Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. New Living Translation There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. English Standard Version There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. Berean Standard Bible There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Berean Literal Bible A city was small, and few men in it; and a great king came against it, and he besieged it and built great siege ramps against it. King James Bible There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: New King James Version There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. New American Standard Bible there was a small city with few men in it, and a great king came to it, surrounded it, and constructed large siegeworks against it. NASB 1995 There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it and constructed large siegeworks against it. NASB 1977 There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it, and constructed large siegeworks against it. Legacy Standard Bible There was a small city with few men in it, and a great king came to it, surrounded it, and built large siegeworks against it. Amplified Bible There was a little city with few men in it and a great king came against it and besieged it and built great battlements against it. Berean Annotated Bible There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Christian Standard Bible There was a small city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege works against it. Holman Christian Standard Bible There was a small city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege works against it. American Standard Version There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Contemporary English Version It happened when a powerful ruler surrounded and attacked a small city where only a few people lived. The enemy army was getting ready to break through the city walls. English Revised Version There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: GOD'S WORD® Translation There was a small town with a few soldiers in it, and a powerful king came to attack it. He surrounded it and blockaded it. Good News Translation There was a little town without many people in it. A powerful king attacked it. He surrounded it and prepared to break through the walls. International Standard Version There was a little city with few men in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built massive siege ramps against it. NET Bible There was once a small city with a few men in it, and a mighty king attacked it, besieging it and building strong siege works against it. New Heart English Bible There was a little city, and few men within it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great siege works against it. Webster's Bible Translation There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThere was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. World English Bible There was a little city, and few men within it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA little city, and few men in it, and a great king has come to it, and has surrounded it, and has built against it great bulwarks; Berean Literal Bible A city was small, and few men in it; and a great king came against it, and he besieged it and built great siege ramps against it. Young's Literal Translation A little city, and few men in it, and a great king hath come unto it, and hath surrounded it, and hath built against it great bulwarks; Smith's Literal Translation A little city, and men in it few; and a great king came against it, and surrounded it, and built against it great entrenchments: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA little city, and few men in it: there came against it a great king, and invested it, and built bulwarks round about it, and the siege was perfect. Catholic Public Domain Version There was a small city, with a few men in it. There came against it a great king, who surrounded it, and built fortifications all around it, and the blockade was completed. New American Bible Against a small city with few inhabitants advanced a mighty king, who surrounded it and threw up great siegeworks about it. New Revised Standard Version There was a little city with few people in it. A great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThere was a little city and few men in it; and there came a great king against it and beseiged it and built bulwarks against it; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated There was a small city and a few children of men in it, and a great King came to it and he surrounded it and he built bulwarks against it OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917there was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it; Brenton Septuagint Translation suppose there were a little city, and few men in it; and there should come against it a great king, and surround it, and build great mounds against it; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wisdom is Better than Strength13I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me: 14There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. 15Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.… Cross References There was a small city with few men. 2 Kings 7:3-4 Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? / If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” Judges 9:50-53 Then Abimelech went to Thebez, encamped against it, and captured it. / But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. / When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire. … A mighty king came against it, 2 Kings 18:13-17 In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. / So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. / Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. … 2 Chronicles 32:1-2 After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. / When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, Jeremiah 52:4 So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. surrounded it, Luke 19:43-44 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. / They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” Isaiah 29:3 I will camp in a circle around you; I will besiege you with towers and set up siege works against you. 2 Kings 6:14-15 the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. / When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” and built large siege ramps against it. 2 Samuel 20:15 And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maacah and built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city. As all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to topple it, Jeremiah 6:6 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst. Ezekiel 4:2 Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. 2 Samuel 20:16-22 a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” / When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. / Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. … 2 Kings 19:32-36 So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city, declares the LORD. / I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” … Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. Isaiah 37:33-36 So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. / ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” … Treasury of Scripture There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: there was 2 Samuel 20:15-22 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down… 2 Kings 6:24-33 And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria… 2 Kings 7:1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. Jump to Previous Attack Besieged Building Built Bulwarks City Constructed Encompassed Few Great Little Once Powerful Siegeworks Small Surrounded War Within WorksJump to Next Attack Besieged Building Built Bulwarks City Constructed Encompassed Few Great Little Once Powerful Siegeworks Small Surrounded War Within WorksEcclesiastes 9 1. like things happen to good and bad4. there is a necessity of death unto men 7. Comfort is all their portion in this life 11. God's providence rules over all 13. wisdom is better than strength There was a small city with few men. This phrase sets the stage for a parable-like story, illustrating the vulnerability and insignificance of the city. In ancient times, cities were often small and fortified, with populations that could be easily overwhelmed by larger forces. The mention of "few men" highlights the city's lack of military strength and resources. This imagery can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God using the weak to confound the strong, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27. The small city can also symbolize the remnant of Israel, often depicted as a minority in the face of overwhelming odds. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Persons / Places / Events 1. Small CityRepresents a place of vulnerability and limited resources, often seen as insignificant in the grand scheme of things. 2. Few Men Symbolizes the limited human strength and resources available to the city, highlighting its defenselessness. 3. Mighty King Represents a powerful adversary or force that poses a significant threat to the small city. 4. Siege Works These are the military strategies and structures used by the king to conquer the city, indicating a methodical and overwhelming approach. 5. Event of Siege The scenario of a siege illustrates the theme of vulnerability and the potential for unexpected deliverance or wisdom. Teaching Points The Power of WisdomWisdom can provide solutions and deliverance even when resources are limited. Seek God's wisdom in times of vulnerability and challenge. Strength in Weakness God often uses the weak and insignificant to accomplish His purposes. Embrace your limitations as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power. Divine Strategy Over Human Strength Trust in God's plans and strategies rather than relying solely on human strength and resources. Pray for discernment to recognize and follow God's guidance in difficult situations. Unexpected Deliverance Be open to God's unexpected ways of providing deliverance and victory. Cultivate a heart of faith that anticipates God's intervention. The Role of Faith in Adversity Faith is crucial when facing overwhelming odds. Strengthen your faith through prayer, scripture, and community support. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 9:14?2. How does Ecclesiastes 9:14 illustrate the value of wisdom over strength? 3. What lessons can we learn about humility from the "poor wise man"? 4. How does this verse connect with Proverbs' teachings on wisdom's importance? 5. In what ways can we apply this wisdom in our daily decision-making? 6. How can we recognize and value wisdom in others, as shown in Ecclesiastes 9:14? 7. What is the significance of the "small city" in Ecclesiastes 9:14? 8. How does Ecclesiastes 9:14 reflect on the theme of wisdom versus power? 9. What historical context might have inspired Ecclesiastes 9:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9? 11. What is the significance of the Mandylion of Edessa? 12. According to 1 Kings 9:15, Solomon used forced labor to build key cities, but do historical or archaeological records support such extensive construction under his reign? 13. In 2 Chronicles 8:2, Solomon rebuilds cities given by Hiram, yet 1 Kings 9:11-13 implies those cities were unacceptable to him; how can both accounts be accurate? 