¹³I applied my mind to seek and to search by wisdom all that is done under the heavens.ⁱ It is a grievous task God has given to humans^j to be busy with.^k

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Footnotes

iMT reads “under the heavens,” which is supported by LXX; however, several versions (Syriac Peshitta, Aramaic Targum, Latin Vulgate) as well as the Cairo Geniza manuscript read, “under the sun,” cf. 1:3, 9, etc.
jLiterally “the sons of the man”
kLiterally “to do with him”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!

CSBChristian Standard Bible

I applied my mind to examine and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied.

NLTNew Living Translation

I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.

KJV 1900King James Version

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

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