Ecclesiastes 2:12 Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king's successor do than what has already been accomplished?

Bible > Ecclesiastes > Chapter 2 > Verse 12

◄ Ecclesiastes 2:12 ►

New International Version
Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king’s successor do than what has already been done?

New Living Translation
So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?).

English Standard Version
So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done.

Berean Standard Bible
Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished?

King James Bible
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

New King James Version
Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly; For what can the man do who succeeds the king?— Only what he has already done.

New American Standard Bible
So I turned to consider wisdom, insanity, and foolishness; for what will the man do who will come after the king, except what has already been done?

NASB 1995
So I turned to consider wisdom, madness and folly; for what will the man do who will come after the king except what has already been done?

NASB 1977
So I turned to consider wisdom, madness and folly, for what will the man do who will come after the king except what has already been done?

Legacy Standard Bible
So I turned to see wisdom, madness, and simpleminded folly. What will the man do who will come after the king except what has already been done?

Amplified Bible
So I turned to consider [secular] wisdom, madness, and folly; for what will the man do who succeeds the king? Nothing except what has already been done.

Christian Standard Bible
Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor be like? He will do what has already been done.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the man be like who comes after the king? He will do what has already been done.

American Standard Version
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been done long ago.

Contemporary English Version
I asked myself, "What can the next king do that I haven't done?" Then I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and stupidity.

English Revised Version
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness and folly; for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then I turned [my attention] to experience wisdom, madness, and foolishness. For instance, what can the man who replaces the king do? Only what has already been done.

Good News Translation
After all, a king can only do what previous kings have done. So I started thinking about what it meant to be wise or reckless or foolish.

International Standard Version
Next I turned to examine wisdom, insanity, and foolishness, because what can a person do who succeeds the king except what has already been accomplished?

Majority Standard Bible
Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king?s successor do than what has already been accomplished?

NET Bible
Next, I decided to consider wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas. For what more can the king's successor do than what the king has already done?

New Heart English Bible
I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly. For what can the man who comes after the king do? Just that which he has already done.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

World English Bible
I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly; for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I turned to see wisdom, and madness, and folly, but what [is] the man who comes after the king? That which [is] already—they have done it!

Young's Literal Translation
And I turned to see wisdom, and madness, and folly, but what is the man who cometh after the king? that which is already -- they have done it!

Smith's Literal Translation
And I turned to see wisdom, madness, and folly: for what the man that shall come after the king? with those things they did already.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
I passed further to behold wisdom, and errors and folly, (What is man, said I, that he can follow the King his maker?)

Catholic Public Domain Version
I continued on, so as to contemplate wisdom, as well as error and foolishness. “What is man,” I said, “that he would be able to follow his Maker, the King?”

New American Bible
What about one who succeeds a king? He can do only what has already been done. I went on to the consideration of wisdom, madness and folly.

New Revised Standard Version
So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what can the one do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So I looked around to behold wisdom and transgression and folly; for who is the man who can enter into judgment with the king? Especially with him who had created him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I gazed to see wisdom and vice and folly, for who is the man that shall enter after the King into judgment, and then with him who made him?

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness and folly; for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then I looked on to see wisdom, and madness, and folly: for who is the man who will follow after counsel, in all things where in he employs it?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Wise and the Foolish
12Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished? 13And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 1:2-7
for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, / and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. / To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, ...

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.

Romans 1:21-22
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

Proverbs 8:1-11
Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ...

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”

Proverbs 10:23
The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.

Luke 7:35
But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Proverbs 15:21
Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.

Treasury of Scripture

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done.

i turned

Ecclesiastes 1:17
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 7:25
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

even that which hath already been done

Ecclesiastes 2:25
For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

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Ecclesiastes 2

1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure
12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event
18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom
24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift

Berean Study Bible

Then I turned
The phrase "Then I turned" signifies a deliberate shift in focus or perspective. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "פָּנִיתִי" (paniti), which implies a turning or facing towards something with intention. This suggests a conscious decision by the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, to evaluate life from a different angle. It reflects a moment of introspection and reassessment, which is crucial in the pursuit of understanding life's deeper meanings.

to consider
The Hebrew root for "to consider" is "לִרְאוֹת" (lirot), meaning to see or perceive. This indicates a thoughtful and discerning examination, not just a casual glance. It implies a depth of contemplation, suggesting that Solomon is engaging in a profound analysis of the subjects at hand. This aligns with the biblical call for wisdom, urging believers to seek understanding with diligence and sincerity.

wisdom
The term "wisdom" in Hebrew is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the practical application of that knowledge in daily life. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with a godly perspective, emphasizing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Solomon, known for his wisdom, is reflecting on its value and limitations, acknowledging that human wisdom, while beneficial, is ultimately insufficient without divine guidance.

and madness
"Madness" is translated from the Hebrew word "שִׁגָּעוֹן" (shigga'on), which can denote irrationality or folly. In this context, it represents the opposite of wisdom, highlighting the chaotic and senseless aspects of human behavior. Solomon's exploration of madness serves as a contrast to wisdom, illustrating the futility and emptiness of life when it is not grounded in truth and righteousness.

and folly
The word "folly" comes from the Hebrew "סִכְלוּת" (sikluth), referring to foolishness or lack of good judgment. It is often used in Scripture to describe actions that are contrary to God's will. By examining folly, Solomon is acknowledging the prevalence of foolishness in human endeavors and the need for discernment to avoid its pitfalls. This serves as a warning to believers to seek wisdom and avoid the snares of foolishness.

for what more can the king’s successor do
This phrase reflects a sense of inevitability and limitation. The Hebrew text suggests a rhetorical question, emphasizing the idea that future generations, including a king's successor, are bound by the same human limitations and challenges. It underscores the cyclical nature of human experience and the repetitive patterns of history, reminding us that true progress is found not in human achievement but in spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes.

than what has already been accomplished?
The concluding phrase points to the futility of human efforts when viewed from a purely earthly perspective. The Hebrew conveys a sense of completion or fulfillment, suggesting that all human endeavors ultimately lead to the same end. This echoes the theme of vanity found throughout Ecclesiastes, urging readers to seek meaning beyond worldly accomplishments and to find fulfillment in a relationship with God. Solomon's reflection serves as a timeless reminder of the transient nature of earthly pursuits and the eternal significance of spiritual wisdom.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) This verse presents some difficulties of translation which need not be discussed here. The Authorised Version gives the following very good sense: If the king has failed in his experiment, what likelihood is there that a private person should be more successful? Yet bearing in mind that in Ecclesiastes 5:18 the "man that cometh after the king" means his successor, and also that the theme of the whole section is that in human affairs there is no progress, it is more simple to understand this verse: the king's successor can do no more than run the same round that has been trodden by his predecessor.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 12-26. - Section 3. Vanity of wisdom, in view of the fate that awaits the wise man equally with the fool, and the uncertainty of the future of his labors, especially as man is not master of his own fate. Verse 12. - And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly (Ecclesiastes 1:17). He studied the three in their mutual connection and relation, comparing them in their results and effects on man's nature and life, and deducing thence their real value. On one side he set wisdom, on the other the action, and habits which he rightly terms "madness and folly," and examined them calmly and critically. For what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done. Both the Authorized Version and Revised Version render the passage thus, though the latter, in the margin, gives two alternative renderings of the second clause, viz. even him whom they made king long ago, and, as in the Authorized Version margin, in those things which have been already done. The LXX., following a different reading, gives, "For what man is there who will follow after counsel in whatsoever things he employed it?" Vulgate, "What is man, said I, that he should be able to follow the King, his Maker?" Wright, Delitzsch, Nowack, etc., "For what is the man that is to come after the king whom they made so long ago?" i.e. who can have greater experience than Solomon made king in old time amid universal acclamation (1 Chronicles 29:22)? or, who can hope to equal his fame? - which does not seem quite suitable, as it is the abnormal opportunities of investigation given by his unique position which would be the point of the query. The Authorized Version gives a fairly satisfactory (and grammatically unobjectionable) meaning - What can any one effect who tries the same experiment as the king did? He could not do so under more favorable conditions, and will only repeat the same process and reach the same result. But the passage is obscure, and every interpretation has its own difficulty. If the ki with which the second portion of the passage begins ("for what," etc.) assigns the reason or motive of the first portion, shows what was the design of Koheleth in contrasting wisdom and folly, the rendering of the Authorized Version is not inappropriate. Many critics consider that Solomon is here speaking of his successor, asking what kind of man he will be who comes after him - the man whom some have already chosen? And certainly there is some ground for this interpretation in vers. 18, 19, where the complaint is that all the king's greatness and glory will be left to an unworthy successor. But this view requires the Solomonic authorship of the book, and makes him to refer to Rehoboam or some illegitimate usurper. The wording of the text is too general to admit of this explanation; nor does it exactly suit the immediate context, or duly connect the two clauses of the verse. It seems best to take the successor, not as one who comes to the kingdom, but as one who pursues similar investigations, repeats Koheleth's experiments.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then I
אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

turned
וּפָנִ֤יתִֽי (ū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look

to consider
לִרְא֣וֹת (lir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

wisdom
חָכְמָ֔ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and madness
וְהוֹלֵל֖וֹת (wə·hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1947: Madness

and folly;
וְסִכְל֑וּת (wə·siḵ·lūṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5531: Silliness

for
כִּ֣י ׀ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

what [more]
מֶ֣ה (meh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

can the king’s
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

successor
שֶׁיָּבוֹא֙ (še·yā·ḇō·w)
Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

do
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

than what has already
כְּבָ֖ר (kə·ḇār)
Adverb
Strong's 3528: Extent of time, a great while, long ago, formerly, hitherto

been accomplished?
עָשֽׂוּהוּ׃ (‘ā·śū·hū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:12 I turned myself to consider wisdom madness (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)