Ecclesiastes 6:9

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ט֛וֹב

H2896

Better

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

מַרְאֵ֥ה

H4758

is the sight

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

עֵינַ֖יִם

H5869

of the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מֵֽהֲלָךְ

H1980

than the wandering

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

נָ֑פֶשׁ

H5315

of the desire

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

זֶ֥ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הֶ֖בֶל

H1892

this is also vanity

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

וּרְע֥וּת

H7469

and vexation

a feeding upon, i.e., grasping after

#10

רֽוּחַ׃

H7307

of spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom