Scripture · Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 8:17
Ecclesiastes 8:17 is verse 17 of Ecclesiastes chapter 8, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.
King James Version
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.
World English Bible
then I saw all the work of God, that man can’t find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won’t find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won’t be able to find it.
Read in context
Ecclesiastes 8:15–17 · Berean Standard Bible
15 So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.
16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night—
17 I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 8Hebrew words
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Study Ecclesiastes 8:17
Cross-references
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.
Ecclesiastes 3:11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 7:23All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me.
Ecclesiastes 7:24What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?
Ecclesiastes 11:5As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Job 5:9the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number.
Job 11:7Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?
Job 11:8They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
Job 11:9Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
Psalms 40:5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.
Psalms 73:16When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
Psalms 104:24How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.
Proverbs 30:3I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.
Proverbs 30:4Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know!
Isaiah 40:28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.
Romans 11:33O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!