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Selected Verse: Ecclesiates 1:14 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Ec 1:14 |
Strong Concordance |
I have seen [07200] all the works [04639] that are done [06213] under the sun [08121]; and, behold, all is vanity [01892] and vexation [07469] of spirit [07307]. |
| |
King James |
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
The reason is here given why investigation into man's "works" is only "sore travail" (Ecc 1:13); namely, because all man's ways are vain (Ecc 1:18) and cannot be mended (Ecc 1:15).
vexation of--"a preying upon"
the Spirit--MAURER translates; "the pursuit of wind," as in Ecc 5:16; Hos 12:1, "Ephraim feedeth on wind." But old versions support the English Version. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Vexation of spirit - A phrase which occurs 7 times, and may be otherwise translated, "feeding on wind." Modern Hebrew grammarians assert that the word rendered "vexation" must be derived from a root signifying "to feed," "follow," "strive after." This being admitted, it remains to choose between two translations:
(1) "striving after wind," or "windy effort;" adopted by the Septuagint and the majority of modern interpreters; or
(2) feeding on wind. Compare Hos 12:1 : and similar phrases in Pro 15:14; Isa 44:20; Psa 37:3. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Seen - Diligently observed. Vanity - Not only unsatisfying, but also an affliction or breaking to a man's spirit. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Behold, all is vanity - After all these discussions and experiments, when even the results have been the most successful, I have found only rational satisfaction; but not that supreme good by which alone the soul can be made happy.
O curas hominum! O quantum est in rebus inane!
"How anxious are our cares, and yet how vain
The bent of our desires!"
Pers. Sat. i., 5: 1. |
1 Ephraim [0669] feedeth [07462] on wind [07307], and followeth [07291] after the east wind [06921]: he daily [03117] increaseth [07235] lies [03577] and desolation [07701]; and they do make [03772] a covenant [01285] with the Assyrians [0804], and oil [08081] is carried [02986] into Egypt [04714].
16 And this [02090] also is a sore [02470] evil [07451], that in all points [05980] as he came [0935], so shall he go [03212]: and what profit [03504] hath he that hath laboured [05998] for the wind [07307]?
15 That which is crooked [05791] cannot [03201] be made straight [08626]: and that which is wanting [02642] cannot [03201] be numbered [04487].
18 For in much [07230] wisdom [02451] is much [07230] grief [03708]: and he that increaseth [03254] knowledge [01847] increaseth [03254] sorrow [04341].
13 And I gave [05414] my heart [03820] to seek [01875] and search out [08446] by wisdom [02451] concerning all things that are done [06213] under heaven [08064]: this sore [07451] travail [06045] hath God [0430] given [05414] to the sons [01121] of man [0120] to be exercised [06031] therewith.
3 Trust [0982] in the LORD [03068], and do [06213] good [02896]; so shalt thou dwell [07931] in the land [0776], and verily [0530] thou shalt be fed [07462].
20 He feedeth [07462] on ashes [0665]: a deceived [02048] heart [03820] hath turned him aside [05186], that he cannot deliver [05337] his soul [05315], nor say [0559], Is there not a lie [08267] in my right hand [03225]?
14 The heart [03820] of him that hath understanding [0995] seeketh [01245] knowledge [01847]: but the mouth [06310] [06440] of fools [03684] feedeth [07462] on foolishness [0200].
1 Ephraim [0669] feedeth [07462] on wind [07307], and followeth [07291] after the east wind [06921]: he daily [03117] increaseth [07235] lies [03577] and desolation [07701]; and they do make [03772] a covenant [01285] with the Assyrians [0804], and oil [08081] is carried [02986] into Egypt [04714].