Ecclesiastes 2:19

Authorized King James Version

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמִ֣י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יוֹדֵ֗עַ

H3045

And who knoweth

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הֶֽחָכָ֤ם

H2450

whether he shall be a wise

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

יִהְיֶה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

א֣וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

סָכָ֔ל

H5530

man or a fool

silly

וְיִשְׁלַט֙

H7980

yet shall he have rule

to dominate, i.e., govern; by implication, to permit

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲמָלִ֔י

H5999

over all my labour

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

#10

שֶֽׁעָמַ֥לְתִּי

H5998

wherein I have laboured

to toil, i.e., work severely and with irksomeness

#11

וְשֶׁחָכַ֖מְתִּי

H2449

and wherein I have shewed myself wise

to be wise (in mind, word or act)

#12

תַּ֣חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#13

הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ

H8121

under the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#14

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#15

זֶ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#16

הָֽבֶל׃

H1892

This is also vanity

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?

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Topics

Wisdom