Ecclesiastes 12:3

Authorized King James Version

In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

Word-by-Word Analysis

בַּיּ֗וֹם

H3117

In the day

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

שֶׁיָּזֻ֙עוּ֙

H2111

shall tremble

properly, to shake off, i.e., (figuratively) to agitate (as with fear)

שֹׁמְרֵ֣י

H8104

when the keepers

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

הַבַּ֔יִת

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְהִֽתְעַוְּת֖וּ

H5791

shall bow

to wrest

אַנְשֵׁ֣י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הֶחָ֑יִל

H2428

and the strong

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וּבָטְל֤וּ

H988

cease

to desist from labor

הַטֹּֽחֲנוֹת֙

H2912

themselves and the grinders

to grind meal; hence, to be a concubine (that being their employment)

#10

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#11

מִעֵ֔טוּ

H4591

because they are few

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

#12

וְחָשְׁכ֥וּ

H2821

be darkened

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

#13

הָרֹא֖וֹת

H7200

and those that look out

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#14

בָּאֲרֻבּֽוֹת׃

H699

of the windows

a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot (because of the pigeon-holes), chimney (with its apertures for smoke), sluice (with openings for water)

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Wisdom