Ecclesiastes 11:2

Authorized King James Version

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תֶּן

H5414

Give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חֵ֥לֶק

H2506

a portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

לְשִׁבְעָ֖ה

H7651

to seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וְגַ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לִשְׁמוֹנָ֑ה

H8083

and also to eight

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

תֵדַ֔ע

H3045

for thou knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#10

יִּהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

רָעָ֖ה

H7451

not what evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#12

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

shall be upon the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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Topics

Wisdom