Ecclesiastes 9:1

Authorized King James Version

For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

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)

זֶ֞ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

נָתַ֤תִּי

H5414

For all this I considered

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִבִּי֙

H3820

in my heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְלָב֣וּר

H952

even to declare

to bore, i.e., (figuratively) examine

אֶת

H853

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

זֶ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#13

הַצַּדִּיקִ֧ים

H6662

all this that the righteous

just

#14

וְהַחֲכָמִ֛ים

H2450

and the wise

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

#15

וַעֲבָדֵיהֶ֖ם

H5652

and their works

a deed

#16

בְּיַ֣ד

H3027

are in the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#17

הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים

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

#18

גַם

H1571

either

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

#19

אַהֲבָ֣ה

H160

love

#20

גַם

H1571

either

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

#21

שִׂנְאָ֗ה

H8135

or hatred

hate

#22

אֵ֤ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#23

יוֹדֵ֙עַ֙

H3045

knoweth

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

#24

הָֽאָדָ֔ם

H120

no man

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

#25

הַכֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#26

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃

H6440

by all that is before

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Ecclesiastes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Wisdom