Ecclesiastes 3:22

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Word-by-Word Analysis

לִרְא֔וֹת

H7200

Wherefore I perceive

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

טוֹב֙

H2896

that there is nothing better

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

מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

יִשְׂמַ֤ח

H8055

should rejoice

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

הָאָדָם֙

H120

than that a man

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

בְּֽמַעֲשָׂ֔יו

H4639

in his own works

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

כִּי

H3588

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

#10

ה֖וּא

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

#11

חֶלְק֑וֹ

H2506

for that is his portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

#12

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#13

מִ֤י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#14

יְבִיאֶ֙נּוּ֙

H935

for who shall bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#15

לִרְא֔וֹת

H7200

Wherefore I perceive

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

#16

בְּמֶ֖ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#17

שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

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

#18

אַחֲרָֽיו׃

H310

what shall be after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom