Ecclesiastes 1:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֶׁ֤הַנְּחָלִים֙
All the rivers
H5158
שֶׁ֤הַנְּחָלִים֙
All the rivers
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
2 of 16
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
לָלָֽכֶת׃
come
H1980
לָלָֽכֶת׃
come
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְהַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
H3220
וְהַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
5 of 16
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
וְהַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
H3220
וְהַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
6 of 16
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
אֵינֶ֣נּוּ
H369
מָלֵ֑א
is not full
H4392
מָלֵ֑א
is not full
Strong's:
H4392
Word #:
8 of 16
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
מְק֗וֹם
unto the place
H4725
מְק֗וֹם
unto the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
10 of 16
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)
שֶׁ֤הַנְּחָלִים֙
All the rivers
H5158
שֶׁ֤הַנְּחָלִים֙
All the rivers
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
11 of 16
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
לָלָֽכֶת׃
come
H1980
לָלָֽכֶת׃
come
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
12 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
שָׁ֛ם
H8033
Historical Context
Solomon's merchant fleet (1 Kings 9:26-28, 10:22) and extensive building projects required hydraulic engineering knowledge. His observations of rivers (likely Jordan, Nile, Euphrates from his travels) and the Mediterranean Sea provided empirical data. This verse demonstrates biblical writers' capacity for accurate natural observation serving theological argument—Scripture engages both physical reality and spiritual truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'rivers of effort' are you pouring into pursuits that never truly satisfy or fill the longing in your heart?
- How does Jesus's promise of living water (John 7:37-39) answer Ecclesiastes' observation that natural water cycles never ultimately satisfy?
Analysis & Commentary
All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full—the hydrological cycle perfectly illustrates Qoheleth's thesis about futility under the sun. Hebrew nachalim (נְחָלִים, rivers/streams) constantly flow el-hayam (אֶל־הַיָּם, toward the sea), yet oceanic volume remains stable. The closing phrase explains why: unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again—evaporation, precipitation, runoff repeat endlessly.
Ancient observers lacked our understanding of evaporation and weather systems, yet accurately described the water cycle's closed loop. Theologically, this illustrates human labor's futility: immense effort, constant activity, yet no ultimate satisfaction or completion. The sea never fills; desire never satiates; accomplishment never fully satisfies. Only Christ offers 'living water' that permanently quenches thirst (John 4:13-14).