Ecclesiastes 5:6

Authorized King James Version

Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּתֵּ֤ן

H5414

Suffer

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פִּ֙יךָ֙

H6310

not thy mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לַחֲטִ֣יא

H2398

to sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּשָׂרֶ֔ךָ

H1320

to cause thy flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֹּאמַר֙

H559

neither say

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

thou before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#11

הַמַּלְאָ֔ךְ

H4397

the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#13

שְׁגָגָ֖ה

H7684

that it was an error

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

#14

הִ֑יא

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

#15

לָ֣מָּה

H4100

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

#16

יִקְצֹ֤ף

H7107

be angry

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

#17

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙

H430

wherefore should 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

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

קוֹלֶ֔ךָ

H6963

at thy voice

a voice or sound

#20

וְחִבֵּ֖ל

H2254

and destroy

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

#21

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה

H4639

the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#23

יָדֶֽיךָ׃

H3027

of thine hands

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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ecclesiastes Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Topics

Wisdom