Ecclesiastes 5:16

Authorized King James Version

And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

זֹה֙

H2090

And this

this or that

רָעָ֣ה

H7451

evil

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

חוֹלָ֔ה

H2470

also is a sore

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֻמַּ֥ת

H5980

that in all points

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

שֶׁבָּ֖א

H935

as he came

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

כֵּ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יֵלֵ֑ךְ

H1980

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

#10

וּמַה

H4100

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

#11

יִּתְר֣וֹן

H3504

and what profit

preeminence, gain

#12

ל֔וֹ

#13

שֶֽׁיַּעֲמֹ֖ל

H5998

hath he that hath laboured

to toil, i.e., work severely and with irksomeness

#14

לָרֽוּחַ׃

H7307

for the wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation 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