Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes front

Ecclesiastes front:intro

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Ecclesiastes

The author questions the nature of life and the limits of human wisdom (1:1–6:12)
The author teaches about making wise choices in how one lives (7:1–12:7)
The conclusion and ending (12:8–14)

What is the Book of Ecclesiastes about?

Ecclesiastes is a group of short teachings that try to answer questions such as "What do people gain from all their labor?" Ecclesiastes is a series of thoughts about a variety of subjects, all of them about the purpose and worth of various actions and events. The author concludes that all the work we perform and all the knowledge and skill we gain is like a vapor that disappears, and that we must fear Yahweh and keep his commandments.

How should the title of this book be translated?

The traditional title for this book is "Ecclesiastes." Its meaning is similar to "religious assembly." Translators might decide on a title that better describes the content of the book, such as "Words of a Teacher" or "Teachings of a Wise Man."

Who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes?

The author appears to be Solomon, "the Teacher, the descendant of David and king in Jerusalem." This is consistent with what Solomon was known for: his wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:16 and twenty-six other references to wisdom); his vast wealth (Ecclesiastes 2:8), and the pain that comes from wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14; Ecclesiastes 4:8; and Ecclesiastes 9:11); his large number of servants (Ecclesiastes 2:7 and Ecclesiastes 10:7); his limitless opportunities for worldly pleasures (Ecclesiastes 2:1-2, Ecclesiastes 2:10; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Ecclesiastes 5:4; and Ecclesiastes 12:1); and * the wide range of his many building projects (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6).

Solomon appears to have written the Book of Ecclesiastes near the end of his life, as he reflected on what he gained from all that he did.

Why are there so many apparent contradictions in the Book of Ecclesiastes?

Some scholars think the author was a faithful man. Other scholars think that the author made bad decisions and was sorrowful when he wrote this book. Apparent contradictions in the book may indicate that Solomon's faith was sometimes weak. Or, it is also possible that the teachings in the book differ from each other in order to relate to different things happening in the lives of readers.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What does this book teach about how God repays people?

In the ancient Near East, people were concerned with why they were being punished or blessed. They often connected these things to their gods. The writer of Ecclesiastes explains that Yahweh will bless and reward people for the right things they do and punish people for the evil things they do. But this might not happen in this life. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/bless.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/righteous.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]])

What value did the Israelites place on the Book of Ecclesiastes?

The Israelites have often questioned the value of this book. This is due in large part to its unusual wording and teachings. At times, it appears to disagree with the rest of Scripture. While many have questioned its authority, it has been affirmed to be Scripture. It gives valuable lessons concerning the uselessness of pursuing any goal other than to give Yahweh glory.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What is the meaning of "under the sun?"

"Under the sun" here is another way of saying "on the earth." When the author says that there is "nothing new under the sun," this means that every kind of thing has already happened before on the earth. While a particular event may not have specifically occurred before, something similar has already occurred.

How do I translate harsh or shocking passages?

Parts of the Book of Ecclesiastes can be shocking or surprising to read in Scripture. For example, "If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but if his heart is not satisfied with good and he is not buried with honor, then I say that a baby that is born dead is better off than he is" (6:3). The translator should allow these difficulties to remain and not try to make them less surprising.

How is life described in the Book of Ecclesiastes?

The author of Ecclesiastes concludes that everything in this life quickly passes away, like a vapor that disappears. A person's circumstances or character and even all of the things of this world have little or no significance apart from God. That is because God gives meaning to everything.

At the end of their life, people often say that the years of their life seemed short. The author of Ecclesiastes used the metaphor of vapor or breath to describe how life ends while it seems to be just beginning.

Ecclesiastes 1

Ecclesiastes 1:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:2-11 and 15.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

# Tone

The tone of this chapter is sad, or depressing. The author believes that everything in life is pointless. The metaphors in this chapter all describe the idea that nothing ever changes. This is also known as "fatalism." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:1

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Ecclesiastes 1:2

"Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. "Absolutely meaningless! Everything is meaningless!"

This speaks of how everything in life vanishes and has no lasting value as if everything were like a disappearing vapor or breeze. Alternate translation: "'Like a vapor of mist vanishes and like a breeze in the wind disappears,' says the Teacher, 'everything vanishes and has no lasting value.'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:3

What profit does a man gain from all the work that he labors at under the sun?

The author uses this rhetorical question to cause the reader to think deeply about important things. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "A man seems to gain no lasting benefit from all the work that he labors at under the sun." or "People seem to gain no lasting benefit from all the work that they labor at under the sun." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

under the sun

This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: "on the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:4

General Information:

The writer is presenting the natural order of life as he understands it.

Ecclesiastes 1:5

hurries back to the place

This speaks of how the sun sets at the end of the day and is soon ready to rise again, as if it were a person that quickly ran from the place where it sets to the place from which it rises. Alternate translation: "quickly returns to the place" or "quickly goes to the place" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:6

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Ecclesiastes 1:7

General Information:

The writer continues with observations about the natural order.

Ecclesiastes 1:8

Everything becomes wearisome

"Everything becomes tiring." Since man is unable to explain these things, it becomes useless to try.

The eye is not satisfied by what it sees

Here the "eye" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "A person is not satisfied by what his eyes see" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

nor is the ear fulfilled by what it hears

Here the "ear" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "nor is a person content by what his ears hear" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:9

General Information:

There is nothing new regarding man and his activities.

whatever has been done is what will be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whatever has happened before is what will happen again" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

under the sun

This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:3. Alternate translation: "on the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:10

Is there anything about which it may be said, 'Look, this is new'?

This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that man cannot say there is anything new. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is nothing about which it may be said, 'Look, this is new.'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

about which it may be said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "about which someone may say" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:11

that will happen in the future

"the things that will happen in the future"

will not likely be remembered either

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will not likely remember them either" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:12

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Ecclesiastes 1:13

I applied my mind

Here the author refers to himself by his "mind" to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: "I determined" or "I applied myself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

to study and to search out

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how diligently he studied. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

under heaven

This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: "on the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

children of mankind

"human beings"

Ecclesiastes 1:14

all the deeds that are done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that people do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

under the sun

look

The author uses this word to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "indeed" or "really" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

chasing the wind

The author says that everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. Alternate translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:15

The twisted cannot be straightened! The missing cannot be counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People cannot straighten things that are twisted! They cannot count what is not there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:16

I have spoken to my heart

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: "I have spoken to myself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

My mind has seen

Here the author refers to himself by his "mind" to emphasize what he has learned. Alternate translation: "I have gained" or "I have learned"

Ecclesiastes 1:17

I applied my heart

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: "I determined" or "I applied myself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

madness and folly

The words "madness" and "folly" share similar meanings and refer to foolish thinking and behavior, respectively. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

an attempt to shepherd the wind

The author says learning wisdom and madness and folly is as useless as trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 1:18

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Ecclesiastes 2

Ecclesiastes 2:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 2:10-16.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Pleasures

When the author thought about the pointlessness of life, he decided to fill it with pointless pleasures. He believed that this type of living would have no effect on the world. Therefore, he indulged in every type of pleasure.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

# Assumed knowledge

It is assumed that the author is going to reject the way of living in this chapter. He is certainly not encouraging this way of living even though he does not say this explicitly. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:1

I said in my heart

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: "I said to myself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

I will test you with happiness

Here the word "you" refers to himself. The word "happiness" can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "I will test myself with things that make me happy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

So enjoy pleasure

The word "pleasure" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "So I will enjoy things that please me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

this also is meaningless

"this also only lasted for a short time, like a temporary breeze"

Ecclesiastes 2:2

I said about laughter, "It is crazy,"

The direct quotation can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "I said that it is crazy to laugh at things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

What use is it?

The author uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that pleasure is useless. Alternate translation: "It is useless." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:3

I explored in my heart

This speaks of thinking hard for a long time as if it were exploring. Also, the author speaks of his feelings and his thoughts as if they were his "heart." Alternate translation: "I thought hard about" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to gratify my desires with wine

The word "desires" may be expressed as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "to use wine to make myself happy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

I let my mind guide me with wisdom

Here the author speaks of using the wisdom that he had been taught to guide himself as if this wisdom were a person who guided him. Alternate translation: "I thought about the things that wise people had taught me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

under heaven

This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: "on the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

during the days of their lives

"during the time that they are alive"

Ecclesiastes 2:4

I built for myself houses and planted for myself vineyards

The writer probably told people to do the work for him. Alternate translation: "I had people build houses and plant vineyards for me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:5

I built for myself gardens and parks, and I planted

The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: "I had people build for me gardens and parks; I had them plant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

gardens and parks

These two words share similar meanings and refer to beautiful orchards of fruit trees. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:6

I created

The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: "I had them create" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to water a forest

"to provide water for a forest"

forest where trees were grown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "forest where trees grew" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:7

I had slaves born in my palace

"I had slaves that were born in my palace" or "My slaves bore children and they also were my slaves"

much more than any king

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "much more than any other king had" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:8

the treasures of kings and provinces

This refers to the gold and other wealth that neighboring countries were forced to pay to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: "that I acquired from the treasures of kings and the rulers of provinces" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

provinces

Here "provinces" represents the rulers of the provinces. Alternate translation: "the rulers of provinces" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

and many concubines, the delight of the children of men

This means that he had many concubines that he enjoyed sleeping with, as any man enjoys sleeping with women. Alternate translation: "I greatly enjoyed many concubines, as would delight any man" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:9

than all who were before me in Jerusalem

This refers to all the previous rulers of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "than all the kings who had ruled before me in Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

my wisdom remained with me

This is an idiom. "I continued to act wisely" or "I continued to be wise" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:10

Whatever my eyes desired ... from them

Here the author refers to himself by his "eyes" to emphasize what he sees. Alternate translation: "Whatever I saw and desired ... from myself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

I did not withhold from them

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "I got for them"

I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his desires. This can be stated positively and the word "pleasure" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "I did not keep myself from any pleasure" or "I allowed myself to enjoy everything that made me happy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

my heart rejoiced

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: "I rejoiced" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:11

all the deeds that my hands had accomplished

Here the author refers to himself by his "hands." Alternate translation: "all that I had accomplished" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

like chasing the wind

The author says that everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

There was no profit under the sun in it

"But it had no profit under the sun"

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 2:12

madness and folly

The words "madness" and "folly" have similar meanings and refer to foolish thinking and behavior, respectively. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:17. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

For what more can the man who becomes the next king do than what the king has already done?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his point that the next king will not be able to do anything more valuable that what he had already done. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "For the next king who comes after the king can do nothing that a king before him has not already done." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the man who becomes the next king

"the man who succeeds the current king" or "the next king who comes after me"

Ecclesiastes 2:13

wisdom has advantages over folly, just as light is better than darkness

This speaks of how wisdom is better than folly by comparing it to how light is better than darkness. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:14

The wise man uses his eyes in his head to see where he is going

This speaks of a wise man making wise decisions as walking and paying attention to where he is going. Alternate translation: "The wise man is like a person who uses his eyes to see where he is going" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

uses his eyes in his head to see

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "pays attention and looks to see" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the fool walks in darkness

This compares a fool making bad decisions to someone walking in darkness. Alternate translation: "the fool is like a person who walks in the dark" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the same event

death

Ecclesiastes 2:15

I said in my heart

So what difference does it make if I am very wise?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit to being wise. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "So it makes no difference if I am very wise." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

I concluded in my heart

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: "I concluded" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:16

For the wise man, like the fool, is not remembered for very long

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People do not remember the wise man for very long, just as they do not remember the fool for very long" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

everything will have been long forgotten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will have long forgotten everything" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:17

all the work done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the work that people do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

was evil to me

"troubled me"

like chasing the wind

The author says everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 2:18

to the man who comes after me

"to the man who inherits it after me"

Ecclesiastes 2:19

For who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one knows the character the man who will inherit his wealth. Alternate translation: "For no one knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

he will be

The word "he" refers to the author's heir.

under the sun

that my work and wisdom have built

Here the author's "work" and "wisdom" represent himself and the things he did in his wisdom. He probably had help with the literal buildings. Alternate translation: "that I worked very hard and wisely to build" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:20

my heart began to despair

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: "I began to despair" or "I began to lose all hope" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:21

who works with wisdom, with knowledge, and skill

"who works wisely and skillfully, using the things that he has learned"

who has not made any of it

"who has not worked for any of it"

a great injustice

"a great disaster"

Ecclesiastes 2:22

What profit does a man gain from all the work and from the striving of heart that he labors at under the sun?

The author uses a rhetorical question to cause the reader to think deeply about important things. Translate "what profit does a man gain from all the work" as you did in Ecclesiastes 1:3. Alternate translation: "A man seems to gain no lasting benefit from working hard and trying in his heart to complete his labors under the sun." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 2:23

painful and stressful

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how difficult the person's work is. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

his soul does not find rest

Here man's mind is referred to as his "soul" to emphasize his deep thoughts. Alternate translation: "his mind does not rest" or "he continues to worry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:24

the hand of God

Here God is represented by his "hand" to emphasize how he provides for people. Alternate translation: "from God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:25

For who can eat or who can have any kind of pleasure apart from God?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no pleasure can be had without God's provision. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "For no one can eat or have any kind of pleasure apart from God." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 2:26

so that he may give it away to someone who pleases God

Possible meanings for the word "he" are 1) God or 2) the sinner. This also can be translated without making it clear who it is that gives the things that the sinner stored. Alternate translation: "so that the one who pleases God may have it"

like chasing the wind

The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3

Ecclesiastes 3:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 3:1-8 and 3:15.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Parallelism

The chapter uses parallelism with the phrase, "a time to." This gives the quotation a poetic style. Their overall purpose is to show that Yahweh directs the events of the world and therefore, they have purpose.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

General Information:

The writer uses merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

For everything there is an appointed time, and a season for every purpose

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

under heaven

Ecclesiastes 3:2

a time to pull up plants

Possible meanings are 1) "a time to harvest" or 2) "a time to uproot."

Ecclesiastes 3:3

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Ecclesiastes 3:4

General Information:

The writer continues with merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:5

embrace

to hold someone in your arms to show love or friendship

Ecclesiastes 3:6

General Information:

The writer continues with merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:7

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Ecclesiastes 3:8

General Information:

The writer concludes using merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:9

What profit does the worker gain in his labor?

This is a thought-provoking question to focus the reader on the next discussion topic. Translate "What profit does ... gain" as you did in Ecclesiastes 1:3. Alternate translation: "The worker seems to gain no lasting benefit for his labor." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:10

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Ecclesiastes 3:11

God has made everything suitable for its own time

"God has fixed a time that is right for everything to happen" or "God has set a time that is right for each thing to happen:

placed eternity in their hearts

Here the word "their" refers to human beings. Here the "hearts" of the people represent their thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "placed eternity in the hearts of human beings" or "caused people to think about eternal things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

from their beginning all the way to their end

This refers to the beginning and the end and all that is in between. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:12

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Ecclesiastes 3:13

should understand how to enjoy

"should learn how to enjoy" or "should enjoy"

Ecclesiastes 3:14

Nothing can be added to it or taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one can add anything to or take anything away from it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:15

General Information:

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Ecclesiastes 3:16

I have seen the wickedness ... wickedness was there

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how common wicked behavior is. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

in place of righteousness

"where there should be righteousness"

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 3:17

I said in my heart

the righteous and the wicked

This refers to righteous and wicked people. Alternate translation: "those who are righteous and those who are wicked" or "the righteous people and the wicked people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

every matter and every deed

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to every action that people do. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:18

I said in my heart

they are like animals

Here the author says that human beings are like animals. In the next verse the author explains clearly how humans are like animals. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:19

is the same

"is the same for both of them"

The breath is the same for all of them

"All of them breathe same"

There is no advantage for mankind over the animals

"Mankind is no better off than the animals"

Ecclesiastes 3:20

Everything is going to the same place

This means that all people and all animals die and decay and become part of the soil. Alternate translation: "Everything dies and goes to the same place" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

dust

soil

Ecclesiastes 3:21

Who knows whether the spirit ... into the earth?

The author asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one truly knows what happens after people and animals die. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one knows whether the spirit ... into the earth." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 3:22

there is nothing better for a person than to

See how you translated this phrase in Ecclesiastes 3:12.

Who can bring him back to see what happens after him?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one will see what happens after he dies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one of us knows what happens to us after we die." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4

Ecclesiastes 4:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 4:1-3, 4:5-6, and 4:8-12.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

# Irony

The teacher looks at the oppression in the world and is saddened by it, but he is the king and has the power to change things. He also laments being alone even though he has many wives, children, and concubines. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/oppress.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lament.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:1

under the sun

behold, the tears

"I looked and I saw"

the tears of oppressed people

Here "tears" represent weeping. Alternate translation: "the oppressed people were weeping" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Power was in the hand of their oppressors

