Ecclesiastes 3:13

Authorized King James Version

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַ֤ם

H1571

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הָאָדָם֙

H120

And also that every man

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

שֶׁיֹּאכַ֣ל

H398

should eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְשָׁתָ֔ה

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְרָאָ֥ה

H7200

and enjoy

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

ט֖וֹב

H2896

the good

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

בְּכָל

H3605

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

עֲמָל֑וֹ

H5999

of all his labour

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

#10

מַתַּ֥ת

H4991

it is the gift

a present

#11

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

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

#12

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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
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?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom