Ecclesiastes 12:10

Authorized King James Version

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בִּקֵּ֣שׁ
sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#2
קֹהֶ֔לֶת
The preacher
a (female) assembler (i.e., lecturer); abstractly, preaching (used as a 'nom de plume', koheleth)
#3
לִמְצֹ֖א
to find out
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#4
דִּבְרֵ֥י
even words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
חֵ֑פֶץ
acceptable
pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
#6
וְכָת֥וּב
and that which was written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#7
יֹ֖שֶׁר
was upright
the right
#8
דִּבְרֵ֥י
even words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
אֱמֶֽת׃
of truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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