Ecclesiastes 11:5

Authorized King James Version

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
אֵֽינְךָ֤
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
תֵדַע֙
H3045
As thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#4
מַה
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
H1870
not what is the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#6
הָר֔וּחַ
H7307
of the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#7
כַּעֲצָמִ֖ים
H6106
nor how the bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#8
בְּבֶ֣טֶן
H990
do grow in the womb
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#9
הַמְּלֵאָ֑ה
H4392
of her that is with child
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#10
כָּ֗כָה
H3602
just so, referring to the previous or following context
#11
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תֵדַע֙
H3045
As thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#13
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
H4639
not the works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#15
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
H430
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
H6213
who maketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
הַכֹּֽל׃
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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