Ecclesiastes 8:17

Authorized King James Version

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְרָאִיתִי֮

H7200

Then I beheld

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂה֙

H4639

all the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הָאֱלֹהִים֒

H430

of 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

כִּי֩

H3588

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

לֹ֨א

H3808

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

יוּכַ֖ל

H3201

cannot

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

הָאָדָ֛ם

H120

a man

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

#10

לִמְצֹֽא׃

H4672

find out

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

אֶת

H853

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

#12

הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂה֙

H4639

all the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#13

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

because

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

#14

נַעֲשָׂ֣ה

H6213

that is done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

תַֽחַת

H8478

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

#16

הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ

H8121

under the sun

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

#17

בְּ֠שֶׁל

H7945

though

on account of, whatsoever, whichsoever

#18

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

because

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

#19

יַעֲמֹ֧ל

H5998

labour

to toil, i.e., work severely and with irksomeness

#20

הָאָדָ֛ם

H120

a man

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

#21

לְבַקֵּ֖שׁ

H1245

to seek it out

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

#22

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#23

לִמְצֹֽא׃

H4672

find out

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

#24

וְגַ֨ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#25

אִם

H518

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

#26

יֹאמַ֤ר

H559

man think

to say (used with great latitude)

#27

הֶֽחָכָם֙

H2450

it yea further though a wise

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

#28

לָדַ֔עַת

H3045

to know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#29

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#30

יוּכַ֖ל

H3201

cannot

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#31

לִמְצֹֽא׃

H4672

find out

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

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty. 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 verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom