Ecclesiastes 7:28

Authorized King James Version

Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

עוֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בִּקְשָׁ֥ה

H1245

seeketh

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

נַפְשִׁ֖י

H5315

Which yet my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

מָצָֽאתִי׃

H4672

among all those have I not found

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

אָדָ֞ם

H120

man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֶחָ֤ד

H259

not one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵאֶ֙לֶף֙

H505

among a thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

#10

מָצָֽאתִי׃

H4672

among all those have I not found

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

#11

וְאִשָּׁ֥ה

H802

but a woman

a woman

#12

בְכָל

H3605

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

#13

אֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

#14

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#15

מָצָֽאתִי׃

H4672

among all those have I not found

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom