Ecclesiastes 6:10

Authorized King James Version

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That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

Original Language Analysis

מַה H4100
מַה
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
שֶּֽׁהָיָ֗ה H1961
שֶּֽׁהָיָ֗ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּבָר֙ already H3528
כְּבָר֙ already
Strong's: H3528
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, extent of time, i.e., a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto
נִקְרָ֣א That which hath been is named H7121
נִקְרָ֣א That which hath been is named
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 4 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שְׁמ֔וֹ H8034
שְׁמ֔וֹ
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 5 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וְנוֹדָ֖ע and it is known H3045
וְנוֹדָ֖ע and it is known
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 6 of 15
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 7 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ה֣וּא H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 8 of 15
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
אָדָ֑ם that it is man H120
אָדָ֑ם that it is man
Strong's: H120
Word #: 9 of 15
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וְלֹא H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֣ל neither may H3201
יוּכַ֣ל neither may
Strong's: H3201
Word #: 11 of 15
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לָדִ֔ין he contend H1777
לָדִ֔ין he contend
Strong's: H1777
Word #: 12 of 15
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
עִ֥ם H5973
עִ֥ם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 13 of 15
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
שֶׁהתַּקִּ֖יף with him that is mightier H8623
שֶׁהתַּקִּ֖יף with him that is mightier
Strong's: H8623
Word #: 14 of 15
powerful
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ H4480
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 15 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis & Commentary

That which hath been is named already (מַה־שֶּׁהָיָה כְּבָר נִקְרָא שְׁמוֹ)—To 'name' something in Hebrew thought is to determine its nature and destiny. Everything that comes into existence was already predetermined by God. And it is known that it is man (wĕ-nōda' ăšer-hū' ādām)—humanity's identity as mortal dust (ādām from ădāmâ, 'ground') is fixed.

Neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he—Job learned this lesson (Job 40:1-5). Man cannot argue with his Creator. Yet Romans 9:20 uses similar language: 'who art thou that repliest against God?' The difference: in Christ, we approach God not as adversaries but as adopted children (Rom 8:15).

Historical Context

The concept of predetermined divine naming appears throughout ancient Near Eastern texts, where deities assigned names and fates. In Genesis 2:19-20, Adam names the animals, exercising delegated authority. Here, Solomon reverses the image: we are the named, not the namers.

Questions for Reflection