Ecclesiastes 5:9

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיִתְר֥וֹן
Moreover the profit
preeminence, gain
#2
אֶ֖רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
בַּכֹּ֣ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
ה֑יּא
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
#5
מֶ֥לֶךְ
is for all the king
a king
#6
לְשָׂדֶ֖ה
by the field
a field (as flat)
#7
נֶעֱבָֽד׃
himself is served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

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 revelation 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 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

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