Ecclesiastes 12:1

Authorized King James Version

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּזְכֹר֙

H2142

Remember

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

אֶת

H853

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

בּ֣וֹרְאֶ֔יךָ

H1254

now thy Creator

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

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

בְּחוּרֹתֶ֑יךָ

H979

of thy youth

youth (collectively and abstractly)

עַ֣ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹא

H3808

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

יָבֹ֙אוּ֙

H935

come

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

#10

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

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

#11

הָֽרָעָ֔ה

H7451

while the evil

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

#12

וְהִגִּ֣יעוּ

H5060

draw nigh

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#13

שָׁנִ֔ים

H8141

not nor the years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#14

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

תֹּאמַ֔ר

H559

when thou shalt say

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#17

לִ֥י

#18

בָהֶ֖ם

#19

חֵֽפֶץ׃

H2656

I have no pleasure

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom