Ecclesiastes 1:8

Authorized King James Version

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים

H1697

All things

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְגֵעִ֔ים

H3023

are full of labour

tired; hence (transitive) tiresome

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוּכַ֥ל

H3201

cannot

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְדַבֵּ֑ר

H1696

utter

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׂבַּ֥ע

H7646

is not satisfied

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

#10

עַ֙יִן֙

H5869

it the eye

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#11

לִרְא֔וֹת

H7200

with seeing

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

תִמָּלֵ֥א

H4390

filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#14

אֹ֖זֶן

H241

nor the ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#15

מִשְּׁמֹֽעַ׃

H8085

with hearing

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom