Ecclesiastes 5:19

Authorized King James Version

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
כָּֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הָאָדָ֡ם
Every man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נָֽתַן
hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
ל֣וֹ
H0
#7
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
also to whom 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
#8
עֹ֨שֶׁר
riches
wealth
#9
וּנְכָסִ֜ים
and wealth
treasure
#10
וְהִשְׁלִיט֨וֹ
and hath given him power
to dominate, i.e., govern; by implication, to permit
#11
לֶאֱכֹ֤ל
to eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
וְלָשֵׂ֣את
thereof and to take
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
חֶלְק֔וֹ
his portion
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
#16
וְלִשְׂמֹ֖חַ
and to rejoice
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#17
בַּעֲמָל֑וֹ
in his labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#18
זֹ֕ה
this
this or that
#19
מַתַּ֥ת
is the gift
a present
#20
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
also to whom 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
#21
הִֽיא׃
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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