Ecclesiastes 7:24

7:24 Whatever has happened is beyond human ¹  understanding; ² 

it is far deeper than anyone can fathom. ³ 

Ecclesiastes 7:23

Human Wisdom is Limited

7:23 I have examined all this by wisdom;

I said, “I am determined ⁴  to comprehend this” ⁵  – but it was beyond my grasp. ⁶ 

[7:24]  ¹ tn The word “human” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[7:24]  ² tn Heb “is far away.”

[7:24]  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.

[7:23]  ⁴ 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.

[7:23]  ⁵ tn Or “I am determined to become wise”

[7:23]  ⁶ tn Or “but it eluded me”; Heb “but it was far from me.”