Parallel Verses
NET Bible
I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth. I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied.
New American Standard Bible
And I
King James Version
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
Holman Bible
I applied my mind to seek
International Standard Version
I dedicated myself to using wisdom for study and discovery of everything that is done under heaven. God uses terrible things so human beings will struggle with life.
A Conservative Version
And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven. It is a great tribulation that God has given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
American Standard Version
And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven: it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
Amplified
And I set my mind to seek and explore by [man’s]
Bible in Basic English
And I gave my heart to searching out in wisdom all things which are done under heaven: it is a hard thing which God has put on the sons of men to do.
Darby Translation
And I applied my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens: this grievous occupation hath God given to the children of men to weary themselves therewith.
Julia Smith Translation
And I gave my heart to seek and to search out in wisdom concerning all which was done under the heavens: this evil business God gave to the sons of man to be occupied in it
King James 2000
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this severe burden has God given to the sons of man to be afflicted with.
Lexham Expanded Bible
I applied my mind to seek and to search by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. It [is] a grievous task God has given to {humans}.
Modern King James verseion
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all which is done under the heavens. It is a sad task God has given to the sons of men to be humbled by it.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
applied my mind to seek out and search for the knowledge of all things that are done under heaven. Such travail and labor hath God given to the children of men, to exercise themselves therein.
New Heart English Bible
I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
The Emphasized Bible
And I gave my heart to seek and to search out, wisely, concerning all things which are done under the heavens, - the same, is the vexatious employment God hath given to the sons of men, to work toilsomely therein,
Webster
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this grievous labor hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised with it.
World English Bible
I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
Youngs Literal Translation
And I have given my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that hath been done under the heavens. It is a sad travail God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.
Themes
Care » Worldly folly of » Profitless
Science » Observations of, and deductions from, facts
Wisdom » True wisdom, general references to » The search for
Interlinear
Nathan
Leb
Tuwr
Ra`
'elohiym
References
Fausets
Morish
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 1:13
Verse Info
Context Readings
Qohelet Introduces His Quest
12 I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I decided to carefully and thoroughly examine all that has been accomplished on earth. I concluded: God has given people a burdensome task that keeps them occupied. 14 I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile -- like chasing the wind!
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 3:10
I have observed the burden that God has given to people to keep them occupied.
Ecclesiastes 1:17
So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!
Genesis 3:19
By the sweat of your brow you will eat food until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you will return."
Ecclesiastes 7:25
I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend the role of wisdom in the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly.
Psalm 111:2
The Lord's deeds are great, eagerly awaited by all who desire them.
Proverbs 2:2-4
by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding,
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme -- so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
Proverbs 18:1
One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.
Proverbs 18:15
The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 23:26
Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes observe my ways;
Ecclesiastes 2:23
For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile!
Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth -- only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile -- like chasing the wind!
Ecclesiastes 4:4
Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless -- like chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes 8:9
While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm.
Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
When I tried to gain wisdom and to observe the activity on earth -- even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night --
Ecclesiastes 12:12
Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. There is no end to the making of many books, and much study is exhausting to the body.
1 Timothy 4:15
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.