Ecclesiastes 2:13 kjv — Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

King James Version

"Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness."

— Ecclesiastes 2:13, King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 2:13 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 2 — Context

10

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

11

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

12

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

13

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

14

The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

15

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

16

For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

Ecclesiastes 2:13 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 2:13 say?
Ecclesiastes 2:13 in the King James Version reads: “Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 2:13 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 2:13 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 2, verse 13.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 2:13.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 2:13 in?
Ecclesiastes 2:13 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 2:13?
Ecclesiastes 2:13 reads (KJV): “Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2