Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 9:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me:
Compare translations
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
What Ecclesiastes 9:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the author reflects on a piece of wisdom he has encountered in life. He acknowledges that this insight stands out to him as significant. It suggests that wisdom can be found in everyday experiences, even in the mundane aspects of life. The phrase 'under the sun' indicates that this wisdom is observable in our world, not just in theoretical or abstract ideas. The author invites us to consider the value of practical wisdom that can guide our decisions and actions. This wisdom may not always be grand or profound, but it can still have a meaningful impact on our lives. By recognizing and appreciating such insights, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to remain open to learning from our surroundings and the experiences we encounter daily, as they can lead to greater understanding and fulfillment in our lives. Embracing this wisdom can help us make better choices and find deeper meaning in our journey.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 9:13 to your life
To apply this wisdom, take time to reflect on your daily experiences. Look for lessons in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights that will help you make better decisions and enrich your life. Stay open to learning from everything around you, as wisdom often comes from unexpected places. Embrace the journey of discovery in your life, and let it guide you forward with purpose and clarity.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ecclesiastes 9:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ecclesiastes 9:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Ecclesiastes
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 9:13 mean?
Ecclesiastes 9:13 reflects on a piece of wisdom the author has observed in life, emphasizing that practical insights can be found in everyday experiences. It suggests that even seemingly simple lessons can hold significant value in guiding our decisions.
What is the meaning of 'under the sun' in Ecclesiastes 9:13?
The phrase 'under the sun' in Ecclesiastes 9:13 indicates that the wisdom being discussed is observable in our everyday world, rather than being abstract or theoretical. It highlights the importance of practical wisdom derived from real-life experiences.
How can I apply the wisdom from Ecclesiastes 9:13 in my life?
To apply the wisdom from Ecclesiastes 9:13, take time to reflect on your daily experiences and look for lessons in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. This practice can help you gain valuable insights that improve your decision-making.
What themes are present in Ecclesiastes 9:13?
The themes present in Ecclesiastes 9:13 include wisdom, life experiences, practical insight, and everyday lessons. These themes highlight the importance of learning from the world around us to enrich our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.