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17 So I decided[a] to discern the benefit of[b] wisdom and knowledge over[c] foolish behavior and ideas;[d]
however, I concluded[e] that even[f] this endeavor[g] is like[h] trying to chase the wind.[i]
18 For with great wisdom comes[j] great frustration;
whoever increases his[k] knowledge merely[l] increases his[m] heartache.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn Heb “gave my heart,” or “set my mind.” See v. 13.
  2. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn The phrase “the benefit of” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
  3. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn The word “over” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
  4. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn The terms שִׂכְלוּת (sikhlut, “folly”) and הוֹלֵלוֹת (holelot, “foolishness”) are synonyms. The term שִׂכְלוּת (alternate spelling of סִכְלוּת, sikhlut) refers to foolish behavior (HALOT 755 s.v. סִכְלוּת), while הוֹלֵלוֹת refers to foolish ideas and mental blindness (HALOT 242 s.v. הוֹלֵלוֹת). Qoheleth uses these terms to refer to foolish ideas and self-indulgent pleasures (e.g., Eccl 2:2-3, 12-14; 7:25; 9:3; 10:1, 6, 13).
  5. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn Heb “I know.”
  6. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn The term גַּם (gam, “even”) is a particle of association and emphasis (HALOT 195 s.v. גַּם).
  7. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
  8. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
  9. Ecclesiastes 1:17 tn Heb “striving of wind.”
  10. Ecclesiastes 1:18 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
  11. Ecclesiastes 1:18 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
  12. Ecclesiastes 1:18 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
  13. Ecclesiastes 1:18 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom,(A) and also of madness and folly,(B) but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;(C)
    the more knowledge, the more grief.(D)

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17 我又专心察明智慧、狂妄和愚昧,乃知这也是捕风。 18 因为多有智慧就多有愁烦,加增知识的就加增忧伤。

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

18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

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