Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 6קהלת 6

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 6 (12 verses in the MT) opens: There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it common among men: The middle of the chapter continues: All the labour of man for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. It closes: For who knoweth what good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

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 6 comprises 12 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it common among me. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it common among men: A man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this vanity, and it an evil disease. If a man beget an hundred , and live many years, so. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Moreover he has not seen the sun, nor known : this has more rest than th. Moreover he has not seen the sun, nor known : this has more rest than the other. Yea, though he live a thousand years twice , yet has he seen no good: do not all go to one place? All the labour of man for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. For what has the wise more than the fool? what has the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living? Movement III (vv. 9-12) — Better the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also. Better the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also vanity and vexation of spirit. That which has been is named already, and it is known that it man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what man the better? For who knoweth what good for man in life, all the days of. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

1

יֵ֣שׁ רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָאִ֖יתִי תַּ֣חַת הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ וְרַבָּ֥ה הִ֖יא עַל הָאָדָֽם

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it common among men:

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'I have seen'. Opens the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
יֵ֣שׁthere isadv. · יֵשׁ (H3426)Particle or relational elementיֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is'.
רָעָ֔הevilN c · רַע (H7451)Construct chain (genitival)רַע (H7451) 'evil'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
רָאִ֖יתִיI have seenQal perf 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actרָאָה (H7200) 'I have seen'.
תַּ֣חַתunderprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Particle or relational elementתַּחַת (H8478) 'under'.
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁthe sunart + N com c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'the sun'.
וְרַבָּ֥הmanyconj וְ + Adj · רַב (H7227)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַב (H7227) 'many'.
הִ֖יאthat ispron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)הִיא (H1931) 'that is'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
הָאָדָֽםthe humanart + N com m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָדָם (H120) 'the human'.
2

אִ֣ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִתֶּן ל֣וֹ הָאֱלֹהִ֡ים עֹשֶׁר֩ וּנְכָסִ֨ים וְכָב֜וֹד וְֽאֵינֶ֨נּוּ חָסֵ֥ר לְנַפְשׁ֣וֹ מִכֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁר יִתְאַוֶּ֗ה וְלֹֽא יַשְׁלִיטֶ֤נּוּ הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ לֶאֱכֹ֣ל מִמֶּ֔נּוּ כִּ֛י אִ֥ישׁ נָכְרִ֖י יֹֽאכֲלֶ֑נּוּ זֶ֥ה הֶ֛בֶל וָחֳלִ֥י רָ֖ע הֽוּא

A man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this vanity, and it an evil disease.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'would give'.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
אִ֣ישׁa manN c · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival)אִישׁ (H376) 'a man'.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
יִתֶּןwould giveQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalנָתַן (H5414) 'would give'.
ל֣וֹto himprep + sfx 3msParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'to him'.
הָאֱלֹהִ֡יםGodart + N com m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'.
עֹשֶׁר֩the wealthN c · עֹשֶׁר (H6239)Construct chain (genitival)עֹשֶׁר (H6239) 'the wealth'.
וּנְכָסִ֨יםwith richesconj וְ + N com m pl abs · נְכָסִים (H5233)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נְכָסִים (H5233) 'with riches'.
וְכָב֜וֹדand the glory ofconj וְ + N com c sg abs · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כָּבוֹד (H3519) 'and the glory of'.
וְֽאֵינֶ֨נּוּand he was notconj וְ + neg. + sfx 3ms · אַיִן (H369)Particle or relational elementאַיִן (H369) 'and he was not'.
חָסֵ֥רdestituteAdj · חָסֵר (H2638)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חָסֵר (H2638) 'destitute'.
לְנַפְשׁ֣וֹyour soulprep + N com c sg constr + sfx 3ms · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'your soul'.
מִכֹּ֣לfrom allprep + N com m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֹּל (H3605) 'from all'.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
יִתְאַוֶּ֗הdesiresHithpael impf 3ms · אָוָה (H183)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalאָוָה (H183) 'desires'.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + neg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'and not'.
יַשְׁלִיטֶ֤נּוּ(bearHiphil impf 3ms + sfx 3ms · שָׁלַט (H7980)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalשָׁלַט (H7980) '(bear'.
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙Godart + N com m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'.
לֶאֱכֹ֣לto eatprep + Qal inf constr · אָכַל (H398)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'.
מִמֶּ֔נּוּfrom itprep + sfx 1cp · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from it'.
כִּ֛יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
אִ֥ישׁa manN c · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival)אִישׁ (H376) 'a man'.
נָכְרִ֖יforeignAdj · נָכְרִי (H5237)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נָכְרִי (H5237) 'foreign'.
יֹֽאכֲלֶ֑נּוּmay eat itQal impf 3ms + sfx 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalאָכַל (H398) 'may eat it'.
זֶ֥הthisdem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זֶה (H2088) 'this'.
הֶ֛בֶלwith their idolsN c · הֶבֶל (H1892)Construct chain (genitival)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
וָחֳלִ֥יsicknessconj וְ + N com m sg abs · חֳלִי (H2483)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חֳלִי (H2483) 'sickness'.
רָ֖עbadAdj · רַע (H7451)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַע (H7451) 'bad'.
הֽוּאhepron 3ms · הִיא (H1931)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)הִיא (H1931) 'he'.
3

אִם יוֹלִ֣יד אִ֣ישׁ מֵאָ֡ה וְשָׁנִים֩ רַבּ֨וֹת יִֽחְיֶ֜ה וְרַ֣ב שֶׁיִּהְי֣וּ יְמֵֽי שָׁנָ֗יו וְנַפְשׁוֹ֙ לֹא תִשְׂבַּ֣ע מִן הַטּוֹבָ֔ה וְגַם קְבוּרָ֖ה לֹא הָ֣יְתָה לּ֑וֹ אָמַ֕רְתִּי ט֥וֹב מִמֶּ֖נּוּ הַנָּֽפֶל

If a man beget an hundred , and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also he have no burial; I say, an untimely birth better than he.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedʼim
Conditional ʼim. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'he shall father'.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
אִםifconj וְ · אִם (H518)Particle or relational elementאִם (H518) 'if'.
יוֹלִ֣ידhe shall fatherHiphil impf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalיָלַד (H3205) 'he shall father'.
אִ֣ישׁa manN c · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival)אִישׁ (H376) 'a man'.
מֵאָ֡הa hundredAdj · מֵאָה (H3967)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מֵאָה (H3967) 'a hundred'.
וְשָׁנִים֩and yearsconj וְ + N com f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'and years'.
רַבּ֨וֹתmanyAdj · רַב (H7227)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַב (H7227) 'many'.
יִֽחְיֶ֜הdoes liveQal impf 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalחָיָה (H2421) 'does live'.
וְרַ֣בand numerousconj וְ + Adj · רַב (H7227)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַב (H7227) 'and numerous'.
שֶׁיִּהְי֣וּand it happenedrel. שֶׁ + Qal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהָיָה (H1961) 'and it happened'.
יְמֵֽיthe days ofN c · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain (genitival)יוֹם (H3117) 'the days of'.
שָׁנָ֗יוhis yearsN c · שָׁנָה (H8141)Construct chain (genitival)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'his years'.
וְנַפְשׁוֹ֙and his lifeconj וְ + N com c sg constr + sfx 3ms · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'and his life'.
לֹאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
תִשְׂבַּ֣עand be satisfiedQal impf 3fs · שָׂבַע (H7646)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalשָׂבַע (H7646) 'and be satisfied'.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַטּוֹבָ֔הthe goodart + Adj · טוֹב (H2896)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טוֹב (H2896) 'the good'.
וְגַםand alsoconj וְ + particle · גַּם (H1571)Particle or relational elementגַּם (H1571) 'and also'.
קְבוּרָ֖הgrave ofN c · קְבוּרָה (H6900)Construct chain (genitival)קְבוּרָה (H6900) 'grave of'.
לֹאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
הָ֣יְתָהwasQal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actהָיָה (H1961) 'was'.
לּ֑וֹto himprep + sfx 3msParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'to him'.
אָמַ֕רְתִּיI saidQal perf 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָמַר (H559) 'I said'.
ט֥וֹבgoodAdj · טוֹב (H2896)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טוֹב (H2896) 'good'.
מִמֶּ֖נּוּfrom itprep + sfx 1cp · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from it'.
הַנָּֽפֶלas / likeart + N com m sg abs · נֶפֶל (H5309)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נֶפֶל (H5309) 'as / like'.
4

כִּֽי בַהֶ֥בֶל בָּ֖א וּבַחֹ֣שֶׁךְ יֵלֵ֑ךְ וּבַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ שְׁמ֥וֹ יְכֻסֶּֽה

For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'came'.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
כִּֽיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
בַהֶ֥בֶלwith their idolsprep + art + N com m sg abs · הֶבֶל (H1892)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
בָּ֖אcameQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actבּוֹא (H935) 'came'.
וּבַחֹ֣שֶׁךְdarknessconj וְ + prep + art + N com m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'.
יֵלֵ֑ךְlet him goQal impf 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהָלַךְ (H3212) 'let him go'.
וּבַחֹ֖שֶׁךְdarknessconj וְ + prep + art + N com m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'.
שְׁמ֥וֹhis nameN c · שֵׁם (H8034)Construct chain (genitival)שֵׁם (H8034) 'his name'.
יְכֻסֶּֽהthat coversPual impf 3ms · כָּסָה (H3680)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalכָּסָה (H3680) 'that covers'.
5

גַּם שֶׁ֥מֶשׁ לֹא רָאָ֖ה וְלֹ֣א יָדָ֑ע נַ֥חַת לָזֶ֖ה מִזֶּֽה

Moreover he has not seen the sun, nor known : this has more rest than the other.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'see'.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
גַּםalsoparticle · גַּם (H1571)Particle or relational elementגַּם (H1571) 'also'.
שֶׁ֥מֶשׁsunN c · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Construct chain (genitival)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'.
לֹאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
רָאָ֖הseeQal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actרָאָה (H7200) 'see'.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + neg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'and not'.
יָדָ֑עhe knewQal perf 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actיָדַע (H3045) 'he knew'.
נַ֥חַתandN c · נַחַת (H5183)Construct chain (genitival)נַחַת (H5183) 'and'.
לָזֶ֖הthisprep + dem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זֶה (H2088) 'this'.
מִזֶּֽהfrom hereprep + dem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זֶה (H2088) 'from here'.
6

וְאִלּ֣וּ חָיָ֗ה אֶ֤לֶף שָׁנִים֙ פַּעֲמַ֔יִם וְטוֹבָ֖ה לֹ֣א רָאָ֑ה הֲלֹ֛א אֶל מָק֥וֹם אֶחָ֖ד הַכֹּ֥ל הוֹלֵֽךְ

Yea, though he live a thousand years twice , yet has he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'and he lived'.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְאִלּ֣וּandconj וְ + conj וְ · אִלּוּ (H432)Particle or relational elementאִלּוּ (H432) 'and'.
חָיָ֗הand he livedQal perf 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actחָיָה (H2421) 'and he lived'.
אֶ֤לֶףthousandAdj · אֶלֶף (H505)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'.
שָׁנִים֙yearsN c · שָׁנָה (H8141)Construct chain (genitival)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'years'.
פַּעֲמַ֔יִםtimesN c · פַּעַם (H6471)Construct chain (genitival)פַּעַם (H6471) 'times'.
וְטוֹבָ֖הgoodconj וְ + Adj · טוֹב (H2896)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טוֹב (H2896) 'good'.
לֹ֣אnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
רָאָ֑הseeQal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actרָאָה (H7200) 'see'.
הֲלֹ֛אis it notinterrog. + neg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'is it not'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
מָק֥וֹםa placeN c · מָקוֹם (H4725)Construct chain (genitival)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'a place'.
אֶחָ֖דoneAdj · אֶחָד (H259)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'.
הַכֹּ֥לeverythingart + N com m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֹּל (H3605) 'everything'.
הוֹלֵֽךְwalkingQal ptc ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorהָלַךְ (H1980) 'walking'.
7

כָּל עֲמַ֥ל הָאָדָ֖ם לְפִ֑יהוּ וְגַם הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ לֹ֥א תִמָּלֵֽא

All the labour of man for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

Nominal or particle frameasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Nominal or particle frame.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
עֲמַ֥לtroubleN c · עָמָל (H5999)Construct chain (genitival)עָמָל (H5999) 'trouble'.
הָאָדָ֖םthe humanart + N com m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָדָם (H120) 'the human'.
לְפִ֑יהוּthe mouth ofprep + N com m sg constr + sfx 3ms · פֶּה (H6310)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)פֶּה (H6310) 'the mouth of'.
וְגַםand alsoconj וְ + particle · גַּם (H1571)Particle or relational elementגַּם (H1571) 'and also'.
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁthe personart + N com c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'the person'.
לֹ֥אnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
תִמָּלֵֽאyou shall ordainN · מָלֵא (H4390)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מָלֵא (H4390) 'you shall ordain'.
8

כִּ֛י מַה יּוֹתֵ֥ר לֶחָכָ֖ם מִֽן הַכְּסִ֑יל מַה לֶּעָנִ֣י יוֹדֵ֔עַ לַהֲלֹ֖ךְ נֶ֥גֶד הַחַיִּֽים

