Ecclesiastes 10:18

Authorized King James Version

By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּעֲצַלְתַּ֖יִם
By much slothfulness
(as abstractly) indolence
#2
יִמַּ֣ךְ
decayeth
to tumble (in ruins); figuratively, to perish
#3
הַמְּקָרֶ֑ה
the building
properly, something meeting, i.e., a frame (of timbers)
#4
וּבְשִׁפְל֥וּת
and through idleness
remissness
#5
יָדַ֖יִם
of the hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
יִדְלֹ֥ף
droppeth through
to drip; by implication, to weep
#7
הַבָּֽיִת׃
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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