Ecclesiastes 7 – Compare Chapter Translations
Verse-by-verse comparison of Ecclesiastes 7 across supported Bible translations.
Verse 1
KJV A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
ASV A [good] name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one`s birth.
WEB A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth.
YLT Better <FI>is<Fi> a name than good perfume, And the day of death than the day of birth.
DRB What needeth a man to seek things that are above him, whereas he knoweth not what is profitable for him in his life, in all the days of his pilgrimage, and the time that passeth like a shadow? Or who can tell him what shall be after him under the sun?
DBY A [good] name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
GNV Surely there be many things that increase vanitie: and what auaileth it man?
LSB Better is a good name than good oil, And better is the day of one’s death than the day of one’s birth.
Verse 2
KJV It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
ASV It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
WEB It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.
YLT Better to go unto a house of mourning, Than to go unto a house of banqueting, For that is the end of all men, And the living layeth <FI>it<Fi> unto his heart.
DRB A good name is better than precious ointments: and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
DBY It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: in that that is the end of all men, and the living taketh it to heart.
GNV For who knoweth what is good for man in the life and in the nomber of the dayes of the life of his vanitie, seeing he maketh them as a shadowe? For who can shewe vnto man what shall be after him vnder the sunne?
LSB Better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting Because that is the end of all mankind, And the living puts this in his heart.
Verse 3
KJV Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
ASV Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.
WEB Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.
YLT Better <FI>is<Fi> sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better.
DRB It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting: for in that we are put in mind of the end of all, and the living thinketh what is to come.
DBY Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
GNV A good name is better then a good oyntment, and the day of death, then the day that one is borne.
LSB Better is vexation than laughter, For when a face is sad a heart may be merry.
Verse 4
KJV The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
ASV The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
WEB The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
YLT The heart of the wise <FI>is<Fi> in a house of mourning, And the heart of fools in a house of mirth.
DRB Anger is better than laughter: because by the sadness of the countenance the mind of the offender is corrected.
DBY The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools in the house of mirth.
GNV It is better to goe to the house of mourning, then to goe to the house of feasting, because this is the ende of all men: and the liuing shall lay it to his heart.
LSB The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the heart of fools is in the house of gladness.
Verse 5
KJV It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
ASV It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
WEB It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
YLT Better to hear a rebuke of a wise man, Than <FI>for<Fi> a man to hear a song of fools,
DRB The heart of the wise is where there is mourning, and the heart of fools where there is mirth.
DBY It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise, than to hear the song of fools.
GNV Anger is better then laughter: for by a sad looke the heart is made better.
LSB Better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools.
Verse 6
KJV For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
ASV For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
WEB For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
YLT For as the noise of thorns under the pot, So <FI>is<Fi> the laughter of a fool, even this <FI>is<Fi> vanity.
DRB It is better to be rebuked by a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattery of fools.
DBY For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
GNV The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning: but the heart of fooles is in the house of mirth.
LSB For as the crackling sound of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is vanity.
Verse 7
KJV Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
ASV Surely extortion maketh the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroyeth the understanding.
WEB Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.
YLT Surely oppression maketh the wise mad, And a gift destroyeth the heart.
DRB For as the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of a fool: now this also is vanity.
DBY Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad, and a gift destroyeth the heart.
GNV Better it is to heare ye rebuke of a wise man, then that a man should heare the song of fooles.
LSB For oppression gives a wise man over to madness, And a bribe destroys the heart.
Verse 8
KJV Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
ASV Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; [and] the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
WEB Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
YLT Better <FI>is<Fi> the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better <FI>is<Fi> the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.
DRB Oppression troubleth the wise, and shall destroy the strength of his heart.
DBY Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a proud spirit.
GNV For like ye noyse of the thornes vnder the pot, so is the laughter of the foole: this also is vanitie.
LSB Better is the end of a matter than its beginning; Better is patience of spirit than haughtiness of spirit.
Verse 9
KJV Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
ASV Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
WEB Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
YLT Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, For anger in the bosom of fools resteth.
DRB Better is the end of a speech than the beginning. Better is the patient man than the presumptuous.
DBY Be not hasty in thy spirit to be vexed; for vexation resteth in the bosom of fools.
GNV Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad: and the rewarde destroyeth the heart.
LSB Do not be eager in your spirit to be vexed, For vexation rests in the bosom of fools.
Verse 10
KJV Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
ASV Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
WEB Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this.
YLT Say not thou, `What was it, That the former days were better than these?' For thou hast not asked wisely of this.
DRB Be not quickly angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of a fool.
DBY Say not, How is it that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
GNV The ende of a thing is better then the beginning thereof, and the pacient in spirit is better then the proude in spirit.
LSB Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
Verse 11
KJV Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
ASV Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.
WEB Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.
YLT Wisdom <FI>is<Fi> good with an inheritance, And an advantage <FI>it is<Fi> to those beholding the sun.
DRB Say not: What thinkest thou is the cause that former times were better than they are now? for this manner of question is foolish.
DBY Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, and profitable to them that see the sun.
GNV Be not thou of an hastie spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosome of fooles.
