Ecclesiastes 11:7

Authorized King James Version

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמָת֖וֹק
is sweet
sweet
#2
הָא֑וֹר
Truly the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#3
וְט֥וֹב
and a pleasant
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
#4
לַֽעֵינַ֖יִם
thing it is for the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
לִרְא֥וֹת
to behold
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

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

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

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