Ecclesiastes 2:23

Authorized King James Version

For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
יָמָ֣יו
For all his days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
מַכְאֹבִ֗ים
are sorrows
anguish or (figuratively) affliction
#5
וָכַ֙עַס֙
grief
vexation
#6
עִנְיָנ֔וֹ
and his travail
ado, i.e., (generally) employment or (specifically) an affair
#7
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
בַּלַּ֖יְלָה
in the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#9
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
שָׁכַ֣ב
taketh not rest
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#11
לִבּ֑וֹ
yea his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#12
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#13
זֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#14
הֶ֥בֶל
This is also vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#15
הֽוּא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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