Ecclesiastes 8:3

Authorized King James Version

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּבָּהֵ֤ל

H926

Be not hasty

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

מִפָּנָיו֙

H6440

of his sight

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תֵּלֵ֔ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּעֲמֹ֖ד

H5975

stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בְּדָבָ֣ר

H1697

thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

רָ֑ע

H7451

not in an evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#12

יַחְפֹּ֖ץ

H2654

whatsoever pleaseth

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

#13

יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

for he doeth

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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 divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom