Ecclesiastes 1:3

Authorized King James Version

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
יִּתְר֖וֹן
What profit
preeminence, gain
#3
לָֽאָדָ֑ם
hath a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
עֲמָל֔וֹ
of all his labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#6
שֶֽׁיַּעֲמֹ֖ל
which he taketh
to toil, i.e., work severely and with irksomeness
#7
תַּ֥חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#8
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
under the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ecclesiastes Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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