Ecclesiastes 9:5

Authorized King James Version

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הַֽחַיִּ֛ים
For the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
יוֹדְעִ֣ים
know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#4
וְהַמֵּתִ֞ים
but the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
וְהַמֵּתִ֞ים
but the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
אֵינָ֧ם
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#7
יוֹדְעִ֣ים
know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
מְא֗וּמָה
not any thing
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
#9
וְאֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
ע֤וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#11
לָהֶם֙
H0
#12
שָׂכָ֔ר
neither have they any more a reward
payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit
#13
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
נִשְׁכַּ֖ח
of them is forgotten
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#15
זִכְרָֽם׃
for the memory
a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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