Ecclesiastes 12:4

Authorized King James Version

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסֻגְּר֤וּ
shall be shut
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#2
דְלָתַ֙יִם֙
And the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#3
בַּשּׁ֔וּק
in the streets
a street (as run over)
#4
בִּשְׁפַ֖ל
is low
depressed, literally or figuratively
#5
לְק֣וֹל
at the voice
a voice or sound
#6
הַֽטַּחֲנָ֑ה
of the grinding
a hand mill; hence (figuratively) chewing
#7
וְיָקוּם֙
and he shall rise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#8
לְק֣וֹל
at the voice
a voice or sound
#9
הַצִּפּ֔וֹר
of the bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#10
וְיִשַּׁ֖חוּ
shall be brought low
to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
בְּנ֥וֹת
and all the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
הַשִּֽׁיר׃
of musick
a song; abstractly, singing

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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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