Ecclesiastes 8:15

Authorized King James Version

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשִׁבַּ֤חְתִּֽי

H7623

Then I commended

properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e., (specifically) loud

אֲנִי֙

H589

אֶת

H853

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

הַשִּׂמְחָ֔ה

H8057

mirth

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ט֤וֹב

H2896

hath no better thing

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לָֽאָדָם֙

H120

because a man

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

תַּ֣חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#10

הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃

H8121

him under the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#11

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#13

לֶאֱכֹ֥ל

H398

than to eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#14

וְלִשְׁתּ֖וֹת

H8354

and to drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#15

וְלִשְׂמ֑וֹחַ

H8055

and to be merry

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

#16

וְה֞וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#17

יִלְוֶ֣נּוּ

H3867

for that shall abide

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

#18

בַעֲמָל֗וֹ

H5999

with him of his labour

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

#19

יְמֵ֥י

H3117

the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#20

חַיָּ֛יו

H2416

of his life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#21

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#22

נָֽתַן

H5414

giveth

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

#23

ל֥וֹ

#24

הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

which God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#25

תַּ֥חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#26

הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃

H8121

him under the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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 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 life. 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?
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 understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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Topics

Wisdom