Ecclesiastes 5:10

Authorized King James Version

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֹהֵ֥ב
He that loveth
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#2
כֶּ֔סֶף
silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#3
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִשְׂבַּ֣ע
shall not be satisfied
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
#5
כֶּ֔סֶף
silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#6
וּמִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#7
אֹהֵ֥ב
He that loveth
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#8
בֶּהָמ֖וֹן
abundance
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#9
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תְבוּאָ֑ה
with increase
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
#11
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#12
זֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
הָֽבֶל׃
this is also vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, 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 Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics