Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)

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.

American Standard Version (ASV)

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 done long ago.

Bible in Basic English (BBE)

And I went again in search of wisdom and of foolish ways. What may the man do who comes after the king? The thing which he has done before.

Darby English Bible (DBY)

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly; for what shall the man [do] that cometh after the king? -- that which hath already been done.

World English Bible (WEB)

I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king's successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

And I turned to see wisdom, and madness, and folly, but what `is' the man who cometh after the king? that which `is' already -- they have done it!