Ecclesiastes 2:18

Authorized King James Version

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׂנֵ֤אתִֽי
Yea I hated
to hate (personally)
#2
אֲנִי֙
i
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
עֲמָלִ֔י
all my labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#6
שֶׁאֲנִ֥י
i
#7
עָמֵ֖ל
which I had taken
toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful
#8
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#9
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
under the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#10
שֶׁ֣אַנִּיחֶ֔נּוּ
because I should leave
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#11
לָאָדָ֖ם
it unto the man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#12
שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
אַחֲרָֽי׃
that shall be after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ecclesiastes Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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