New International Version
Ecclesiastes 12:10
10The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
Ecclesiastes 12:10 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
- English Standard Version (ESV)The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth.
- New Living Translation (NLT)The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.
Context of Ecclesiastes 12:10
8“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!” 9Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 11The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. 12Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 12Ecclesiastes 12:10 word by word
בִּקֵּ֣שׁ קֹהֶ֔לֶת לִמְצֹ֖א דִּבְרֵי־חֵ֑פֶץ וְכָת֥וּב יֹ֖שֶׁר דִּבְרֵ֥י אֱמֶֽת׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 12:10
- Ecclesiastes 1:1The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:
- Proverbs 15:23A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
- Proverbs 16:21The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
- Proverbs 25:11Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.
- 1 Timothy 1:15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
- Proverbs 1:1The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
- Proverbs 8:6Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.
- Proverbs 22:17Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
- Luke 1:1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
- John 3:11Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.
- Colossians 1:5the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 12:10
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 10He sought to find out acceptable words - חפץ דברי dibrey chephets, words of desire, words of will; the best, the most suitable words; those which the people could best understand. But these words were not such as might merely please the people; they were words of truth; such as came from God, and might lead them to him.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8-14Verses 8-14 This passage is properly regarded as the Epilogue of the whole book; a kind of apology for the obscurity of many of its sayings. The passage serves therefore to make the book more intelligible and more acceptable. Here, as in the beginning of the book Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, the Preacher speaks of himself Ecclesiastes 12:8-10 in the third person. He first repeats Ecclesiastes 12:8 the mournful, perplexing theme with which his musings began…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8-14Verses 8-14 Solomon repeats his text, VANITY OF VANITIES, ALL IS VANITY. These are the words of one that could speak by dear-bought experience of the vanity of the world, which can do nothing to ease men of the burden of sin. As he considered the worth of souls, he gave good heed to what he spake and wrote; words of truth will always be acceptable words. The truths of God are as goads to such as are dull and draw back, and nails to such as are wandering…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 9-14This final note by the editor (see “Author and Recipients” in the Book Introduction) shows respect for the Teacher. It urges readers to apply the Teacher's lessons and shares the editor’s conclusion from studying the Teacher (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 8-128-12. A summary of the first part. Vanity, &c.--Resumption of the sentiment with which the book began (Ec 1:2; 1Jo 2:17).Read the comment
Topics related to Ecclesiastes 12:10
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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