Ecclesiastes 1:11

Authorized King James Version

There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

זִכָּר֔וֹן

H2146

There is no remembrance

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

לָרִאשֹׁנִ֑ים

H7223

of former

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְגַ֨ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לָאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃

H314

of things that are to come

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

שֶׁיִּהְי֗וּ

H1961

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

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֤ה

H1961

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

לָהֶם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#10

זִכָּר֔וֹן

H2146

There is no remembrance

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

#11

עִ֥ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#12

שֶׁיִּהְי֖וּ

H1961

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

#13

לָאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃

H314

of things that are to come

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom