Ecclesiastes 1:13

Authorized King James Version

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נָתַ֧ן

H5414

And I gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִבִּ֗י

H3820

my heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לִדְר֤וֹשׁ

H1875

to seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

וְלָתוּר֙

H8446

and search out

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

בַּֽחָכְמָ֔ה

H2451

by wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

עַ֛ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#10

נַעֲשָׂ֖ה

H6213

concerning all things that are done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

תַּ֣חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#12

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

under heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#13

ה֣וּא׀

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

#14

עִנְיַ֣ן

H6045

travail

ado, i.e., (generally) employment or (specifically) an affair

#15

רָ֗ע

H7451

this sore

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#16

נָתַ֧ן

H5414

And I gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#17

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

hath God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#18

לִבְנֵ֥י

H1121

to the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#19

הָאָדָ֖ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#20

לַעֲנ֥וֹת

H6031

to be exercised

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

#21

בּֽוֹ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of wisdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Wisdom