Ecclesiastes 7:22

Authorized King James Version

For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#3
פְּעָמִ֥ים
For oftentimes
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#4
רַבּ֖וֹת
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#5
יָדַ֣ע
knoweth
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#6
לִבֶּ֑ךָ
also thine own heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
אַתָּ֖
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
קִלַּ֥לְתָּ
that thou thyself likewise hast cursed
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#11
אֲחֵרִֽים׃
others
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

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

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