Ecclesiastes 3:20

Authorized King James Version

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַכֹּ֥ל

H3605

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

הוֹלֵ֖ךְ

H1980

All go

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָק֣וֹם

H4725

place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֶחָ֑ד

H259

unto one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַכֹּל֙

H3605

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

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

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

מִן

H4480

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

הֶעָפָֽר׃

H6083

all are of the dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

#10

וְהַכֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#11

שָׁ֥ב

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

הֶעָפָֽר׃

H6083

all are of the dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Topics

Wisdom