1 tn The cohortative אֶחְכָּמָה (’ekhkamah, from חָכַם, khakham,“to be wise”) emphasizes the resolve (determination) of Qoheleth to become wise enough to understand the perplexities of life.
2 tn Or “I am determined to become wise”
3 tn Or “but it eluded me”; Heb “but it was far from me.”
4 tn The word “human” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
5 tn Heb “is far away.”
6 tn Heb “It is deep, deep – who can find it?” The repetition of the word “deep” emphasizes the degree of incomprehensibility. See IBHS 233-34 §12.5a.
