Ecclesiastes 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שְׁמֹ֣ר

H8104

Keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

רַגְלְיךָ֗

H7272

thy foot

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

תֵּלֵךְ֙

H1980

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

to the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of 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

וְקָר֣וֹב

H7138

and be more ready

near (in place, kindred or time)

לִשְׁמֹ֔עַ

H8085

to hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#10

מִתֵּ֥ת

H5414

than to give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#11

הַכְּסִילִ֖ים

H3684

of fools

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly

#12

זָ֑בַח

H2077

the sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#14

אֵינָ֥ם

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#15

יוֹדְעִ֖ים

H3045

for they consider

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

#16

לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

not that they do

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

#17

רָֽע׃

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom