Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
My soul keeps searching, but I haven't found what I'm looking for: I have found one good man out of a thousand, but I haven't found even one good woman among all of them.
The writer is expressing his disappointment after searching extensively but finding very few truly good people - and in his experience, no women who met his standard of goodness.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, the author is reflecting on his lifelong pursuit of wisdom and the imperfections he observed in people around him. He expresses frustration after examining many individuals, finding only one righteous man among a thousand but none among women, which underscores the rarity of true virtue in human society. This fits into the broader cultural context of ancient Israel, where wisdom literature often grappled with the realities of human frailty and the limits of earthly knowledge.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.