Ecclesiastes 11:6

Authorized King James Version

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בַּבֹּ֙קֶר֙

H1242

In the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

זְרַ֣ע

H2232

sow

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זַרְעֶ֔ךָ

H2233

thy seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וְלָעֶ֖רֶב

H6153

and in the evening

dusk

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּנַּ֣ח

H3240

withhold

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

יָדֶ֑ךָ

H3027

not thine hand

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

כִּי֩

H3588

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

#10

אֵֽינְךָ֙

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

יוֹדֵ֜ע

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

#12

אֵ֣י

H335

not whether

where? hence how?

#13

זֶ֤ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#14

יִכְשָׁר֙

H3787

shall prosper

by implication, to be acceptable; also to succeed or prosper

#15

הֲזֶ֣ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#16

אוֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#17

זֶ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#18

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#19

שְׁנֵיהֶ֥ם

H8147

either this or that or whether they both

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#20

כְּאֶחָ֖ד

H259

shall be alike

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#21

טוֹבִֽים׃

H2896

good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom