Ecclesiastes 2:20

Authorized King James Version

Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסַבּ֥וֹתִֽי
Therefore I went about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#2
אֲנִ֖י
i
#3
לְיַאֵ֣שׁ
to cause
to desist, i.e., (figuratively) to despond
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
לִבִּ֑י
my heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
עַ֚ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הֶ֣עָמָ֔ל
of all the labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#9
שֶׁעָמַ֖לְתִּי
which I took
to toil, i.e., work severely and with irksomeness
#10
תַּ֥חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#11
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
under the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

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 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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