Ecclesiastes 11:10

Authorized King James Version

Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָסֵ֥ר
Therefore remove
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#2
כַּ֙עַס֙
sorrow
vexation
#3
מִלִּבֶּ֔ךָ
from thy heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
וְהַעֲבֵ֥ר
and put away
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
רָעָ֖ה
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
מִבְּשָׂרֶ֑ךָ
from thy flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
הַיַּלְד֥וּת
for childhood
boyhood (or girlhood)
#9
וְהַֽשַּׁחֲר֖וּת
and youth
a dawning, i.e., (figuratively) juvenescence
#10
הָֽבֶל׃
are vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ecclesiastes.

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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