Ecclesiastes 9:3

Authorized King James Version

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֶ֣ה׀
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
רָ֨ע
This is an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
בְּכֹ֤ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
אֲשֶֽׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נַעֲשָׂה֙
among all things that are done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#7
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
under the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מִקְרֶ֥ה
event
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
#10
אֶחָ֖ד
that there is one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
לַכֹּ֑ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
וְגַ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#13
לֵ֣ב
unto all yea also the heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#14
בְּֽנֵי
of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
הָ֠אָדָם
of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#16
מָלֵא
is full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#17
רָ֨ע
This is an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#18
וְהוֹלֵל֤וֹת
and madness
folly
#19
בִּלְבָבָם֙
is in their heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#20
בְּחַיֵּיהֶ֔ם
while they live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#21
וְאַחֲרָ֖יו
and after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#22
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#23
הַמֵּתִֽים׃
that they go to the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this passage highlights salvation 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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