Ecclesiastes 12:2

Authorized King James Version

While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֠ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
תֶחְשַׁ֤ךְ
be not darkened
to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken
#5
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙
While the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#6
וְהָא֔וֹר
or the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#7
וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַ
or the moon
the moon
#8
וְהַכּוֹכָבִ֑ים
or the stars
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
#9
וְשָׁ֥בוּ
return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
הֶעָבִ֖ים
nor the clouds
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
#11
אַחַ֥ר
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#12
הַגָּֽשֶׁם׃
the rain
a shower

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 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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