Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
Read it in contextGod’s Ways Are Mysterious
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 8:14 (Ecclesiastes 8:14 to Ecclesiastes 8:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
8:14There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
8:15Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
8:16When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)
8:17Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional identification of the Preacher. The speaker is described as a son of David and king in Jerusalem, but the personal identification is debated. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 1:1; Ecclesiastes 1:12. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ecclesiastes 1:1–11:10): The Preacher reflects before his hearers on work, pleasure, injustice, mortality, and wisdom. Many observations describe human experience generally rather than a single event with a fixed audience. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? People seeking wisdom about work, mortality, and the fear of God; the closing instruction addresses a son or pupil. The first specific community is unknown. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 12:9; Ecclesiastes 12:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? God’s Ways Are Mysterious. Read Ecclesiastes 8:14 through Ecclesiastes 8:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The Preacher reflects on experience and human life without supplying a modern composition date. Identifying the speaker and dating the final book involve questions beyond a single proverb. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The speaker identifies a royal setting in Jerusalem, while the observations range broadly over life under the sun. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in God’s Ways Are Mysterious (Ecclesiastes 8:14 to Ecclesiastes 8:17).
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 8:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The book's concern with mortality and judgment can be read alongside the New Testament's teaching about resurrection and accountability through Christ. This is a canonical connection, not a claim that each reflection explicitly names Him. See Ecclesiastes 1:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Acts 17:31. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Receive ordinary life with gratitude, act responsibly amid uncertainty, and remember accountability to God. Read bleak observations within the book's larger inquiry and conclusion. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes 8
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
Connection to the wholeThe sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion.
Connection to the wholeThe opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
Connection to the wholeThe reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
Connection to the wholeThe sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
Connection to the wholeThe closing appeal and conclusion direct the reader toward remembering the Creator, fearing God, keeping His commandments, and facing judgment.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.