Ecclesiastes 3:14

Authorized King James Version

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָדַ֗עְתִּי

H3045

I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֠י

H3588

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

כָּל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

עָשָׂ֔ה

H6213

doeth

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

וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

from it and 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

ה֚וּא

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

יִהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְעוֹלָ֔ם

H5769

it shall be for ever

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

#10

עָלָיו֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

אֵ֣ין

H369

nothing

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#12

לְהוֹסִ֔יף

H3254

can be put

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#13

וּמִמֶּ֖נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#14

אֵ֣ין

H369

nothing

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#15

לִגְרֹ֑עַ

H1639

to it nor any thing taken

to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold

#16

וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

from it and 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

#17

עָשָׂ֔ה

H6213

doeth

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

#18

שֶׁיִּֽרְא֖וּ

H3372

it that men should fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#19

מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom