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Selected Verse: Ecclesiates 1:14 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
Ec 1:14 |
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 feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
1 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.