Ecclesiastes 6:11

Authorized King James Version

Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יֵשׁ
Seeing there be
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#3
דְּבָרִ֥ים
things
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
מַרְבִּ֣ים
many
to increase (in whatever respect)
#5
מַרְבִּ֣ים
many
to increase (in whatever respect)
#6
הָ֑בֶל
vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#7
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
יֹּתֵ֖ר
the better
properly, redundant; hence, over and above, as adjective, noun, adverb or conjunction
#9
לָאָדָֽם׃
what is man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, 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 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

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