1:17 So I decided 1 to discern the benefit of 2 wisdom and knowledge over 3 foolish behavior and ideas; 4
however, I concluded 5 that even 6 this endeavor 7 is like 8 trying to chase the wind! 9
2:12 Next, I decided to consider 10 wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas. 11
For what more can the king’s successor do than what the king 12 has already done?
1 tn Heb “gave my heart,” or “set my mind.” See v. 13.
2 tn The phrase “the benefit of” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
3 tn The word “over” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
4 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 tn Heb “I know.”
6 tn The term גַּם (gam, “even”) is a particle of association and emphasis (HALOT 195 s.v. גַּם).
7 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
8 tn This term does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.
9 tn Heb “striving of wind.”
10 tn Heb “and I turned to see.”
11 sn See 1:17 for the same expression. Throughout 2:1-11, Qoheleth evaluated the merits of merrymaking (2:1-3), accomplishing grand things (2:4-6), amassing great wealth (2:7-8), and secular acquisitions and accomplishments (2:9-10). Now, he reflects on the benefit in life in living wisely and not giving oneself over to frivolous self-indulgence.
12 tc The Hebrew text reads עָשׂוּהוּ (’asuhu, “they have done it”; Qal perfect 3rd person masculine plural from עָשַׂה [’asah] + 3rd person masculine singular suffix). However, many medieval Hebrew