Ecclesiastes 12:6

Authorized King James Version

Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֣ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹֽא
Or ever
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יֵרָחֵק֙
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#5
חֶ֣בֶל
cord
ruin
#6
הַכֶּ֔סֶף
the silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#7
וְנָרֹ֥ץ
be broken
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#8
גֻּלַּ֣ת
bowl
a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)
#9
הַזָּהָ֑ב
or the golden
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#10
וְתִשָּׁ֤בֶר
be broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#11
כַּד֙
or the pitcher
properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
הַמַּבּ֔וּעַ
at the fountain
a fountain
#14
וְנָרֹ֥ץ
be broken
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#15
הַגַּלְגַּ֖ל
or the wheel
a wheel; by analogy, a whirlwind; also dust (as whirled)
#16
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
הַבּֽוֹר׃
at the cistern
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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