Ecclesiastes 7:21

Authorized King James Version

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֤ם

H1571

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

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִים֙

H1697

unto all words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ

H1696

that are spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אַל

H408

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

תִּתֵּ֖ן

H5414

Also take

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִבֶּ֑ךָ

H3820

no heed

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#11

תִשְׁמַ֥ע

H8085

lest thou hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#12

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

עַבְדְּךָ֖

H5650

thy servant

a servant

#14

מְקַלְלֶֽךָ׃

H7043

curse

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom