Ecclesiastes 7:10

Authorized King James Version

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֹּאמַר֙

H559

Say

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֣ה

H4100

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

הָיָ֔ה

H1961

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

שֶׁ֤הַיָּמִים֙

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים

H7223

not thou What is the cause that the former

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

הָי֥וּ

H1961

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

טוֹבִ֖ים

H2896

were 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

מֵאֵ֑לֶּה

H428

these or those

#10

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#12

מֵחָכְמָ֖ה

H2451

wisely

wisdom (in a good sense)

#13

שָׁאַ֥לְתָּ

H7592

than these for thou dost not enquire

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#14

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

זֶֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom