law)
- shall feel H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- no evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- thing H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
- and a wise man’s H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- 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
- discerneth H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- both time H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
- and judgment H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or…
6 for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Because to every purpose H2656 (חֵפֶץ) — pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
- there is H3426 (יֵשׁ) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
- time H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
- and judgment H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or…
- therefore the misery H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- of man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- great H7227 (רַב) — abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
7 for he knoweth not that which shall be; for who can tell him how it shall be?Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- For he knoweth H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- not that which shall be: for who can tell H5046 (נָגַד) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present…
8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power over the day of death; and there is no discharge in war: neither shall wickedness deliver him that is given to it.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- no man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- that hath power H7989 (שַׁלִּיט) — potent; concretely, a prince or warrior
- over the 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…
- to retain H3607 (כָּלָא) — to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
- the 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…
- power H7983 (שִׁלְטוֹן) — a potentate
- in the day H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
- of death H4194 (מָוֶת) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
- no discharge H4917 (מִשְׁלַחַת) — a mission, i.e. (abstractly and favorable) release, or (concretely and unfavorable) an army
- war H4421 (מִלְחָמָה) — a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. war-fare)
- neither shall wickedness H7562 (רֶשַׁע) — a wrong (especially moral)
- deliver H4422 (מָלַט) — properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit spa…
- those that are given H1167 (בַּעַל) — a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man hath power over another to his hurt.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- All this have I seen H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- and applied 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
- unto every work H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- that is 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
- a time H6256 (עֵת) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
- wherein one man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- ruleth H7980 (שָׁלַט) — to dominate, i.e. govern; by implication, to permit
- over another to his own hurt H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
10 So I saw the wicked buried, and they came to the grave; and they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city: this also is vanity.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- And so H3651 (כֵּן) — properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and…
- I saw H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- buried H6912 (קָבַר) — to inter
- who had come H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
- and gone H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
- from 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)
- of the holy H6918 (קָדוֹשׁ) — sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
- and they were forgotten H7911 (שָׁכַח) — to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
- in the city H5892 (עִיר) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
- where they had so done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- also vanity H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Because sentence H6599 (פִּתְגָּם) — a (judicial) sentence
- against an evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- work H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- is not executed H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- speedily H4120 (מְהֵרָה) — properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly
- therefore the 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
- of 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 men H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- is fully set H4390 (מָלֵא) — to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
- in them to do H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
12 Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and prolong his days, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that fear before him:Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Though a sinner H2398 (חָטָא) — properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
- do H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- evil H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
- an hundred times H3967 (מֵאָה) — a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
- be prolonged H748 (אָרַךְ) — to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
- yet surely I know H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…
- that it shall be well H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- with them that fear H3373 (יָרֵא) — fearing; morally, reverent
- 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…
- which fear H3372 (יָרֵא) — to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
- 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…
13 but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- But it shall not be well H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- with the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- neither shall he prolong H748 (אָרַךְ) — to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
- days H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
- as a shadow H6738 (צֵל) — shade, whether literal or figurative
- because he feareth H3373 (יָרֵא) — fearing; morally, reverent
- not 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…
- 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…
14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth, that there are righteous men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- There is H3426 (יֵשׁ) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
- a vanity H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
- which is done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- upon the earth H776 (אֶרֶץ) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
- that there be just H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- unto whom it happeneth H5060 (נָגַע) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive, acquire);…
- according to the work H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- of the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- again, there be H3426 (יֵשׁ) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
- wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
- to whom it happeneth H5060 (נָגַע) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive, acquire);…
- of the righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
- I said H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- that this also H1571 (גַּם) — properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
- vanity H1892 (הֶבֶל) — emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that shall abide with him in his labor all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Then I commended H7623 (שָׁבַח) — properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e. (specifically) loud; figuratively, to pacify (as if by words)
- mirth H8057 (שִׂמְחָה) — blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
- because a man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- hath no better thing H2896 (טוֹב) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good t…
- under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
- than to eat H398 (אָכַל) — to eat (literally or figuratively)
- and to drink H8354 (שָׁתָה) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
- and to be merry H8055 (שָׂמַח) — probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
- for that shall abide H3867 (לָוָה) — properly, to twine, i.e. (by implication) to unite, to remain; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (caus.) to lend
- with him of his labour H5999 (עָמָל) — toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
- the days H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
- of his life H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
- which 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…
- giveth H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- him under the sun H8121 (שֶׁמֶשׁ) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement
16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes),Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- When I applied H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
- mine 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 see H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- the business H6045 (עִנְיָן) — ado, i.e. (generally) employment or (specifically) an affair
- that is done H6213 (עָשָׂה) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
- upon the earth H776 (אֶרֶץ) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
- neither day H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
- nor night H3915 (לַיִל) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity
- seeth H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- sleep H8142 (שֵׁנָה) — sleep
- with his eyes H5869 (עַיִן) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
17 then I beheld all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because however much a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea moreover, though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):- Then I beheld H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
- all the work H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- of 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…
- that a man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- cannot H3201 (יָכֹל) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
- find out H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
- the work H4639 (מַעֲשֶׂה) — an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
- that is 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
- because H834 (אֲשֶׁר) — who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.
- though H7945 (שֶׁל) — on account of, whatsoever, whichsoever
- a man H120 (אָדָם) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
- labour H5998 (עָמַל) — to toil, i.e. work severely and with irksomeness
- out H1245 (בָּקַשׁ) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
- yet he shall not find H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
- yea further; though a wise H2450 (חָכָם) — wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
- think H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
- 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…
- yet shall he not be able H3201 (יָכֹל) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
- to find H4672 (מָצָא) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present