Ecclesiastes 5:11

Authorized King James Version

When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּרְבוֹת֙

H7235

increase

to increase (in whatever respect)

הַטּוֹבָ֔ה

H2896

When goods

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

רַבּ֖וּ

H7231

they are increased

properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad

אוֹכְלֶ֑יהָ

H398

that eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּמַה

H4100

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

כִּשְׁרוֹן֙

H3788

them and what good

success, advantage

לִבְעָלֶ֔יהָ

H1167

is there to the owners

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

כִּ֖י

H3588

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

אִם

H518

thereof saving

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

רְא֥יּת

H7200

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

#11

עֵינָֽיו׃

H5869

of them with their eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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 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?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom