Ecclesiastes 6:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מַה

H4100

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

שֶּֽׁהָיָ֗ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּבָר֙

H3528

already

properly, extent of time, i.e., a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto

נִקְרָ֣א

H7121

That which hath been is named

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֔וֹ

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

וְנוֹדָ֖ע

H3045

and it is known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

ה֣וּא

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

אָדָ֑ם

H120

that it is man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#10

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

יוּכַ֣ל

H3201

neither may

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#12

לָדִ֔ין

H1777

he contend

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

#13

עִ֥ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#14

שֶׁהתַּקִּ֖יף

H8623

with him that is mightier

powerful

#15

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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 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?

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Topics

Wisdom