Ecclesiastes 8:9

Authorized King James Version

All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
זֶ֤ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
H7200
All this have I seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
וְנָת֣וֹן
H5414
and applied
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
לִבִּ֔י
H3820
my heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#8
לְכָֽל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מַעֲשֶׂ֔ה
H4639
unto every work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
נַעֲשָׂ֖ה
H6213
that is done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#13
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
H8121
under the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#14
עֵ֗ת
H6256
there is a time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#15
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
שָׁלַ֧ט
H7980
ruleth
to dominate, i.e., govern; by implication, to permit
#17
בְּאָדָ֖ם
H120
wherein one man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#18
בְּאָדָ֖ם
H120
wherein one man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#19
לְרַ֥ע
H7451
over another to his own hurt
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#20
לֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. 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 kingdom of God 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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