Ecclesiastes 7:22
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
פְּעָמִ֥ים
For oftentimes
H6471
פְּעָמִ֥ים
For oftentimes
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
3 of 11
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
רַבּ֖וֹת
H7227
יָדַ֣ע
knoweth
H3045
יָדַ֣ע
knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 11
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
לִבֶּ֑ךָ
also thine own heart
H3820
לִבֶּ֑ךָ
also thine own heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 11
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures were hypersensitive to verbal affronts, often leading to feuds and violence. Qoheleth's counsel to acknowledge mutual guilt was countercultural wisdom promoting social peace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering your own history of speaking badly about others create appropriate humility when you're criticized?
- In what ways might hypersensitivity to others' words reveal unacknowledged sin in your own speech patterns?
- What would it look like to extend the same grace to critics that you hope others extend to you?
Analysis & Commentary
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth (כִּי גַם־פְּעָמִים רַבּוֹת יָדַע לִבֶּךָ, ki gam-pe'amim rabbot yada libekha)—'for also many times your heart knows.' That thou thyself likewise hast cursed others (אֲשֶׁר גַּם־אַתָּה קִלַּלְתָּ אֲחֵרִים, asher gam-attah killalta acherim)—that you also have reviled others. The verb qalal (to curse, belittle, treat with contempt) mirrors verse 21's mekalelekha.
The Preacher employs devastating self-awareness as antidote to hypersensitivity: your servant curses you? You've done the same to others countless times. This isn't justifying slander but recognizing universal human failure to control the tongue. James 3:2 states, 'If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man'—but none are perfect. The phrase 'thine own heart knoweth' appeals to conscience: you're aware of your own verbal sins, even if others aren't. Jesus's teaching about removing the log from your own eye before addressing your brother's speck (Matthew 7:3-5) applies perfectly. Humility about our own tongue sins creates appropriate tolerance for others' failings.