Ecclesiastes 5:15

Authorized King James Version

As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

יָצָא֙

H3318

As he came forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִבֶּ֣טֶן

H990

womb

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

אִמּ֔וֹ

H517

of his mother's

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

עָר֛וֹם

H6174

naked

nude, either partially or totally

יָשׁ֥וּב

H7725

shall he return

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

לָלֶ֖כֶת

H1980

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

כְּשֶׁבָּ֑א

H935

as he came

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

וּמְא֙וּמָה֙

H3972

nothing

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

#10

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

יִשָּׂ֣א

H5375

and shall take

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#12

בַעֲמָל֔וֹ

H5999

of his labour

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

#13

שֶׁיֹּלֵ֖ךְ

H3212

to go

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

#14

בְּיָדֽוֹ׃

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ecclesiastes.

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

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

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom