Ecclesiastes 11:1

Authorized King James Version

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שַׁלַּ֥ח
Cast
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
לַחְמְךָ֖
thy bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
פְּנֵ֣י
upon
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
הַמָּ֑יִם
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
בְרֹ֥ב
it after many
abundance (in any respect)
#8
הַיָּמִ֖ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
תִּמְצָאֶֽנּוּ׃
for thou shalt find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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