Ecclesiastes 3:11

Authorized King James Version

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶת

H853

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

הַכֹּ֥ל

H3605

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

עָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

He hath made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יָפֶ֣ה

H3303

every thing beautiful

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

בְעִתּ֑וֹ

H6256

in his time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

גַּ֤ם

H1571

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

אֶת

H853

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

הָעֹלָם֙

H5769

the world

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

נָתַ֣ן

H5414

also he hath set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#10

בְּלִבָּ֔ם

H3820

in their heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#11

מִבְּלִ֞י

H1097

so that

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

#12

אֲשֶׁ֧ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

יִמְצָ֣א

H4672

can find out

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#15

הָאָדָ֗ם

H120

no man

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

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֛ה

H4639

the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#18

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#19

עָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

He hath made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#20

הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

that 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

#21

מֵרֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

from the beginning

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#22

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#23

סֽוֹף׃

H5490

to the end

a termination

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom