Ecclesiastes 1:17

Context

1:17 So I decided¹ to discern the benefit of² wisdom and knowledge over³ foolish behavior and ideas;⁴

however, I concluded⁵ that even⁶ this endeavor⁷ is like⁸ trying to chase the wind!⁹

[1:17] ¹tn Heb “gave my heart,” or “set my mind.” See v. 13.

[1:17] ²tn The phrase “the benefit of” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

[1:17] ³tn The word “over” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

[1:17] ⁴tn The terms שִׂכְלוּת (sikhlut, “folly”) and הוֹלֵלוֹת (holelot, “foolishness”) are synonyms. The term שִׂכְלוּת (alternate spelling of סִכְלוּת, sikhlut) refers to foolish behavior (HALOT 755 s.v. סִכְלוּת), while הוֹלֵלוֹת refers to foolish ideas and mental blindness (HALOT 242 s.v. הוֹלֵלוֹת). Qoheleth uses these terms to refer to foolish ideas and self-indulgent pleasures (e.g., Eccl 2:2-3, 12-14; 7:25; 9:3; 10:1, 6, 13).

[1:17] ⁵tn Heb “I know.”

[1:17] ⁶tn The term גַּם (gam, “even”) is a particle of association and emphasis (HALOT 195 s.v. גַּם).

[1:17] ⁷tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

[1:17] ⁸tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

[1:17] ⁹tn Heb “striving of wind.”