14. When is war or peace appropriate? What Does Ecclesiastes 9:14 Mean There was a small city with few menSolomon opens with a scene of vulnerability. A town so small that its fighting force can be counted on two hands sounds hopeless on paper, yet God has always delighted in working through the “few.” • Deuteronomy 7:7 reminds Israel, “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest.” • Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “For the LORD can save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). • Jesus speaks of the narrow way that “only a few find” (Matthew 7:14). The literal picture of a tiny population highlights how, in God’s economy, strength is never measured by headcount but by His presence among the humble (Psalm 34:18). A mighty king came against it Now the imbalance intensifies: “a great king,” wielding resources, reputation, and raw power, marches in. Scripture never minimizes very real earthly threats; it simply puts them in perspective. • Psalm 2:2 shows rulers who “take their stand against the LORD.” Earthly power often overestimates itself. • Sennacherib boasted against Jerusalem in Isaiah 37:10–13, yet one angel felled his army overnight (Isaiah 37:36). • Revelation 17:14 looks ahead to kings who “will make war on the Lamb,” only to be conquered “because He is Lord of lords.” Ecclesiastes presents the king as genuinely formidable, yet the verse quietly invites us to remember Who sets limits on every ruler’s reach (Daniel 4:35). Surrounded it The city is cut off. That picture taps into a universal feeling when trouble closes in from every side. • Psalm 118:10-12 describes enemies encircling “like bees,” yet the psalmist still triumphs “in the name of the LORD.” • Elisha’s servant saw horses and chariots hemming in Dothan (2 Kings 6:14), but God opened his eyes to a greater, invisible army (2 Kings 6:17). • Jesus foretold Jerusalem’s own encirclement (Luke 19:43), a sober prophecy fulfilled in A.D. 70. Literal sieges symbolize spiritual pressure as well. Paul writes, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8), showing how the Lord sustains His people even when the squeeze is real. And built large siege ramps against it Siege ramps were engineering marvels—massive earthen slopes constructed to breach walls. This final detail underlines the aggressor’s patience and determination. The enemy is not going away on his own. • Ezekiel 4:2 pictures similar tactics: “Lay siege to it… build a siege wall, heap up an embankment.” • Daniel 11:31 foretells forces that “will come… and set up the abomination,” a calculated advance, not a haphazard raid. • Spiritually, believers face “schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11), deliberate strategies meant to wear down resistance. The ramp tells us the attack is well-planned and long-term, yet God repeatedly overturns such calculated assaults when His wisdom enters the story (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). summary Ecclesiastes 9:14 paints a vivid, literal snapshot of contrasts: a handful of townsfolk versus a powerhouse monarch, fragile walls versus towering siege ramps. Solomon is teeing up the next verse, where a single wise man delivers the city. By spotlighting utter disparity, he magnifies the value of God-given wisdom over brute force, reminding us that no matter how small, surrounded, or strategically outmatched we may feel, the Lord delights in using the unlikely to confound the mighty. (14) Idle attempts have been made to find a historic reference in this passage. What is here told is so like the story (2 Samuel 20) of the deliverance of Abel-beth-Maachah by a wise woman, whose name, nevertheless, has not been preserved, that we cannot even be sure that the writer had any other real history in his mind.Verse 14. - There was a little city. The substantive verb is, as commonly, omitted. Commentators have amused themselves with endeavoring to identify the city here mentioned. Thus some see herein Athens, saved by the counsel of Themistocles, who was afterwards driven from Athens and died in misery (Justin., 2:12); or Dora, near Mount Carmel, besieged unsuccessfully by Antiochus the Great, B.C. 218, though we know nothing of the circumstances (Polyb., 5:66); but see note on ver. 13. The Septuagint takes the whole paragraph hypothetically, "Suppose there was a little city," etc. Wright well compares the historical allusions to events fresh in the minds of his hearers made by our Lord in his parable of the pounds (Luke 19:12, 14, 15, 27). So we may regard the present section as a parable founded on some historical fact well known at the time when the book was written. A great king. The term points to some Persian or Assyrian potentate; or it may mean merely a powerful general (see 1 Kings 11:24; Job 29:25). Built great bulwarks against it. The Septuagint has χάρακας μεγάλους, "great palisades;" the Vulgate, Extruxitque munitiones per gyrum. What are meant are embankments or mounds raised high enough to overtop the walls of the town, and to command the positions of the besieged. For the same purpose wooden towers were also used (see Deuteronomy 20:20; 2 Samuel 20:15; 2 Kings 19:32; Jeremiah lit. 4). The Vulgate rounds off the account in the text by adding, et perfects est obsidio, " and the beleaguering was completed."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew There was a smallקְטַנָּ֔ה (qə·ṭan·nāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant city עִ֣יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement with few men. מְעָ֑ט (mə·‘āṭ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few A mighty גָּדוֹל֙ (gā·ḏō·wl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent king מֶ֤לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king came וּבָֽא־ (ū·ḇā-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go against it, אֵלֶ֜יהָ (’ê·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to surrounded it, וְסָבַ֣ב (wə·sā·ḇaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround and built וּבָנָ֥ה (ū·ḇā·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build large גְּדֹלִֽים׃ (gə·ḏō·lîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent siege ramps מְצוֹדִ֥ים (mə·ṣō·w·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4685: A net, a, fastness, tower against it. עָלֶ֖יהָ (‘ā·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Ecclesiastes 9:14 NIVEcclesiastes 9:14 NLT Ecclesiastes 9:14 ESV Ecclesiastes 9:14 NASB Ecclesiastes 9:14 KJV Ecclesiastes 9:14 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 9:14 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 9:14 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 9:14 French Bible Ecclesiastes 9:14 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:14 There was a little city and few (Ecclesiast. 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