Tag Archives: Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 7:7 in Hebrew כִּ֥י הָעֹ֖שֶׁק יְהֹולֵ֣ל חָכָ֑ם וִֽיאַבֵּ֥ד אֶת־לֵ֖ב מַתָּנָֽה׃ Introduction to the Verse Ecclesiastes 7:7 presents a statement about the corrupting influence of oppression and bribery. A key grammatical feature in this verse is the Hiphil verbal stem, which appears in the verbs יְהֹולֵ֣ל (yəhōlēl) and יַאֲבֵּ֥ד (yaʾabbed). Understanding the Hiphil Stem 1. What is the Hiphil Stem? – The Hiphil is one of the seven binyanim (verbal stems) in Biblical Hebrew. – It typically conveys causative action, meaning that one subject causes another to act in a certain way.… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 10:1: Wisdom Spoiled by a Whisper of Folly This verse opens the tenth chapter of Ecclesiastes with a powerful metaphor: זְב֣וּבֵי מָ֔וֶת יַבְאִ֥ישׁ יַבִּ֖יעַ שֶׁ֣מֶן רֹוקֵ֑חַ—“Dead flies make the perfumer’s oil stink.” What follows is a moral insight: a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The contrast is stark and deliberate: tiny elements, when misplaced, can destroy that which is refined and valuable. This article focuses on the grammatical structure, poetic devices, and wisdom-literature technique used to deliver this pointed observation.… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 9:1: Reflection in the Hand of Elohim Ecclesiastes 9:1 opens with a deeply introspective declaration: כִּ֣י אֶת־כָּל־זֶ֞ה נָתַ֤תִּי אֶל־לִבִּי֙—“For all this I laid to my heart.” This expression recurs throughout the book of Qohelet and functions as a gateway to philosophical meditation. It signals not just an act of thinking, but a personal weighing of reality. In this verse, it precedes a sobering observation about human uncertainty: even the righteous and wise do not know whether they are loved or hated, because all is in the hand of Elohim.… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 6:1: A Refrain of Disturbance Ecclesiastes 6:1 begins with a haunting declaration: יֵ֣שׁ רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָאִ֖יתִי תַּ֣חַת הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ—“There is an evil that I have seen under the sun.” This recurring formula in Qohelet’s discourse is not merely observational—it functions as a philosophical signal, preparing the reader for a reflection on the absurdity or futility of life. In this article, we will examine the grammatical structure, semantic depth, and stylistic function of this expression as used in Ecclesiastes 6:1, and how it serves as a launchpad for existential meditation.… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 4:17: Approaching the House of Elohim with Caution Ecclesiastes 4:17 (5:1 in English Bibles) opens with a striking imperative: שְׁמֹ֣ר רַגְלֶיךָ—“guard your feet.” This instruction is not about physical safety, but spiritual posture. Qohelet urges the worshiper to approach the house of Elohim not casually, but mindfully. Through grammatical precision and metaphor, the verse contrasts the wise listener with the foolish offerer of sacrifices. In this article, we explore the imperative form, poetic parallelism, and theological depth of the expression שְׁמֹ֣ר רַגְלֶיךָ and the surrounding syntax.… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 4:1: Lament Beneath the Sun Ecclesiastes 4:1 returns to a central theme in Qohelet’s worldview—the injustice and sorrow experienced under the sun. The verse is structured as a lamentation, where the Preacher observes the suffering of the oppressed and highlights their isolation with a powerful refrain: וְאֵ֥ין לָהֶ֖ם מְנַחֵֽם—“and there is no comforter for them.” This article explores the grammatical, poetic, and existential significance of that phrase and its deliberate repetition, showing how grammar becomes grief and form expresses theology.… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 6:1 Ecclesiastes 6:1 introduces an observation about human suffering using the existential particle יֵשׁ (yesh), which signifies existence or presence. The verse also employs a construct chain (רָעָה אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתִי, “an evil which I have seen”) to describe a phenomenon occurring תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ (taḥat hashemesh, “under the sun”), a phrase that is characteristic of the book’s reflections on human experience. Understanding these grammatical elements is essential for interpreting the verse’s meaning. יֵ֣שׁ רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָאִ֖יתִי תַּ֣חַת הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ וְרַבָּ֥ה הִ֖יא עַל־הָאָדָֽם׃ Analysis of Key Words/Phrases 1.… Learn Hebrew