← Ecclesiastes

On the Hebrew text. The Hebrew follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition, as represented by standard diplomatic editions in their main wording; distinctively copyrighted critical apparatus is not reproduced. Versification follows the MT.

The Book of Ecclesiastes (MT) — Interlinear Summary

A consolidated companion to the Masoretic-Text Ecclesiastes data set: each chapter rendered as a six-tier Hebrew reverse-interlinear (Hebrew · gloss · parsing · syntax · semantic force · lexical note), with per-verse discourse analysis and a chapter argument-outline.

This document gathers, for each annotated chapter, the theme, the argument outline, and the textual / exegetical note (the text_note of each file, with the shared critical-text preface removed since it is stated once above). Vanity under the sun, wisdom's limits, and the fear of God. The Hebrew follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition (Westminster Leningrad Codex / OSHB); distinctively copyrighted apparatus is not reproduced, and Hebrew (MT) versification is used throughout.

Scope. 12 chapters · 222 verses · 2,999 annotated words.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 1 — קהלת 1

Theme. Ecclesiastes 1 (18 verses in the MT) opens: The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. The middle of the chapter continues: Is there thing whereof it may be said, See, this new? it has been already of old time, which was before us. It closes: For in much wisdom much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 1 comprises 18 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all vanity. What profit has a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? generation passeth away, and generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place w. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about to the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea not full; to the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — The thing that has been, it which shall be; and that which is done that. The thing that has been, it which shall be; and that which is done that which shall be done: and no new under the sun. Is there thing whereof it may be said, See, this new? it has been already of old time, which was before us. no remembrance of former ; neither shall there be remembrance of that are to come with that shall come after. I the Preacher was. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that are done under heaven: this sore travail has God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all vanity and vexation of spirit. crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. I. Movement V (vv. 17-18) — And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I per. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 2 — קהלת 2

Theme. Ecclesiastes 2 (26 verses in the MT) opens: I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove you with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also vanity. The middle of the chapter continues: The wise man's eyes in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. It closes: For giveth to a man that good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to good before God. This also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 2 comprises 26 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-6) — I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove you with mirth, therefore. I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove you with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also vanity. I said of laughter, mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? I sought in mine heart to give myself to wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what that good for the sons of men, which they should do. Movement II (vv. 7-12) — I got servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I ha. I got servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, musical instruments, and. Movement III (vv. 13-18) — Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkne. Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. The wise man's eyes in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this. Movement IV (vv. 19-24) — And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise or a fool? yet shall he have. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This also vanity. Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun. For there is a man whose labour in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in. Movement V (vv. 25-26) — For who can eat, or who else can hasten , more than I?. For who can eat, or who else can hasten , more than I? For giveth to a man that good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to good before God. This also vanity and vexation of spirit. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 3 — קהלת 3

Theme. Ecclesiastes 3 (22 verses in the MT) opens: To every a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: The middle of the chapter continues: I know that no good in them, but for to rejoice, and to do good in his life. It closes: Wherefore I perceive that nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 3 comprises 22 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-5) — To every a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:. To every a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather. Movement II (vv. 6-10) — A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast aw. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit has he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God has given to the sons of men to be. Movement III (vv. 11-15) — He has made every beautiful in his time: also he has set the world in th. He has made every beautiful in his time: also he has set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that no good in them, but for to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it the gift of God. I know. Movement IV (vv. 16-20) — And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, wickedness there. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, wickedness there; and the place of righteousness, iniquity there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for a time there for every purpose and for every work. I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might. Movement V (vv. 21-22) — Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the b. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Wherefore I perceive that nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 4 — קהלת 4

Theme. Ecclesiastes 4 (17 verses in the MT) opens: So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors power; but they had no comforter. The middle of the chapter continues: Two better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. It closes: Keep your foot when you goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 4 comprises 17 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under th. So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors power; but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better than both they, which has not yet been,. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh. Better an handful quietness, than both the hands full travail and vexation of spirit. Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. There is one , and not a second; yea, he has neither child nor brother: yet no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither , For. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — Two better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Two better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him alone when he falleth; for not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm ? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — Better a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no. Better a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also born in his kingdom becometh poor. I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. no end of all the people, of all that have been before them: they also. Movement V (vv. 17) — Keep your foot when you goest to the house of God, and be more ready to. Keep your foot when you goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 5 — קהלת 5

Theme. Ecclesiastes 5 (19 verses in the MT) opens: Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter thing before God: for God in heaven, and you upon earth: therefore let your words be few. The middle of the chapter continues: When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good to the owners thereof, saving the beholding with their eyes? It closes: For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth in the joy of his heart.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 5 comprises 19 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter th. Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter thing before God: for God in heaven, and you upon earth: therefore let your words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice by multitude of words. When you vowest a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Suffer not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin; neither say you before. Suffer not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin; neither say you before the angel, that it an error: wherefore should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? For in the multitude of dreams and many words also vanities: but fear you God. If you seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that lo. He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good to the owners thereof, saving the beholding with their eyes? The sleep of a labouring man sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and not. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. And this also a sore evil, in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit has he that has laboured for. Movement V (vv. 17-19) — Behold which I have seen: good and comely to eat and to drink, and to en. Behold which I have seen: good and comely to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it his portion. Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this the. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 6 — קהלת 6

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?

Outline.

Textual note. 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.

Ecclesiastes 7 — קהלת 7

Theme. Ecclesiastes 7 (29 verses in the MT) opens: A good name better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. The middle of the chapter continues: All have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked that prolongeth in his wickedness. It closes: Lo, this only have I found, that God has made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 7 comprises 29 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-6) — A good name better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the. A good name better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that the end of all men; and the living will lay to his heart. Sorrow better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise in the. Movement II (vv. 7-12) — Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Better the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: the patient in spirit better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Say not you, What is that the former days were better than these? for you dost not enquire. Movement III (vv. 13-18) — Consider the work of God: for who can make straight, which he has made c. Consider the work of God: for who can make straight, which he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also has set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. All have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just that perisheth in his righteousness, and there. Movement IV (vv. 19-24) — Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty which are in the city. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty which are in the city. For not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Also take no heed to all words that are spoken; lest you hear your servant curse you: For oftentimes also your own heart knoweth that you thyself likewise have cursed others. All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I. Movement V (vv. 25-29) — I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and. I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason , and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness madness: And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart snares and nets, her hands bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. Behold, this have I found, says the. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 8 — קהלת 8

Theme. Ecclesiastes 8 (17 verses in the MT) opens: Who as the wise ? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. The middle of the chapter continues: All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. It closes: Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek out, yet he shall not find ; yea further; though a wise think to know , yet shall he.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 8 comprises 17 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — Who as the wise ? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's. Who as the wise ? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. I to keep the king's commandment, and in regard of the oath of God. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. Where the word of a king power: and. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's. Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man great upon him. For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done un. All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this also vanity. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong days. But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong days, as a shadow; because he feareth not before God. There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just , to whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked , to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also. Movement V (vv. 17) — Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work t. Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek out, yet he shall not find ; yea further; though a wise think to know , yet shall he not be able to find . Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 9 — קהלת 9

Theme. Ecclesiastes 9 (18 verses in the MT) opens: For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred all before them. The middle of the chapter continues: Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do with your might; for no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither you goest. It closes: Wisdom better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 9 comprises 18 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the. For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred all before them. All alike to all: one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any that is done under the sun. Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — Live joyfully with the wife whom you lovest all the days of the life of. Live joyfully with the wife whom you lovest all the days of the life of your vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all the days of your vanity: for that your portion in life, and in your labour which you takest under the sun. Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do with your might; for no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it great to me:. This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it great to me: a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom better than. Movement V (vv. 17-18) — The words of wise heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth am. The words of wise heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 10 — קהלת 10

Theme. Ecclesiastes 10 (20 verses in the MT) opens: Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom honour. The middle of the chapter continues: Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. It closes: Curse not the king, no not in your thought; and curse not the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 10 comprises 20 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking. Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom honour. A wise man's heart at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth , and he says to every one he a fool. If the spirit of the ruler rise up. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — There is an evil I have seen under the sun, as an error proceedeth from. There is an evil I have seen under the sun, as an error proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood sha. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom profitable to direct. Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. The words of a wise man's mouth gracious; but the lips of a fool. Movement IV (vv. 13-16) — The beginning of the words of his mouth foolishness: and the end of his. The beginning of the words of his mouth foolishness: and the end of his talk mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. Woe to you, O land, when your king a child, and. Movement V (vv. 17-20) — Blessed you, O land, when your king the son of nobles, and your princes. Blessed you, O land, when your king the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all . Curse not the king, no not in your thought;. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 11 — קהלת 11

Theme. Ecclesiastes 11 (10 verses in the MT) opens: Cast your bread upon the waters: for you shall find it after many days. The middle of the chapter continues: In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both alike good. It closes: Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh: for childhood and youth vanity.

Outline.

Textual note. Ecclesiastes 11 comprises 10 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — Cast your bread upon the waters: for you shall find it after many days. Cast your bread upon the waters: for you shall find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for you knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — As you knowest not what the way of the spirit, how the bones in the womb. As you knowest not what the way of the spirit, how the bones in the womb of her that is with child: even so you knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand: for you knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both alike good. Truly the light sweet, and a. Movement III (vv. 9-10) — Rejoice, O young man, in your youth; and let your heart cheer you in the. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes: but know you, that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh: for childhood and youth vanity. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

Ecclesiastes 12 — קהלת 12

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.

Outline.

Textual note. 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.