Ecclesiastes 1:10

Authorized King James Version

Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יֵ֥שׁ

H3426

Is there

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

דָּבָ֛ר

H1697

any thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שֶׁיֹּאמַ֥ר

H559

whereof it may be said

to say (used with great latitude)

רְאֵה

H7200

See

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

זֶ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

חָדָ֣שׁ

H2319

this is new

new

ה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כְּבָר֙

H3528

it hath been already

properly, extent of time, i.e., a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

לְעֹֽלָמִ֔ים

H5769

of old time

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#11

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

הָיָ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

מִלְּפָנֵֽנוּ׃

H6440

which was before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Ecclesiastes's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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Topics

Wisdom