Ecclesiastes 5:18

Authorized King James Version

Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנֵּ֞ה

H2009

lo!

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

וְלִרְא֨וֹת

H7200

Behold that which I have seen

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

אָ֗נִי

H589

טוֹבָ֜ה

H2896

it is good

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

יָפֶ֣ה

H3303

and comely

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

לֶֽאֶכוֹל

H398

for one to eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְ֠לִשְׁתּוֹת

H8354

and to drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#10

וְלִרְא֨וֹת

H7200

Behold that which I have seen

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

#11

טוֹבָ֜ה

H2896

it is good

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

#12

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#13

עֲמָל֣וֹ׀

H5999

of all his labour

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

#14

שֶׁיַּעֲמֹ֣ל

H5998

that he taketh

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

#15

תַּֽחַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#16

הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ

H8121

under the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#17

מִסְפַּ֧ר

H4557

all

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

#18

יְמֵֽי

H3117

the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#19

חַיָּ֛ו

H2416

of his life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#20

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#21

נָֽתַן

H5414

giveth

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

#22

ל֥וֹ

#23

הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

which 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

#24

כִּי

H3588

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

#25

ה֥וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#26

חֶלְקֽוֹ׃

H2506

him for it is his portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom