Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12קהלת 12

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Ecclesiastes 12 (14 verses in the MT) opens: Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them; The middle of the chapter continues: Vanity of vanities, says the preacher; all vanity. It closes: For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good, or whether evil.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. Ecclesiastes 12 comprises 14 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days. Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Also they shall be afraid of high, and fears in the way, and the almond. Also they shall be afraid of high, and fears in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people. And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and written upright, words of truth. The words of the wise as goads, and as nails fastened the masters of assemblies, are given from one shepherd. And. Movement IV (vv. 13-14) — Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his c. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this the whole of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good, or whether evil. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

1

וּזְכֹר֙ אֶת בּ֣וֹרְאֶ֔יךָ בִּימֵ֖י בְּחוּרֹתֶ֑יךָ עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹא יָבֹ֨אוּ֙ יְמֵ֣י הָֽרָעָ֔ה וְהִגִּ֣יעוּ שָׁנִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֹּאמַ֔ר אֵֽין לִ֥י בָהֶ֖ם חֵֽפֶץ

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them;

Imperative — volitional addresswə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'and you shall remember'. Opens the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וּזְכֹר֙and you shall rememberconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeזָכַר (H2142) 'and you shall remember'.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) '(obj)'.
בּ֣וֹרְאֶ֔יךָcreatedQal ptc mp + sfx 2ms · בָּרָא (H1254)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorבָּרָא (H1254) 'created'.
בִּימֵ֖יin the days ofprep + N com m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יוֹם (H3117) 'in the days of'.
בְּחוּרֹתֶ֑יךָfrom his chosen onesN c · בָּחוּר (H979)Construct chain (genitival)בָּחוּר (H979) 'from his chosen ones'.
עַ֣דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Particle or relational elementעַד (H5704) 'until'.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
לֹאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
יָבֹ֨אוּ֙shall go inQal impf 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalבּוֹא (H935) 'shall go in'.
יְמֵ֣יthe days ofN c · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain (genitival)יוֹם (H3117) 'the days of'.
הָֽרָעָ֔הthe evilart + N com f sg abs · רַע (H7451)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַע (H7451) 'the evil'.
וְהִגִּ֣יעוּtouchesconj וְ + Hiphil q 3cp · נָגַע (H5060)Particle or relational elementנָגַע (H5060) 'touches'.
שָׁנִ֔יםyearsN c · שָׁנָה (H8141)Construct chain (genitival)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'years'.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
תֹּאמַ֔רyou shall sayQal impf 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalאָמַר (H559) 'you shall say'.
אֵֽיןthere is notneg. · אַיִן (H369)Particle or relational elementאַיִן (H369) 'there is not'.
לִ֥יto meprep + sfx 1csParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'to me'.
בָהֶ֖םin themprep + sfx 3mpParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'in them'.
חֵֽפֶץacceptableN c · חֵפֶץ (H2656)Construct chain (genitival)חֵפֶץ (H2656) 'acceptable'.
2

עַ֠ד אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹֽא תֶחְשַׁ֤ךְ הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ וְהָא֔וֹר וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַ וְהַכּוֹכָבִ֑ים וְשָׁ֥בוּ הֶעָבִ֖ים אַחַ֥ר הַגָּֽשֶׁם

While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'and...was darkened'.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
עַ֠דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Particle or relational elementעַד (H5704) 'until'.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
לֹֽאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
תֶחְשַׁ֤ךְand...was darkenedQal impf 3fs · חָשַׁךְ (H2821)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalחָשַׁךְ (H2821) 'and...was darkened'.
הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙the sunart + N com c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'the sun'.
וְהָא֔וֹרlightconj וְ + art + N com c sg abs · אוֹר (H216)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אוֹר (H216) 'light'.
וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַand the moonconj וְ + art + N com m sg abs · יָרֵחַ (H3394)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יָרֵחַ (H3394) 'and the moon'.
וְהַכּוֹכָבִ֑יםthe starsconj וְ + art + N com m pl abs · כּוֹכָב (H3556)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כּוֹכָב (H3556) 'the stars'.
וְשָׁ֥בוּand (they) returnconj וְ + Qal q 3cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Particle or relational elementשׁוּב (H7725) 'and (they) return'.
הֶעָבִ֖יםin the thickness ofart + N com c pl abs · עָב (H5645)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עָב (H5645) 'in the thickness of'.
אַחַ֥רafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Particle or relational elementאַחַר (H310) 'after'.
הַגָּֽשֶׁםthe rainart + N com m sg abs · גֶּשֶׁם (H1653)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)גֶּשֶׁם (H1653) 'the rain'.
3

בַּיּ֗וֹם שֶׁיָּזֻ֨עוּ֙ שֹׁמְרֵ֣י הַבַּ֔יִת וְהִֽתְעַוְּת֖וּ אַנְשֵׁ֣י הֶחָ֑יִל וּבָטְל֤וּ הַטֹּֽחֲנוֹת֙ כִּ֣י מִעֵ֔טוּ וְחָשְׁכ֥וּ הָרֹא֖וֹת בָּאֲרֻבּֽוֹת

In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'move'.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
בַּיּ֗וֹםon the dayprep + art + N com m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יוֹם (H3117) 'on the day'.
שֶׁיָּזֻ֨עוּ֙moverel. שֶׁ + Qal impf 3mp · זוּעַ (H2111)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalזוּעַ (H2111) 'move'.
שֹׁמְרֵ֣יthe keepers ofQal ptc mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁמַר (H8104) 'the keepers of'.
הַבַּ֔יִתthe houseart + N com m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)בַּיִת (H1004) 'the house'.
וְהִֽתְעַוְּת֖וּhas bent/wronged meconj וְ + Hithpael q 3cp · עִוֵּת (H5791)Particle or relational elementעִוֵּת (H5791) 'has bent/wronged me'.
אַנְשֵׁ֣יthe men ofN c · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival)אִישׁ (H376) 'the men of'.
הֶחָ֑יִלvalorart + N com m sg abs · חַיִל (H2428)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חַיִל (H2428) 'valor'.
וּבָטְל֤וּandconj וְ + Qal q 3cp · בָּטֵל (H988)Particle or relational elementבָּטֵל (H988) 'and'.
הַטֹּֽחֲנוֹת֙grindingart + N com f pl abs · טָחַן (H2912)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טָחַן (H2912) 'grinding'.
כִּ֣יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
מִעֵ֔טוּand the one who gathered littlePiel perf 3cp · מָעַט (H4591)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actמָעַט (H4591) 'and the one who gathered little'.
וְחָשְׁכ֥וּand...was darkenedconj וְ + Qal q 3cp · חָשַׁךְ (H2821)Particle or relational elementחָשַׁךְ (H2821) 'and...was darkened'.
הָרֹא֖וֹתappearsart + Qal ptc fp · רָאָה (H7200)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorרָאָה (H7200) 'appears'.
בָּאֲרֻבּֽוֹתand the windows ofprep + art + N com f pl abs · אֲרֻבָּה (H699)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֲרֻבָּה (H699) 'and the windows of'.
4

וְסֻגְּר֤וּ דְלָתַ֨יִם֙ בַּשּׁ֔וּק בִּשְׁפַ֖ל ק֣וֹל הַֽטַּחֲנָ֑ה וְיָקוּם֙ לְק֣וֹל הַצִּפּ֔וֹר וְיִשַּׁ֖חוּ כָּל בְּנ֥וֹת הַשִּֽׁיר

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complementwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complement. Lead predicate is 'lower'.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְסֻגְּר֤וּhas shutconj וְ + Pual q 3cp · סָגַר (H5462)Particle or relational elementסָגַר (H5462) 'has shut'.
דְלָתַ֨יִם֙gatesN c · דֶּלֶת (H1817)Construct chain (genitival)דֶּלֶת (H1817) 'gates'.
בַּשּׁ֔וּקinprep + art + N com m sg abs · שׁוּק (H7784)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שׁוּק (H7784) 'in'.
בִּשְׁפַ֖לlowerprep + Qal inf constr · שָׁפָל (H8217)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementשָׁפָל (H8217) 'lower'.
ק֣וֹלthe sound ofN c · קוֹל (H6963)Construct chain (genitival)קוֹל (H6963) 'the sound of'.
הַֽטַּחֲנָ֑הgrindingart + N com f sg abs · טַחֲנָה (H2913)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טַחֲנָה (H2913) 'grinding'.
וְיָקוּם֙and he aroseconj וְ + Qal impf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalקוּם (H6965) 'and he arose'.
לְק֣וֹלto the voice ofprep + N com m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קוֹל (H6963) 'to the voice of'.
הַצִּפּ֔וֹרthe birdart + N com c sg abs · צִפּוֹר (H6833)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)צִפּוֹר (H6833) 'the bird'.
וְיִשַּׁ֖חוּandconj וְ + Niphal impf 3mp · שָׁחַח (H7817)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalשָׁחַח (H7817) 'and'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
בְּנ֥וֹתdaughtersN c · בַּת (H1323)Construct chain (genitival)בַּת (H1323) 'daughters'.
הַשִּֽׁירthe songart + N com c sg abs · שִׁירָה (H7892)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שִׁירָה (H7892) 'the song'.
5

גַּ֣ם מִגָּבֹ֤הַּ יִרָ֨אוּ֙ וְחַתְחַתִּ֣ים בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְיָנֵ֤אץ הַשָּׁקֵד֙ וְיִסְתַּבֵּ֣ל הֶֽחָגָ֔ב וְתָפֵ֖ר הָֽאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑ה כִּֽי הֹלֵ֤ךְ הָאָדָם֙ אֶל בֵּ֣ית עוֹלָמ֔וֹ וְסָבְב֥וּ בָשּׁ֖וּק הַסֹּפְדִֽים

Also they shall be afraid of high, and fears in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'they feared'.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
גַּ֣םalsoparticle · גַּם (H1571)Particle or relational elementגַּם (H1571) 'also'.
מִגָּבֹ֤הַּhighprep + Adj · גָּבֹהַ (H1364)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)גָּבֹהַ (H1364) 'high'.
יִרָ֨אוּ֙they fearedQal impf 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalיָרֵא (H3372) 'they feared'.
וְחַתְחַתִּ֣יםandconj וְ + N com m pl abs · חַתְחַת (H2849)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חַתְחַת (H2849) 'and'.
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְon the wayprep + art + N com c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'on the way'.
וְיָנֵ֤אץand he spurnedconj וְ + Hiphil impf 3ms · נָאַץ (H5006)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalנָאַץ (H5006) 'and he spurned'.
הַשָּׁקֵד֙and almondsart + N com m sg abs · שָׁקֵד (H8247)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׁקֵד (H8247) 'and almonds'.
וְיִסְתַּבֵּ֣לto bear burdensconj וְ + Hithpael impf 3ms · סָבַל (H5445)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalסָבַל (H5445) 'to bear burdens'.
הֶֽחָגָ֔בthe grasshopperart + N com m sg abs · חָגָב (H2284)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חָגָב (H2284) 'the grasshopper'.
וְתָפֵ֖רhe has brokenconj וְ + Hiphil impf 3fs · פָּרַר (H6565)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalפָּרַר (H6565) 'he has broken'.
הָֽאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑הdesireart + N com f sg abs · אֲבִיּוֹנָה (H35)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֲבִיּוֹנָה (H35) 'desire'.
כִּֽיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
הֹלֵ֤ךְwentQal ptc ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorהָלַךְ (H1980) 'went'.
הָאָדָם֙the humanart + N com m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָדָם (H120) 'the human'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בֵּ֣יתthe house ofN c · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival)בַּיִת (H1004) 'the house of'.
עוֹלָמ֔וֹperpetuityN c · עוֹלָם (H5769)Construct chain (genitival)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'perpetuity'.
וְסָבְב֥וּand they marched aroundconj וְ + Qal q 3cp · סָבַב (H5437)Particle or relational elementסָבַב (H5437) 'and they marched around'.
בָשּׁ֖וּקinprep + art + N com m sg abs · שׁוּק (H7784)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שׁוּק (H7784) 'in'.
הַסֹּפְדִֽיםand they lamentedart + Qal ptc mp · סָפַד (H5594)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorסָפַד (H5594) 'and they lamented'.
6

עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא ירחק יֵרָתֵק֙ חֶ֣בֶל הַכֶּ֔סֶף וְתָרֻ֖ץ גֻּלַּ֣ת הַזָּהָ֑ב וְתִשָּׁ֤בֶר כַּד֙ עַל הַמַּבּ֔וּעַ וְנָרֹ֥ץ הַגַּלְגַּ֖ל אֶל הַבּֽוֹר

Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'is far'.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
עַ֣דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Particle or relational elementעַד (H5704) 'until'.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
לֹֽאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
ירחקis farQal impf 3ms · רָחַק (H7368)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalרָחַק (H7368) 'is far'.
יֵרָתֵק֙bindN · רָתַק (H7576)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רָתַק (H7576) 'bind'.
חֶ֣בֶלthe region ofN c · חֶבֶל (H2256)Construct chain (genitival)חֶבֶל (H2256) 'the region of'.
הַכֶּ֔סֶףthe silverart + N com m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'the silver'.
וְתָרֻ֖ץand crushedconj וְ + Qal impf 3fs · רָצַץ (H7533)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalרָצַץ (H7533) 'and crushed'.
גֻּלַּ֣תsprings ofN c · גֻּלָּה (H1543)Construct chain (genitival)גֻּלָּה (H1543) 'springs of'.
הַזָּהָ֑בthe goldart + N com m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זָהָב (H2091) 'the gold'.
וְתִשָּׁ֤בֶרyou shall breakconj וְ + Niphal impf 3fs · שָׁבַר (H7665)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalשָׁבַר (H7665) 'you shall break'.
כַּד֙her jarN c · כַּד (H3537)Construct chain (genitival)כַּד (H3537) 'her jar'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
הַמַּבּ֔וּעַtoart + N com m sg abs · מַבּוּעַ (H4002)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מַבּוּעַ (H4002) 'to'.
וְנָרֹ֥ץand crushedconj וְ + Niphal q 3ms · רָצַץ (H7533)Particle or relational elementרָצַץ (H7533) 'and crushed'.
הַגַּלְגַּ֖לandart + N com m sg abs · גַּלְגַּל (H1534)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)גַּלְגַּל (H1534) 'and'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
הַבּֽוֹרthe pitart + N com m sg abs · בּוֹר (H953)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)בּוֹר (H953) 'the pit'.
7

וְיָשֹׁ֧ב הֶעָפָ֛ר עַל הָאָ֖רֶץ כְּשֶׁהָיָ֑ה וְהָר֣וּחַ תָּשׁ֔וּב אֶל הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר נְתָנָֽהּ

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'and he returned'.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְיָשֹׁ֧בand he returnedconj וְ + Qal impf 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalשׁוּב (H7725) 'and he returned'.
הֶעָפָ֛רthe dust/plaster-scrapingsart + N com m sg abs · עָפָר (H6083)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עָפָר (H6083) 'the dust/plaster-scrapings'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N com c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'the land'.
כְּשֶׁהָיָ֑הand it happenedprep + rel. שֶׁ + Qal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actהָיָה (H1961) 'and it happened'.
וְהָר֣וּחַa spirit ofconj וְ + art + N com c sg abs · רוּחַ (H7307)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רוּחַ (H7307) 'a spirit of'.
תָּשׁ֔וּבyou shall returnQal impf 3fs · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalשׁוּב (H7725) 'you shall return'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
הָאֱלֹהִ֖יםGodart + N com m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
נְתָנָֽהּgaveQal perf 3ms + sfx 3fs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָתַן (H5414) 'gave'.
8

הֲבֵ֧ל הֲבָלִ֛ים אָמַ֥ר הַקּוֹהֶ֖לֶת הַכֹּ֥ל הָֽבֶל

Vanity of vanities, says the preacher; all vanity.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'he said'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
הֲבֵ֧לwith their idolsN c · הֶבֶל (H1892)Construct chain (genitival)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
הֲבָלִ֛יםwith their idolsN c · הֶבֶל (H1892)Construct chain (genitival)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
אָמַ֥רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָמַר (H559) 'he said'.
הַקּוֹהֶ֖לֶתpreacherart + N com m sg abs · קֹהֶלֶת (H6953)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קֹהֶלֶת (H6953) 'preacher'.
הַכֹּ֥לeverythingart + N com m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֹּל (H3605) 'everything'.
הָֽבֶלwith their idolsN c · הֶבֶל (H1892)Construct chain (genitival)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
9

וְיֹתֵ֕ר שֶׁהָיָ֥ה קֹהֶ֖לֶת חָכָ֑ם ע֗וֹד לִמַּד דַּ֨עַת֙ אֶת הָעָ֔ם וְאִזֵּ֣ן וְחִקֵּ֔ר תִּקֵּ֖ן מְשָׁלִ֥ים הַרְבֵּֽה

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, set in order many proverbs.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Wayyehî scene-setting or temporal hinge.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְיֹתֵ֕רandconj וְ + N com m sg abs · יוֹתֵר (H3148)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יוֹתֵר (H3148) 'and'.
שֶׁהָיָ֥הand it happenedrel. שֶׁ + Qal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actהָיָה (H1961) 'and it happened'.
קֹהֶ֖לֶתpreacherN c · קֹהֶלֶת (H6953)Construct chain (genitival)קֹהֶלֶת (H6953) 'preacher'.
חָכָ֑םwise [of]Adj · חָכָם (H2450)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חָכָם (H2450) 'wise [of]'.
ע֗וֹדagainart · עוֹד (H5750)Particle or relational elementעוֹד (H5750) 'again'.
לִמַּדto teachPiel perf 3ms · לִמַּד (H3925)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actלִמַּד (H3925) 'to teach'.
דַּ֨עַת֙knowledgeN c · דַּעַת (H1847)Construct chain (genitival)דַּעַת (H1847) 'knowledge'.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) '(obj)'.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N com m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עַם (H5971) 'the people'.
וְאִזֵּ֣ןandconj וְ + Piel perf 3ms · אָזַן (H239)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָזַן (H239) 'and'.
וְחִקֵּ֔רand searchconj וְ + Piel perf 3ms · חָקַר (H2713)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actחָקַר (H2713) 'and search'.
תִּקֵּ֖ןset in orderPiel perf 3ms · תָּקַן (H8626)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actתָּקַן (H8626) 'set in order'.
מְשָׁלִ֥יםhis oracleN c · מָשָׁל (H4912)Construct chain (genitival)מָשָׁל (H4912) 'his oracle'.
הַרְבֵּֽהgreatlyHiphil inf abs · רָבָה (H7235)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionרָבָה (H7235) 'greatly'.
10

בִּקֵּ֣שׁ קֹהֶ֔לֶת לִמְצֹ֖א דִּבְרֵי חֵ֑פֶץ וְכָת֥וּב יֹ֖שֶׁר דִּבְרֵ֥י אֱמֶֽת

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and written upright, words of truth.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'he sought'.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
בִּקֵּ֣שׁhe soughtPiel perf 3ms · בִּקֵּשׁ (H1245)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actבִּקֵּשׁ (H1245) 'he sought'.
קֹהֶ֔לֶתpreacherN c · קֹהֶלֶת (H6953)Construct chain (genitival)קֹהֶלֶת (H6953) 'preacher'.
לִמְצֹ֖אto findprep + Qal inf constr · מָצָא (H4672)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'.
דִּבְרֵיthe words ofN c · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival)דָּבָר (H1697) 'the words of'.
חֵ֑פֶץacceptableN c · חֵפֶץ (H2656)Construct chain (genitival)חֵפֶץ (H2656) 'acceptable'.
וְכָת֥וּבand he wroteconj וְ + Qal ptc ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorכָּתַב (H3789) 'and he wrote'.
יֹ֖שֶׁרor the uprightness ofN c · יֹשֶׁר (H3476)Construct chain (genitival)יֹשֶׁר (H3476) 'or the uprightness of'.
דִּבְרֵ֥יthe words ofN c · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival)דָּבָר (H1697) 'the words of'.
אֱמֶֽתtrueN c · אֱמֶת (H571)Construct chain (genitival)אֱמֶת (H571) 'true'.
11

דִּבְרֵ֤י חֲכָמִים֙ כַּדָּ֣רְבֹנ֔וֹת וּֽכְמַשְׂמְר֥וֹת נְטוּעִ֖ים בַּעֲלֵ֣י אֲסֻפּ֑וֹת נִתְּנ֖וּ מֵרֹעֶ֥ה אֶחָֽד

The words of the wise as goads, and as nails fastened the masters of assemblies, are given from one shepherd.

Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actorasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actor. Lead predicate is 'you will plant'.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
דִּבְרֵ֤יthe words ofN c · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival)דָּבָר (H1697) 'the words of'.
חֲכָמִים֙wiseAdj · חָכָם (H2450)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חָכָם (H2450) 'wise'.
כַּדָּ֣רְבֹנ֔וֹתgoadprep + art + N com c pl abs · דׇּרְבוֹן (H1861)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)דׇּרְבוֹן (H1861) 'goad'.
וּֽכְמַשְׂמְר֥וֹתandconj וְ + prep + N com c pl abs · מַשְׂמְרָה (H4930)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מַשְׂמְרָה (H4930) 'and'.
נְטוּעִ֖יםyou will plantQal ptc mp · נָטַע (H5193)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorנָטַע (H5193) 'you will plant'.
בַּעֲלֵ֣יthe lords ofN c · בַּעַל (H1167)Construct chain (genitival)בַּעַל (H1167) 'the lords of'.
אֲסֻפּ֑וֹתassemblyN c · אֲסֻפָּה (H627)Construct chain (genitival)אֲסֻפָּה (H627) 'assembly'.
נִתְּנ֖וּthey gaveN · נָתַן (H5414)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נָתַן (H5414) 'they gave'.
מֵרֹעֶ֥הshepherdingprep + Qal ptc ms · רָעָה (H7462)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorרָעָה (H7462) 'shepherding'.
אֶחָֽדoneAdj · אֶחָד (H259)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'.
12

וְיֹתֵ֥ר מֵהֵ֖מָּה בְּנִ֣י הִזָּהֵ֑ר עֲשׂ֨וֹת סְפָרִ֤ים הַרְבֵּה֙ אֵ֣ין קֵ֔ץ וְלַ֥הַג הַרְבֵּ֖ה יְגִעַ֥ת בָּשָֽׂר

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books no end; and much study a weariness of the flesh.

Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complementwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complement. Lead predicate is 'to do'.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְיֹתֵ֥רandconj וְ + N com m sg abs · יוֹתֵר (H3148)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יוֹתֵר (H3148) 'and'.
מֵהֵ֖מָּהtheyprep + dem. pron xmp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)הֵמָּה (H1992) 'they'.
בְּנִ֣יthe sons ofN c · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'the sons of'.
הִזָּהֵ֑רand you shall warn/instructN · זָהַר (H2094)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זָהַר (H2094) 'and you shall warn/instruct'.
עֲשׂ֨וֹתto doQal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'.
סְפָרִ֤יםin the book ofN c · סֵפֶר (H5612)Construct chain (genitival)סֵפֶר (H5612) 'in the book of'.
הַרְבֵּה֙greatlyHiphil inf abs · רָבָה (H7235)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionרָבָה (H7235) 'greatly'.
אֵ֣יןthere is notneg. · אַיִן (H369)Particle or relational elementאַיִן (H369) 'there is not'.
קֵ֔ץend ofN c · קֵץ (H7093)Construct chain (genitival)קֵץ (H7093) 'end of'.
וְלַ֥הַגandconj וְ + N com m sg abs · לַהַג (H3854)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לַהַג (H3854) 'and'.
הַרְבֵּ֖הgreatlyHiphil inf abs · רָבָה (H7235)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionרָבָה (H7235) 'greatly'.
יְגִעַ֥תwearinessN c · יְגִעָה (H3024)Construct chain (genitival)יְגִעָה (H3024) 'weariness'.
בָּשָֽׂרfleshN c · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Construct chain (genitival)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'.
13

ס֥וֹף דָּבָ֖ר הַכֹּ֣ל נִשְׁמָ֑ע אֶת הָאֱלֹהִ֤ים יְרָא֙ וְאֶת מִצְוֺתָ֣יו שְׁמ֔וֹר כִּי זֶ֖ה כָּל הָאָדָֽם

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this the whole of man.

Imperative — volitional addresswə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'he was afraid'.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ס֥וֹףandN c · סוֹף (H5490)Construct chain (genitival)סוֹף (H5490) 'and'.
דָּבָ֖רthe matter ofN c · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival)דָּבָר (H1697) 'the matter of'.
הַכֹּ֣לeverythingart + N com m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֹּל (H3605) 'everything'.
נִשְׁמָ֑עwas heardN · שָׁמַע (H8085)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׁמַע (H8085) 'was heard'.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) '(obj)'.
הָאֱלֹהִ֤יםGodart + N com m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'.
יְרָא֙he was afraidQal impv 2ms · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeיָרֵא (H3372) 'he was afraid'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) 'and [obj]'.
מִצְוֺתָ֣יוhis commandmentsN c · מִצְוָה (H4687)Construct chain (genitival)מִצְוָה (H4687) 'his commandments'.
שְׁמ֔וֹרObserveQal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeשָׁמַר (H8104) 'Observe'.
כִּיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
זֶ֖הthisdem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זֶה (H2088) 'this'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
הָאָדָֽםthe humanart + N com m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָדָם (H120) 'the human'.
14

כִּ֤י אֶת כָּל מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים יָבִ֥א בְמִשְׁפָּ֖ט עַ֣ל כָּל נֶעְלָ֑ם אִם ט֖וֹב וְאִם רָֽע

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good, or whether evil.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'shall enter'. Closes the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כִּ֤יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) '(obj)'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔הthe work ofN c · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Construct chain (genitival)מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'the work of'.
הָאֱלֹהִ֛יםGodart + N com m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'.
יָבִ֥אshall enterHiphil impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalבּוֹא (H935) 'shall enter'.
בְמִשְׁפָּ֖טin judgmentprep + N com m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'in judgment'.
עַ֣לonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
נֶעְלָ֑םand it is hiddenN · עָלַם (H5956)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עָלַם (H5956) 'and it is hidden'.
אִםifconj וְ · אִם (H518)Particle or relational elementאִם (H518) 'if'.
ט֖וֹבgoodAdj · טוֹב (H2896)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טוֹב (H2896) 'good'.
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conj וְ · אִם (H518)Particle or relational elementאִם (H518) 'and if'.
רָֽעbadAdj · רַע (H7451)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַע (H7451) 'bad'.