Text -- Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 (NET)

Human Wisdom is Limited

7:23 I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined to comprehend this”– but it was beyond my grasp. 7:24 Whatever has happened is beyond human understanding; it is far deeper than anyone can fathom.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Ecc 7:23

¹ tn The cohortative אֶחְכָּמָה (’ekhkamah, from חָכַם, khakham,“to be wise”) emphasizes the resolve (determination) of Qoheleth to become wise enough to understand the perplexities of life.

² tn Or “I am determined to become wise”

³ tn Or “but it eluded me”; Heb “but it was far from me.”

NET Notes: Ecc 7:24

¹ tn The word “human” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

² tn Heb “is far away.”

³ tn Heb “It is deep, deep – who can find it?” The repetition of the word “deep” emphasizes the degree of incomprehensibility. See IBHS 233-34 §12.5a.