Ecclesiastes 2:9

So I became greater and wealthier than all who were before me in Jerusalem, and my wisdom remained with me. 1

Unlocked Literal Bible

In The King James Version

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

In Context

8I also accumulated for myself silver and gold, the treasures of kings and provinces. I got male and female singers for myself—the delights of the children of humanity—and many concubines. + 2:8 Modern versions interpret the last part of this verse in different ways: everything that pleases people , concubines and everything that pleases men , etc.

10Whatever my eyes desired, 2 I did not withhold from them. 1 I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, 2 because my heart rejoiced in all my labor 2 and pleasure was my reward for all my work. 1

Read all of Ecclesiastes 2

Cross References

1 Kings 10:7I did not believe what I heard until I came here, and now my eyes have seen it. Not half was told me about your wisdom and wealth! You have exceeded the fame that I heard about.

1 Chronicles 29:25Yahweh greatly honored Solomon before all Israel and bestowed on him greater power than he had ever given to any king before him in Israel.

2 Chronicles 9:22So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 2:2-12

Vanity of Worldly Pleasure. 1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. 2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? 3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. 4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 2:9