Ecclesiastes 8:11

Authorized King James Version

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת
in them to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
פִתְגָ֔ם
Because sentence
a (judicial) sentence
#5
מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#6
רָֽע׃
against an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#7
מְהֵרָ֑ה
speedily
properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כֵּ֡ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#10
מָלֵ֞א
is fully set
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#11
לֵ֧ב
therefore the heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#12
בְּֽנֵי
of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
הָאָדָ֛ם
of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#14
בָּהֶ֖ם
H0
#15
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת
in them to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
רָֽע׃
against an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 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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