Ecclesiastes 1:6

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

הוֹלֵ֣ךְ goeth H1980
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ goeth
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 1 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 2 of 14
near, with or among; often in general, to
דָּר֔וֹם toward the south H1864
דָּר֔וֹם toward the south
Strong's: H1864
Word #: 3 of 14
the south; poet. the south wind
סֹבֵב֙ and turneth about H5437
סֹבֵב֙ and turneth about
Strong's: H5437
Word #: 4 of 14
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 14
near, with or among; often in general, to
צָפ֑וֹן unto the north H6828
צָפ֑וֹן unto the north
Strong's: H6828
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
סֹבֵב֙ and turneth about H5437
סֹבֵב֙ and turneth about
Strong's: H5437
Word #: 7 of 14
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
סֹבֵב֙ and turneth about H5437
סֹבֵב֙ and turneth about
Strong's: H5437
Word #: 8 of 14
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ goeth H1980
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ goeth
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 9 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הָרֽוּחַ׃ The wind H7307
הָרֽוּחַ׃ The wind
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 10 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וְעַל H5921
וְעַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 11 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סְבִיבֹתָ֖יו according to his circuits H5439
סְבִיבֹתָ֖יו according to his circuits
Strong's: H5439
Word #: 12 of 14
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
שָׁ֥ב returneth again H7725
שָׁ֥ב returneth again
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 13 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הָרֽוּחַ׃ The wind H7307
הָרֽוּחַ׃ The wind
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 14 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

Analysis & Commentary

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north—Qoheleth observes natural cycles with scientific precision. The Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ, wind/spirit/breath) circles endlessly in its savivim (סְבִיבִים, circuits/courses). Ancient observers noted seasonal wind patterns: winter winds from the north, summer from the south. Yet despite constant motion, the wind returneth again according to his circuits—ceaseless activity producing no ultimate change.

This continues verse 4's theme: generations come and go, yet earth remains. Wind exemplifies perpetual motion without progress, illustrating life 'under the sun' as wearisome repetition. Unlike the Spirit's regenerating work (John 3:8, same Greek word pneuma), natural wind merely recycles. Only divine intervention breaks the cycle of futility.

Historical Context

Solomon wrote during Israel's apex (970-930 BC) when international trade brought him knowledge of meteorology, geography, and natural philosophy from across the ancient world. His scientific observations (1 Kings 4:33) informed Ecclesiastes' nature poetry. The 'circuits' language reflects pre-modern understanding of atmospheric circulation, remarkably accurate for its era while serving theological purpose: even majestic natural phenomena ultimately go nowhere without God.

Questions for Reflection