Ecclesiastes 2:24

Authorized King James Version

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ט֖וֹב

H2896

There is nothing better

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בָּאָדָם֙

H120

for a man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שֶׁיֹּאכַ֣ל

H398

than that he should eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְשָׁתָ֔ה

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְהֶרְאָ֧ה

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַפְשׁ֛וֹ

H5315

and that he should make his soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

ט֖וֹב

H2896

There is nothing better

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#10

בַּעֲמָל֑וֹ

H5999

in his labour

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

#11

גַּם

H1571

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

#12

זֹה֙

H2090

This

this or that

#13

רָאִ֣יתִי

H7200

also I saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#14

אָ֔נִי

H589

#15

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

מִיַּ֥ד

H3027

that it was from the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#17

הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#18

הִֽיא׃

H1931

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

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom