Ecclesiastes 11:8

Authorized King James Version

But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

אִם

H518

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

שָׁנִ֥ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַרְבֵּ֥ה

H7235

for they shall be many

to increase (in whatever respect)

יִחְיֶ֥ה

H2421

live

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

הָאָדָ֖ם

H120

But if a man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

בְּכֻלָּ֣ם

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂמָ֑ח

H8055

and rejoice

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

וְיִזְכֹּר֙

H2142

in them all yet let him remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#12

הַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ

H2822

of darkness

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#14

הַרְבֵּ֥ה

H7235

for they shall be many

to increase (in whatever respect)

#15

יִהְי֖וּ

H1961

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

#16

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

שֶׁבָּ֥א

H935

All that cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#18

הָֽבֶל׃

H1892

is 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 universal language and absolute statements. 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 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

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?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Topics

Wisdom