For what has the wise more than the fool? what has the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actorwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actor. Lead predicate is 'shall it be known'.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
כִּ֛יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
יּוֹתֵ֥רbetterN c · יוֹתֵר (H3148)Construct chain (genitival)יוֹתֵר (H3148) 'better'.
לֶחָכָ֖םwise [of]prep + art + Adj · חָכָם (H2450)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חָכָם (H2450) 'wise [of]'.
מִֽןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַכְּסִ֑ילandart + Adj · כְּסִיל (H3684)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כְּסִיל (H3684) 'and'.
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
לֶּעָנִ֣יfor the poorprep + art + Adj · עָנִי (H6041)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עָנִי (H6041) 'for the poor'.
יוֹדֵ֔עַshall it be knownQal ptc ms · יָדַע (H3045)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorיָדַע (H3045) 'shall it be known'.
לַהֲלֹ֖ךְto goprep + Qal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H1980)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go'.
נֶ֥גֶדbeforeprep · נֶגֶד (H5048)Particle or relational elementנֶגֶד (H5048) 'before'.
הַחַיִּֽיםlifeart + Adj · חַי (H2416)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חַי (H2416) 'life'.
9

ט֛וֹב מַרְאֵ֥ה עֵינַ֖יִם מֵֽהֲלָךְ נָ֑פֶשׁ גַּם זֶ֥ה הֶ֖בֶל וּרְע֥וּת רֽוּחַ

Better the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complementasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complement. Lead predicate is 'from coming'.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ט֛וֹבgoodAdj · טוֹב (H2896)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טוֹב (H2896) 'good'.
מַרְאֵ֥הappearanceN c · מַרְאֶה (H4758)Construct chain (genitival)מַרְאֶה (H4758) 'appearance'.
עֵינַ֖יִםeyesN c · עַיִן (H5869)Construct chain (genitival)עַיִן (H5869) 'eyes'.
מֵֽהֲלָךְfrom comingprep + Qal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H1980)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementהָלַךְ (H1980) 'from coming'.
נָ֑פֶשׁa personN c · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Construct chain (genitival)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'a person'.
גַּםalsoparticle · גַּם (H1571)Particle or relational elementגַּם (H1571) 'also'.
זֶ֥הthisdem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זֶה (H2088) 'this'.
הֶ֖בֶלwith their idolsN c · הֶבֶל (H1892)Construct chain (genitival)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
וּרְע֥וּתandconj וְ + N com f sg constr · רְעוּת (H7469)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רְעוּת (H7469) 'and'.
רֽוּחַa spirit ofN c · רוּחַ (H7307)Construct chain (genitival)רוּחַ (H7307) 'a spirit of'.
10

מַה שֶּֽׁהָיָ֗ה כְּבָר֙ נִקְרָ֣א שְׁמ֔וֹ וְנוֹדָ֖ע אֲשֶׁר ה֣וּא אָדָ֑ם וְלֹא יוּכַ֣ל לָדִ֔ין עִ֥ם שהתקיף שֶׁתַּקִּ֖יף מִמֶּֽנּוּ

That which has been is named already, and it is known that it man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Wayyehî scene-setting or temporal hinge. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
שֶּֽׁהָיָ֗הand it happenedrel. שֶׁ + Qal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actהָיָה (H1961) 'and it happened'.
כְּבָר֙alreadyart · כְּבָר (H3528)Particle or relational elementכְּבָר (H3528) 'already'.
נִקְרָ֣אis calledN · קָרָא (H7121)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קָרָא (H7121) 'is called'.
שְׁמ֔וֹhis nameN c · שֵׁם (H8034)Construct chain (genitival)שֵׁם (H8034) 'his name'.
וְנוֹדָ֖עI knowconj וְ + Niphal ptc ms · יָדַע (H3045)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorיָדַע (H3045) 'I know'.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
ה֣וּאhepron 3ms · הִיא (H1931)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)הִיא (H1931) 'he'.
אָדָ֑םmanN c · אָדָם (H120)Construct chain (genitival)אָדָם (H120) 'man'.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'and not'.
יוּכַ֣לhe mayQal impf 3ms · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalיָכֹל (H3201) 'he may'.
לָדִ֔יןwill vindicateprep + Qal inf constr · דִּין (H1777)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementדִּין (H1777) 'will vindicate'.
עִ֥םwithprep · עִם (H5973)Particle or relational elementעִם (H5973) 'with'.
שהתקיףprevailrel. שֶׁ + Hiphil inf constr · תָּקַף (H8630)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementתָּקַף (H8630) 'prevail'.
שֶׁתַּקִּ֖יףmightierart + Adj · תַּקִּיף (H8623)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)תַּקִּיף (H8623) 'mightier'.
מִמֶּֽנּוּfrom itprep + sfx 3ms · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from it'.
11

כִּ֛י יֵשׁ דְּבָרִ֥ים הַרְבֵּ֖ה מַרְבִּ֣ים הָ֑בֶל מַה יֹּתֵ֖ר לָאָדָֽם

Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what man the better?

Infinitive absolute — emphasis or attendant actionwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Infinitive absolute — emphasis or attendant action. Lead predicate is 'greatly'.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
כִּ֛יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
יֵשׁthere isadv. · יֵשׁ (H3426)Particle or relational elementיֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is'.
דְּבָרִ֥יםwords/chargesN c · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival)דָּבָר (H1697) 'words/charges'.
הַרְבֵּ֖הgreatlyHiphil inf abs · רָבָה (H7235)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionרָבָה (H7235) 'greatly'.
מַרְבִּ֣יםare bringing much more / are exceedingHiphil ptc mp · רָבָה (H7235)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorרָבָה (H7235) 'are bringing much more / are exceeding'.
הָ֑בֶלwith their idolsN c · הֶבֶל (H1892)Construct chain (genitival)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
יֹּתֵ֖רbetterN c · יוֹתֵר (H3148)Construct chain (genitival)יוֹתֵר (H3148) 'better'.
לָאָדָֽםto manprep + art + N com m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָדָם (H120) 'to man'.
12

כִּ֣י מִֽי יוֹדֵעַ֩ מַה טּ֨וֹב לָֽאָדָ֜ם בַּֽחַיִּ֗ים מִסְפַּ֛ר יְמֵי חַיֵּ֥י הֶבְל֖וֹ וְיַעֲשֵׂ֣ם כַּצֵּ֑ל אֲשֶׁר֙ מִֽי יַגִּ֣יד לָֽאָדָ֔ם מַה יִּהְיֶ֥ה אַחֲרָ֖יו תַּ֥חַת הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ

For who knoweth what good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actorwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actor. Lead predicate is 'shall it be known'. Closes the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
כִּ֣יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
מִֽיwhointerrog. · מִי (H4310)Particle or relational elementמִי (H4310) 'who'.
יוֹדֵעַ֩shall it be knownQal ptc ms · יָדַע (H3045)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorיָדַע (H3045) 'shall it be known'.
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
טּ֨וֹבgoodAdj · טוֹב (H2896)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)טוֹב (H2896) 'good'.
לָֽאָדָ֜םto manprep + art + N com m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָדָם (H120) 'to man'.
בַּֽחַיִּ֗יםlifeprep + art + N com m pl abs · חַי (H2416)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חַי (H2416) 'life'.
מִסְפַּ֛רthe number ofN c · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Construct chain (genitival)מִסְפָּר (H4557) 'the number of'.
יְמֵיthe days ofN c · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain (genitival)יוֹם (H3117) 'the days of'.
חַיֵּ֥יthe life ofN c · חַי (H2416)Construct chain (genitival)חַי (H2416) 'the life of'.
הֶבְל֖וֹwith their idolsN c · הֶבֶל (H1892)Construct chain (genitival)הֶבֶל (H1892) 'with their idols'.
וְיַעֲשֵׂ֣םhe didconj וְ + Qal impf 3ms + sfx 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalעָשָׂה (H6213) 'he did'.
כַּצֵּ֑לin the shadow ofprep + art + N com m sg abs · צֵל (H6738)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)צֵל (H6738) 'in the shadow of'.
אֲשֶׁר֙thatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
מִֽיwhointerrog. · מִי (H4310)Particle or relational elementמִי (H4310) 'who'.
יַגִּ֣ידhe testifiesHiphil impf 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalנָגַד (H5046) 'he testifies'.
לָֽאָדָ֔םto manprep + art + N com m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָדָם (H120) 'to man'.
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
יִּהְיֶ֥הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהָיָה (H1961) 'shall be'.
אַחֲרָ֖יוafter himprep + sfx 3ms · אַחַר (H310)Particle or relational elementאַחַר (H310) 'after him'.
תַּ֥חַתunderprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Particle or relational elementתַּחַת (H8478) 'under'.
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁthe sunart + N com c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'the sun'.