Ecclesiastes 3:19

Authorized King James Version

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
וּמִקְרֶ֤ה
For that which befalleth
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
#3
בְֽנֵי
the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
הָאָדָ֤ם
of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
וּמִקְרֶ֤ה
For that which befalleth
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
#6
הַבְּהֵמָה֙
above a beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#7
וּמִקְרֶ֤ה
For that which befalleth
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
#8
אֶחָ֖ד
even one thing
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
לָהֶ֔ם
H0
#10
מ֣וֹת
so dieth
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#11
זֶ֔ה
the other
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#12
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#13
מ֣וֹת
so dieth
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#14
זֶ֔ה
the other
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#15
וְר֥וּחַ
breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#16
אֶחָ֖ד
even one thing
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#17
לַכֹּ֑ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
וּמוֹתַ֨ר
hath no preeminence
literally gain; figuratively, superiority
#19
הָאָדָ֤ם
of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#20
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#21
הַבְּהֵמָה֙
above a beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#22
אָ֔יִן
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#23
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#24
הַכֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#25
הָֽבֶל׃
for all is vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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