Ecclesiastes 9:6

Authorized King James Version

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֣ם

H1571

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

אַהֲבָתָ֧ם

H160

Also their love

love

גַּם

H1571

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

שִׂנְאָתָ֛ם

H8135

and their hatred

hate

גַּם

H1571

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

קִנְאָתָ֖ם

H7068

and their envy

jealousy or envy

כְּבָ֣ר

H3528

is now

properly, extent of time, i.e., a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto

אָבָ֑דָה

perished

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

וְחֵ֨לֶק

H2506

neither have they any more a portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

#10

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

לָהֶ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#12

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#13

לְעוֹלָ֔ם

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#14

בְּכֹ֥ל

H3605

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

#15

אֲשֶֽׁר

H834

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

#16

נַעֲשָׂ֖ה

H6213

in any thing that is done

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

#17

תַּ֥חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#18

הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃

H8121

under the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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Topics

Wisdom