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
9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, 10
do it with all your might,
because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, 11
the place where you will eventually go. 12
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 “Whatever your hand finds to do.”
11 tn Heb “Sheol.”
12 tn Or “where you are about to go.”