Ecclesiastes 12:13

Authorized King James Version

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ס֥וֹף

H5490

the conclusion

a termination

דָּבָ֖ר

H1697

of the whole matter

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַכֹּ֣ל

H3605

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

נִשְׁמָ֑ע

H8085

Let us hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

הָאֱלֹהִ֤ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יְרָא֙

H3372

Fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאֶת

H853

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

מִצְוֹתָ֣יו

H4687

his commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#10

שְׁמ֔וֹר

H8104

and keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#11

כִּי

H3588

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

#12

זֶ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#13

כָּל

H3605

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

#14

הָאָדָֽם׃

H120

for this is the whole duty of man

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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 this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty 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?

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Topics

Wisdom