Ecclesiastes 7:14

Authorized King James Version

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְי֥וֹם
H3117
In the day
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
#2
בְט֔וֹב
H2896
be joyful
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
#3
הֱיֵ֣ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בְט֔וֹב
H2896
be joyful
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
#5
וּבְי֥וֹם
H3117
In the day
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
#6
רָעָ֖ה
H7451
of adversity
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#7
רְאֵ֑ה
H7200
consider
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#8
גַּ֣ם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
זֶ֤ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#11
לְעֻמַּת
H5980
the one over against
conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with
#12
זֶה֙
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
עָשָׂ֣ה
H6213
also hath set
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#15
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
דִּבְרַ֗ת
H1700
the other to the end
a reason, suit or style
#17
שֶׁלֹּ֨א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
יִמְצָ֧א
H4672
should find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#19
הָֽאָדָ֛ם
H120
that man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#20
אַחֲרָ֖יו
H310
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#21
מְאֽוּמָה׃
H3972
nothing
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ecclesiastes.

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

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