LSB Wisdom along with an inheritance is good And an advantage to those who see the sun.
Verse 12
KJV For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
ASV For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.
WEB For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
YLT For wisdom <FI>is<Fi> a defense, money <FI>is<Fi> a defence, And the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom <FI>is<Fi> , She reviveth her possessors.
DRB Wisdom with riches is more profitable, and bringeth more advantage to them that see the sun.
DBY For wisdom is a defence [as] money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, [that] wisdom maketh them that possess it to live.
GNV Say not thou, Why is it that the former dayes were better then these? for thou doest not enquire wisely of this thing.
LSB For wisdom is a shadow of protection as money is a shadow of protection, And the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its masters.
Verse 13
KJV Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
ASV Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
WEB Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?
YLT See the work of God, For who is able to make straight that which He made crooked?
DRB For as wisdom is a defence, so money is a defence: but learning and wisdom excel in this, that they give life to him that possesseth them.
DBY Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what he hath made crooked?
GNV Wisedome is good with an inheritance, and excellent to them that see the sunne.
LSB See the work of God, For who is able to straighten what He has bent?
Verse 14
KJV In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
ASV In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yea, God hath made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything [that shall be] after him.
WEB In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.
YLT In a day of prosperity be in gladness, And in a day of evil consider. Also this over-against that hath God made, To the intent that man doth not find anything after him.
DRB Consider the works of God, that no man can correct whom he hath despised.
DBY In the day of prosperity enjoy good, and in the day of adversity consider: God hath also set the one beside the other, to the end that man should find out nothing [of what shall be] after him.
GNV For man shall rest in the shadowe of wisedome, and in the shadowe of siluer: but the excellencie of the knowledge of wisedome giueth life to the possessers thereof.
LSB In the day when there is good be of good cheer, But in the day when there is evil see— God has made the one as well as the other So that man will not find out anything that will be after him.
Verse 15
KJV All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
ASV All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth [his life] in his evil-doing.
WEB All this I have seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evildoing.
YLT The whole I have considered in the days of my vanity. There is a righteous one perishing in his righteousness, and there is a wrong-doer prolonging <FI>himself<Fi> in his wrong.
DRB In the good day enjoy good things, and beware beforehand of the evil day: for God hath made both the one and the other, that man may not find against him any just complaint.
DBY All [this] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a righteous [man] that perisheth by his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his days] by his wickedness.
GNV Beholde the worke of God: for who can make straight that which he hath made crooked?
LSB I have seen everything during my days of vanity; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing.
Verse 16
KJV Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
ASV Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
WEB Don’t be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
YLT Be not over-righteous, nor show thyself too wise, why art thou desolate?
DRB These things also I saw in the days of my vanity: A just man perisheth in his justice, and a wicked man liveth a long time in his wickedness.
DBY Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
GNV In the day of wealth be of good comfort, and in the day of affliction consider: God also hath made this contrary to that, to the intent that man shoulde finde nothing after him.
LSB Do not be excessively righteous, and do not be overly wise. Why should you make yourself desolate?
Verse 17
KJV Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
ASV Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
WEB Don’t be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?
YLT Do not much wrong, neither be thou a fool, why dost thou die within thy time?
DRB Be not over just: and be not more wise than is necessary, lest thou become stupid.
DBY Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
GNV I haue seene all things in the dayes of my vanitie: there is a iust man that perisheth in his iustice, and there is a wicked man that continueth long in his malice.
LSB Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a simpleminded fool. Why should you die before your time?
Verse 18
KJV It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
ASV It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth from them all.
WEB It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don’t withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come out of them all.
YLT <FI> It is<Fi> good that thou dost lay hold on this, and also, from that withdrawest not thy hand, for whoso is fearing God goeth out with them all.
DRB Be not overmuch wicked: and be not foolish, lest thou die before thy time.
DBY It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God cometh forth from them all.
GNV Be not thou iust ouermuch, neither make thy selfe ouerwise: wherefore shouldest thou be desolate?
LSB It is good that you seize one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.
Verse 19
KJV Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
ASV Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers that are in a city.
WEB Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
YLT The wisdom giveth strength to a wise man, more than wealth the rulers who have been in a city.
DRB It is good that thou shouldst hold up the just, yea and from him withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God, neglecteth nothing.
DBY Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] that are in a city.
GNV Be not thou wicked ouermuch, neither be thou foolish: wherefore shouldest thou perish not in thy time?
LSB Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten men with power who are in a city.
Verse 20
KJV For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
ASV Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
WEB Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn’t sin.
YLT Because there is not a righteous man on earth that doth good and sinneth not.
DRB Wisdom hath strengthened the wise more than ten princes of the city.
DBY Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not.
GNV It is good that thou lay hold on this: but yet withdrawe not thine hand from that: for he that feareth God, shall come forth of them all.
LSB Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.
Verse 21
KJV Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
ASV Also take not heed unto all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee;
WEB Also don’t take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;
YLT Also to all the words that they speak give not thy heart, that thou hear not thy servant reviling thee.
DRB For there is no just man upon earth, that doth good, and sinneth not.
DBY Also give not heed unto all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee.
GNV Wisedome shall strengthen the wise man more then ten mightie princes that are in ye citie.
LSB Also, do not give your heart to all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your slave cursing you.
Verse 22
KJV For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
ASV for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
WEB for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.
YLT For many times also hath thy heart known that thou thyself also hast reviled others.
DRB But do not apply thy heart to all words that are spoken: lest perhaps thou hear thy servant reviling thee.
DBY For also thine own heart knoweth that oftentimes thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
GNV Surely there is no man iust in the earth, that doeth good and sinneth not.
LSB For your heart also knows that you likewise have many times cursed others.
Verse 23
KJV All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
ASV All this have I proved in wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
WEB All this I have proved in wisdom. I said, “I will be wise”; but it was far from me.
YLT All this I have tried by wisdom; I have said, `I am wise,' and it <FI>is<Fi> far from me.
DRB For thy conscience knoweth that thou also hast often spoken evil of others.
DBY All this have I tried by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
GNV Giue not thine heart also to all ye wordes that men speake, lest thou doe heare thy seruant cursing thee.
LSB I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me.
Verse 24
KJV That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
ASV That which is, is far off and exceeding deep; who can find it out?
WEB That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?
YLT Far off <FI>is<Fi> that which hath been, and deep, deep, who doth find it?
DRB I have tried all things in wisdom. I have said: I will be wise: and it departed farther from me,
DBY Whatever hath been, is far off, and exceeding deep: who will find it out?
GNV For often times also thine heart knoweth that thou likewise hast cursed others.
LSB What has been is far away and exceedingly deep. Who can find it?
Verse 25
KJV I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
ASV I turned about, and my heart [was set] to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason [of things], and to know that wickedness is folly, and that foolishness is madness.
WEB I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.
YLT I have turned round, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and of foolishness the madness.
DRB Much more than it was: it is a great depth, who shall find it out?
DBY I turned, I and my heart, to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom and reason, and to know wickedness to be folly, and foolishness to be madness;
GNV All this haue I prooued by wisedome: I thought I will be wise, but it went farre from me.
LSB I turned my heart to know, to explore, and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the wickedness of foolishness and the simpleminded folly of madness.
Verse 26
KJV And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
ASV And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, [and] whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
WEB I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.
YLT And I am finding more bitter than death, the woman whose heart <FI>is<Fi> nets and snares, her hands <FI>are<Fi> bands; the good before God escapeth from her, but the sinner is captured by her.
DRB I have surveyed all things with my mind, to know, and consider, and seek out wisdom and reason: and to know the wickedness of the fool, and the error of the imprudent:
DBY and I found more bitter than death the woman whose heart is nets and snares, [and] whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be caught by her.
GNV It is farre off, what may it be? and it is a profound deepenesse, who can finde it?
LSB And I found more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is good before God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.
Verse 27
KJV Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
ASV Behold, this have I found, saith the Preacher, [laying] one thing to another, to find out the account;
WEB “Behold, I have found this,” says the Preacher, “to one another, to find out the scheme;
YLT See, this I have found, said the Preacher, one to one, to find out the reason
DRB And I have found a woman more bitter than death, who is the hunter's snare, and her heart is a net, and her hands are bands. He that pleaseth God shall escape from her: but he that is a sinner, shall be caught by her.
DBY See this which I have found, saith the Preacher, [searching] one by one to find out the reason;
GNV I haue compassed about, both I and mine heart to knowe and to enquire and to search wisedome, and reason, and to knowe the wickednesse of follie, and the foolishnesse of madnesse,
LSB “See, I have found this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation,
Verse 28
KJV Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
ASV which my soul still seeketh, but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
WEB which my soul still seeks; but I have not found. I have found one man among a thousand; but I have not found a woman among all those.
YLT (that still my soul had sought, and I had not found), One man, a teacher, I have found, and a woman among all these I have not found.
DRB Lo this have I found, said Ecclesiastes, weighing one thing after another, that I might find out the account,
DBY which my soul yet seeketh, and I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found, but a woman among all those have I not found.
GNV And I finde more bitter then death the woman whose heart is as nettes and snares, and her handes, as bands: he that is good before God, shalbe deliuered from her, but the sinner shall be taken by her.
LSB which my soul still seeks but has not found. I have found one man out of a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these.
Verse 29
KJV Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
ASV Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
WEB Behold, I have only found this: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.”
YLT See, this alone I have found, that God made man upright, and they--they have sought out many devices.
DRB Which yet my soul seeketh, and I have not found it. One man among a thousand I have found, a woman among them all I have not found.
DBY Only see this which I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many devices.
GNV Beholde, sayth the Preacher, this haue I found, seeking one by one to finde the count: And yet my soule seeketh, but I finde it not: I haue found one man of a thousand: but a woman among them all haue I not founde. Onely loe, this haue I founde, that God hath made man righteous: but they haue sought many inuentions.
LSB See, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.”
Verse 30
KJV
ASV
WEB
YLT
DRB Only this I have found, that God made man right, and he hath entangled himself with an infinity of questions. Who is as the wise man? and who hath known the resolution of the word?
DBY
GNV
LSB