Ecclesiastes 1:7

Authorized King James Version

All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
שֶׁ֤הַנְּחָלִים֙
All the rivers
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#3
לָלָֽכֶת׃
come
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
וְהַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#6
וְהַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#7
אֵינֶ֣נּוּ
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
מָלֵ֑א
is not full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
מְק֗וֹם
unto the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
שֶׁ֤הַנְּחָלִים֙
All the rivers
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#12
לָלָֽכֶת׃
come
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
שָׁ֛ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#14
הֵ֥ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#15
שָׁבִ֖ים
thither they return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#16
לָלָֽכֶת׃
come
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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

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