Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

I. THE INTRODUCTORY AFFIRMATION 1:1-11The first 11 verses of the book introduce the writer, the theme of the book, and a general defense of the assertion that Solomon made in the theme statement (Ecclesiastes 1:2). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:3-11

B. The Futility of All Human Endeavor 1:3-11In this pericope, Solomon gave general support to his theme (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Essentially he said that it is impossible for any human endeavor to have permanent value. This section is a poem. [Note: See Addison G. Wright, "The Riddle of the Sphinx: The Structure of the Book of Qoheleth," Catholic Biblical Quarterly 30 (1968):313-34.] Solomon chose the realm of nature as the setting for his argument. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:4-11

2. The illustrations from life 1:4-11To clarify his meaning and to support his contention in Ecclesiastes 1:3, Solomon cited examples from nature. Work produces nothing ultimate or permanently satisfying, only what is ephemeral. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:8-11

By saying, "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9), Solomon was not overlooking inventions and technological advances that have resulted in civilization’s advancement through the centuries. Nevertheless, these have been only innovations, not basic changes. Man still struggles with the same essential problems he has always had. This is the round of work that is weariness to people, similar to the repetitious rounds observable in nature (Ecclesiastes 1:5-7). There appears to be a... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

All is Vanity1-11. The writer describes himself. He declares that all things are transitory and without result, whether they be the works or the life of man, or the natural forces of heat, air, and water. Language cannot do justice to nature’s wearisome sameness. The oblivion which overtakes all.1. Preacher] see Intro. §§ 1, 2.2. Vanity of vanities] lit.’breath of breaths’; the form of expression being a Hebrew way of indicating the superlative degree. Of all fleeting things existence is the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ecclesiastes 1:3-11

(3-11) Man is perpetually toiling, yet of all his toil there remains no abiding result. The natural world exhibits a spectacle of unceasing activity, with no real progress. The sun, the winds, the waters, are all in motion, yet they do but run a round, and nothing comes of it. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ecclesiastes 1:9

(9) No new thing.—Contrast Jeremiah 31:22; Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 65:17. Justin Martyr (Apol. i. 57) has what looks like a reminiscence of this verse; but we cannot rely on it to prove his acquaintance with the book, the same idea being found in Grecian philosophy. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

The Verdict of Life Ecclesiastes 1:2 The verdict of this book seems to be no hasty verdict, but a settled, deliberate conclusion. It is not due to a temporary fit of depression, or some passing adverse circumstance, but it seems the result of experience arrived at after mature thought. And there are plenty Today who have arrived at the same conclusion. All is vanity. Life is hard and cruel and disappointing, and not worth the living. They tell you it is a weary struggle in which most fail.... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

THE PROLOGUEIn Which The Problem Of The Book Is Indirectly Stated Ecclesiastes 1:1-11THE search for the summum bonum, the quest of the Chief Good, is the theme of the book Ecclesiastes. Naturally we look to find this theme, this problem, this "riddle of the painful earth," distinctly stated in the opening verses of the Book. It is stated, but not distinctly. For the Book is an autobiographical poem, the journal of the Preacher’s inward life set forth in a dramatic form. "A man of ripe wisdom... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Analysis and Annotations PART I. CHAPTERS 1-6 1. The Prologue and the Search Begun CHAPTER 1 1. The introduction and prologue (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 ) 2. The seeker; his method and the results (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 ) Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 . In the general introduction we have already referred to the opening verses as giving the information who the author is and what is the object of his treatise. So sure is the critical school that Solomon is not the king mentioned that one says “the fact... read more

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:3-11

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:4-11

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 1:8-11

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ecclesiastes 1:3-11

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ecclesiastes 1:9

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

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