Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 7:28. It’s a really interesting and slightly philosophical statement! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The verse is about feeling lost or unsatisfied when you search for something – whether it’s happiness, meaning, or purpose – but you don’t find it anywhere. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not…” - This means the person wants to find something, they're actively searching for it. "Soul" refers to our inner selves and desires. “…one man among a thousand have I found…” – This is the key part. It’s saying that even when you look at a huge group of people – a thousand people – none of them possess what you're seeking. “But a woman among all those have I not found.” - This is where it gets deeper. The verse compares a woman (representing something smaller, more intimate, or perhaps a simpler way of life) to a man (representing something larger, grander, or more complex). It says that no woman – no single person – has the qualities or experience you’re searching for. So, what does this mean practically? The verse suggests that true fulfillment and meaning aren't found in seeking external things or accumulating possessions. It points to a feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction if we obsess over finding something outside ourselves. It encourages us to look inward – to find contentment within our own lives and values. Possible Interpretations: The search for happiness is futile: The verse could be suggesting that the pursuit of pleasure, success, or anything external is ultimately unsatisfying. Focus on inner peace: It might be urging us to look for meaning and purpose within ourselves , rather than seeking it in the world around us. Humility: It’s a reminder to be humble – not arrogant in our search, but grounded in our own values and understanding. In short, the verse is a gentle challenge to stop endlessly searching for something external and instead turn inward to find true contentment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like wisdom or contentment)? Discuss its possible historical context?