Ecclesiastes 2:13

What does Ecclesiastes 2:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then I saw that wisdom is better than foolish ways--as the light is better than the dark.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I saw that wisdom excelled folly, as much as light differeth from darkness.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as light excelleth darkness.

Context

v.12And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for whatcanthe mandothat cometh after the king? even that which hath been done long ago.

v.13This passage

v.14The wise man’s eyes are in his head, and the fool walketh in darkness: and yet I perceived that one event happeneth to them all.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:11

    Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.

  • Ephesians 5:8

    for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light

  • Proverbs 16:16

    How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:18

    Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.

  • Luke 11:34

    The lamp of thy body is thine eye: when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when it is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

  • Psalms 119:130

    The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.

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