The Syntax of Authorship and the Use of Titles in Ecclesiastes 1:1

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 1:1

Ecclesiastes 1:1 serves as the formal introduction to the book of Qohelet (Ecclesiastes), identifying its author and his royal lineage. This verse follows a conventional formula found in wisdom literature, presenting:

1. The title of the book’s speaker (דִּבְרֵי קֹהֶלֶת, “The words of Qohelet”).
2. The genealogical identification (בֶּן־דָּוִד, “son of David”).
3. A royal title (מֶ֖לֶךְ בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם, “king in Jerusalem”).

This study will analyze the grammatical structure of authorship declarations, the function of construct chains, and the significance of titles in wisdom literature.

דִּבְרֵי֙ קֹהֶ֣לֶת בֶּן־דָּוִ֔ד מֶ֖לֶךְ בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

Analysis of Key Words/Phrases

1. דִּבְרֵי֙ קֹהֶ֣לֶת (divrei Qohelet)
   • Root: דָּבָר (“word, saying”), קֹהֶלֶת (“Qohelet, assembler”)
   • Form: Construct plural of דָּבָר (“words”) + proper noun
   • Translation: “The words of Qohelet”
   • Function: Introduces the speaker, following a wisdom-literature formula.
2. בֶּן־דָּוִ֔ד (ben-David)
   • Root: בֵּן (“son”), דָּוִד (“David”)
   • Form: Construct chain
   • Translation: “Son of David”
   • Function: Denotes royal lineage, linking Qohelet to the Davidic dynasty.
3. מֶ֖לֶךְ בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם (melekh biYerushalayim)
   • Root: מֶלֶךְ (“king”), יְרוּשָׁלִָם (“Jerusalem”)
   • Form: Absolute noun + prepositional phrase
   • Translation: “King in Jerusalem”
   • Function: Identifies Qohelet’s ruling position.

Explanation of Grammatical Function

The Construct Chain דִּבְרֵי קֹהֶלֶת (“The Words of Qohelet”)

דִּבְרֵי (“words of”) → A construct plural, indicating possession.

קֹהֶלֶת (“Qohelet”) → Functions as the possessor, following a standard wisdom-literature pattern.

The Function of בֶּן־דָּוִד (“Son of David”) as a Genealogical Title

Construct chain linking Qohelet to the Davidic monarchy.

Appears elsewhere in royal inscriptions, reinforcing legitimacy.

The Role of מֶ֖לֶךְ בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם (“King in Jerusalem”) as a Geographic Designation

מֶ֖לֶךְ (“king”) stands in absolute form, indicating an established title.

בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם (“in Jerusalem”) functions as a locative prepositional phrase, specifying where the authority is exercised.

Theological Implications of Qohelet’s Identification

1. Legitimacy and WisdomThe phrase “son of David” associates the speaker with Solomonic wisdom traditions.
2. Authority in TeachingThe use of מֶ֖לֶךְ (“king”) suggests that the book offers royal insight into life’s meaning.
3. Location as a Symbol of Divine WisdomJerusalem represents the spiritual and intellectual center of Israel.

The Role of Titles in Biblical Wisdom Literature

Ecclesiastes 1:1 demonstrates a structured literary introduction, where construct chains and noun phrases establish authorship and authority. The title “Qohelet” links to traditional wisdom teaching, while “son of David, king in Jerusalem” emphasizes a royal and theological perspective.

Thus, this verse serves as both a formal preface to Ecclesiastes and a claim to authoritative wisdom rooted in the Davidic tradition.