Ecclesiastes 3:17

Authorized King James Version

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֤רְתִּֽי

H559

I said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנִי֙

H589

בְּלִבִּ֔י

H3820

in mine heart

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

אֶת

H853

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

הַצַּדִּיק֙

H6662

the righteous

just

וְאֶת

H853

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

הָ֣רָשָׁ֔ע

H7563

and the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יִשְׁפֹּ֖ט

H8199

shall judge

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

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

#10

כִּי

H3588

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

#11

עֵ֣ת

H6256

for there is a time

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

#12

לְכָל

H3605

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

#13

חֵ֔פֶץ

H2656

there for every purpose

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

#14

וְעַ֥ל

H5921

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

#15

כָּל

H3605

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

#16

הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה

H4639

and for every work

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

#17

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom