Ecclesiastes 6:7

Authorized King James Version

All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
עֲמַ֥ל
All the labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#3
הָאָדָ֖ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
לְפִ֑יהוּ
is for his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#5
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#6
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ
and yet the appetite
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#7
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תִמָּלֵֽא׃
is not filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

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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