Ecclesiastes 1:6

Authorized King James Version

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
goeth
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
דָּר֔וֹם
toward the south
the south; poet. the south wind
#4
סֹבֵב֙
and turneth about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
צָפ֑וֹן
unto the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#7
סֹבֵב֙
and turneth about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#8
סֹבֵב֙
and turneth about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#9
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
goeth
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
הָרֽוּחַ׃
The wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
סְבִיבֹתָ֖יו
according to his circuits
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#13
שָׁ֥ב
returneth again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#14
הָרֽוּחַ׃
The wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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

Related Resources

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

Topics