This means that their oppressors were powerful. Here their "hand" represents what thet possess. Alternate translation: "Their oppressors were powerful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:2

the living, who are still alive

The word "living" is a nominal adjective that refers to people who are living. The phrase "those who are still alive" means the same thing as "the living." Alternate translation: "the people who are still alive" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:3

more fortunate than both of them is the one who has not yet lived

"the one who has not yet been born is better off than both of them"

both of them

This refers to those who are dead and to those who are alive. Alternate translation: "both those who are dead and those who are living" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 4:4

became the envy of one's neighbor

The word "envy" may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "made one's neighbor envious" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the envy of one's neighbor

possible meanings are 1) The neighbor envies the object his neighbor made, or 2) the neighbor envies the skills his neighbor has.

like chasing the wind

Ecclesiastes 4:5

The fool folds his hands and does not work

To fold the hands is a gesture of laziness and is another way of saying that the person refuses to work. Alternate translation: "The fool refuses to work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

so his food is his own flesh

This speaks of a person destroying himself as if he were eating his own body. Alternate translation: "as a result, he causes his own ruin" or "and as a result, he destroys himself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:6

a handful

"a small amount"

two handfuls

"a large amount." It is understood that this refer to profit gained. Alternate translation: "two handfuls of profit" or "a large amount of profit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

that tries to shepherd the wind

The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "that is as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:7

I returned and I saw something meaningless

Possible meanings for "returned" are 1) he returned to thinking. Alternate translation: "I thought again and and I saw something meaningless" or 2) he returned to seeing something meaningless. Alternate translation: "Again I saw something meaningless"

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 4:8

no son or brother

This person has no family. Alternate translation: "he has no family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

his eyes are not satisfied

Here the whole person is represented by his "eyes" to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: "he is not satisfied" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure

"Will anyone benefit from me working hard and not enjoying myself"

Ecclesiastes 4:9

General Information:

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Ecclesiastes 4:10

sorrow follows the one who is alone when he falls

Here sorrow is spoken of as if it were a person that could follow someone else. Alternate translation: "the one who is alone when he falls is sorrowful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:11

If two lie down together, they can be warm

The writer speaks of two people keeping each other warm on a cold night. Alternate translation: "If two people lie down together at night, they can be warm" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

how can one be warm alone?

This refers to a person lying down. The author use this rhetorical question to emphasize that two people can keep each other warm but one person cannot. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "a person cannot be warm when he is alone." or "a person who lies down alone cannot be warm." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:12

One man alone can be overpowered

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone can overpower a person who is alone" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

but two

"but two people"

withstand an attack

"defend themselves against an attack"

a three-strand rope

This speaks of three people together being stronger as if they were a three-strand rope. Alternate translation: "three people are even stronger, like a three-strand rope that" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a three-strand rope is not quickly broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people cannot easily break a rope made with three strands" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:13

wise youth

"wise young man"

who no longer knows how

Here knowing represents willingness. Alternate translation: "who is no longer willing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:14

from prison

"after being in prison"

he was born poor in his kingdom

This means that he had poor parents. Alternate translation: "he was born to poor parents who lived in the land that he will someday rule" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 4:15

General Information:

Instead of choosing the wise youth, the people choose the king's son, who may not be any wiser.

alive ... walking around

The words "alive" and "walking around" mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize living people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 4:16

There is no end to all the people

This is an exaggeration used to emphasize a large number of people. Alternate translation: "There are very many people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

like chasing the wind

The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5

Ecclesiastes 5:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 5:2-3, and 5:10-17.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Materialism

The author describes the pointlessness of pursuing material things. This is known as "materialism." Those who pursue after things will always want more. At the end of their life, they will not be able to use these things.

Ecclesiastes 5:1

Guard your steps

Here "steps" are a metonym for a person's conduct. Alternate translation: "Be careful how you conduct yourself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Do not be too quick ... do not let your heart be too quick

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that you should think first before you speak to God about a matter. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

to speak with your mouth

Here the phrase "with your mouth" emphasizes and describes a person speaking. Alternate translation: "to speak"

do not let your heart

Here a person is represented by his "heart" to emphasize his emotions and desires. Alternate translation: "do not" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

let your words be few

"do not say too much"

Ecclesiastes 5:3

General Information:

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Ecclesiastes 5:4

do not delay to do it, for God has no pleasure in fools

It is implied that it is foolish to delay in fulfilling a vow that you have made to God. Alternate translation: "do not foolishly delay in doing it, because God is not pleased with foolish people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:5

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Ecclesiastes 5:6

Do not allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin

Here a person's "mouth" represents a person's speech, and the person himself is represented by his "flesh." Alternate translation: "Do not let what you say cause you to sin" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Why make God angry by vowing falsely, provoking God to destroy the work of your hands?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that it is foolish to make a vow that you will not keep. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It would be foolish to make God angry by vowing falsely, provoking God to destroy the work of your hands." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

destroy the work of your hands

Here a person is represented by his "hands." Alternate translation: "destroy everything you do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:7

General Information:

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Ecclesiastes 5:8

the poor being oppressed and robbed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people oppressing the poor and robbing them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the poor

This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "those who are poor" or "poor people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

just and right treatment

The words "just" and "right" mean basically the same thing and refer to the kind of treatment that people deserve. Alternate translation: "fair treatment" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

do not be astonished as if no one knows, because there are people

"do not be surprised, for there are people

there are people in power

"there are people with authority"

even higher ones over them

There are other men who rule over the men in authority. Alternate translation: "men who have even more authority than they do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:9

the produce of the land ... produce from the fields

The word "produce" may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "the food that the land produces ... crops from the fields" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:10

General Information:

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Ecclesiastes 5:11

As prosperity increases

The word "prosperity" may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "As a person becomes more prosperous" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

so also do the people who consume it

Possible meanings are 1) "so also the person spends more money" or 2) "so also there will be more people who use his wealth."

who consume it

This speaks of people spending wealth as if they were "eating" it. Alternate translation: "who use it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

What advantage in wealth is there to the owner except to watch it with his eyes?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the wealthy do not benefit from their wealth. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The only benefit that the owner has from wealth is that he can look at it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:12

The sleep of a working man is sweet

This speaks of a person's sleep being fulfilling and peaceful as if it were sweet like something he eats. Alternate translation: "The sleep of a working man is peaceful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

whether he eats little or a lot

"whether he eats a little bit of food or a lot of food"

but the wealth of a rich person does not allow him to sleep well

"but the wealth of a rich person keeps him awake at night." This speaks of a rich person not being able to sleep because he is worried about his money as if his money were a person that would not allow him to sleep. Alternate translation: "but rich people do not sleep well because they worry about their money" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:13

under the sun

riches hoarded by the owner

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "an owner hoards riches" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:14

through bad luck

Possible meanings are 1) "through misfortune" or 2) "through a bad business deal."

his own son, one whom he has fathered, is left with nothing in his hands

Here the phrase "in his hands" represents ownership. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he leaves no possession for his own son" (See:[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:15

As a man comes from his mother's womb ... he will leave naked

It is implied that a man is naked when he is born. In addition to being without clothing, here the word "naked" emphasizes that people are born without any possessions. Alternate translation: "As a man is naked and owns nothing when he is born ... he will leave this life the same way" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

comes from his mother's womb

"is born"

he will leave

This refers to dying. Alternate translation: "he will die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

He can take none of the fruits of his labor in his hand

Here a man's possessions are spoken of as if they are fruit that he grew with his labor. Alternate translation: "He can not take any of his possessions with him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:16

as a person comes, so he goes away

This refers to the birth and death of a person and expresses the same idea as the previous verse. This refers to women as well as men. Alternate translation: "as people bring nothing into the world when they are born, so they take nothing with them when they die and leave this world" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])

So what profit is there for him who works for the wind?

The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit in working for the wind. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one gets any profit in working for the wind." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

works for the wind

Possible meanings are 1) This speaks of the person receiving no lasting profit as if he were trying to control the wind. Alternate translation: "tries to shepherd the wind" or "work that is as useless as trying to shepherd the wind" or 2) This implies that the person only receives the air that he breaths as his profit. Alternate translation: "works to receive the air he breathes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:17

During his days he eats with darkness

This speaks of a person mourning throughout his life as if he always ate in darkness. Here "darkness" represents sadness and mourning. Alternate translation: "He spends his life in mourning and sadness" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

his days

Here a person's "days" represent his life. Alternate translation: "his life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

is greatly distressed with sickness and anger

The words "sickness" and "anger" can be expressed as adjectives. Alternate translation: "suffers greatly, being sick and angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 5:18

Look

The author uses this word here to draw his reader's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Pay attention" or "Listen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

what I have seen to be good and suitable

Here the words "good" and "suitable" mean basically the same thing. The second intensifies the meaning of the first. Alternate translation: "what I have seen to be the best thing to do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

under the sun

during the days of this life that God has given us

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "as long as God allows us to live" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

For this is man's assignment

Possible meanings are 1) "For this is man's reward" or 2) "For these are the things that he allows man to do"

Ecclesiastes 5:19

riches and wealth

These two words mean basically the same thing. They refer to money and the things that a person can buy with money. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

to receive his share

"to accept what he is given"

Ecclesiastes 5:20

he does not call to mind

Here the word "he" refers to the person to whom God has given a gift. The phrase "call to mind" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he does not remember" or "he does not think about" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the days of his life

This refers to the things that happened during his lifetime. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the things that have happened during his lifetime" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

keep busy

"stay busy"

Ecclesiastes 6

Ecclesiastes 6:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 6:7-11.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Satisfaction

While a person may be given a great many things, they are worthless and provide no sense of satisfaction or peace. It is assumed that only Yahweh can provide these things to man. Solomon is depressed that he had everything he could have ever wanted in life, but they were not enough to give him satisfaction or peace. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:1

it weighs heavy on men

Here evil is spoken of as something that is a heavy load to carry. Alternate translation: "it causes hardship for people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:2

riches, wealth

he lacks nothing

This is a double negative. Alternate translation: "he has everything" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

God gives him no ability

"does not give him the ability"

Ecclesiastes 6:3

fathers a hundred children

"fathers 100 children." This is also applicable to people with fewer than 100 children. Alternate translation: "fathers many children" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

lives many years, so that the days of his years are many

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "lives many years" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

his heart is not satisfied with good

This refers to a man by his "heart" to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: "he is not content with good things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

he is not buried

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "no one buries him at all" or 2) he receives no honor, "no one buries him properly." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] or [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:4

Such a baby is born without meaning

"Such a baby is born for nothing"

passes away in darkness

This speaks of the death of the baby being as unexplainable as "darkness." Alternate translation: "dies unexplainably" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

its name is covered in darkness

This speaks of no one knowing the baby's name as if it were a hidden object. Alternate translation: "no one knows its name" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:5

General Information:

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Ecclesiastes 6:6

Even if a man should live for two thousand years

This exaggerates the great number of years a man might live to show that it does not matter how long a person lives if he does not enjoy the good things in life. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

two thousand years

"2,000 years" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

he goes to the same place as everyone else

This means that he dies like all other people. Alternate translation: "he dies and go to the same place as everyone else" or "he goes to the grave just like everyone else" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:7

is for his mouth

Here putting food in a man's mouth represents feeding him. Alternate translation: "is to put food in his mouth" or "is to feed him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

his appetite is not satisfied

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he does not satisfy his appetite" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:8

what advantage has the wise person over the fool?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a wise person does not have any more lasting benefits than a fool. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "it seems the wise person has no advantage over the fool." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

What advantage does the poor man have even if he knows how to act in front of other people?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a poor man does not have any more lasting benefits than someone else. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The poor man has no advantage even if he knows how to act in front of other people." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

how to act

"how to conduct himself"

Ecclesiastes 6:9

What the eye sees

A person can see these things because he already has them. Alternate translation: "What a person has" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

what the soul wanders after

This refers to things that a person wants but does not have. Alternate translation: "what a person wants but does not have" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

meaningless ... chasing the wind

Both phrases are metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

chasing the wind

The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless, as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "as useless as trying to control the wind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:10

Whatever has existed has already been given its name

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People have already named everything that exists" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

what mankind is like has already been known

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people already know what mankind is like" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the one who is the mighty judge

"God, who is the mighty judge"

Ecclesiastes 6:11

The more words there are

"The more words that people speak"

the more meaningless they become

The more a person speaks, the more likely he will speak about meaningless things. Alternate translation: "the more meaningless those words are"

What advantage is that to a man?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no advantage for a man to talk a lot. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "That is no advantage to a man." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 6:12

For who knows what is good for a person ... he passes through like a shadow?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no person truly knows what is good for man. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one knows what is good for a person ... he passes through like a shadow." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow

This speaks of how life passes quickly by saying that it is like a shadow that quickly disappears. The phrase "numbered days" emphasizes that a person's life is short. Alternate translation: "during his futile, short life, which he passes through as quickly as a shadow passes by" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Who can tell a person ... after he is gone?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen after a person dies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can tell a person ... after he is gone." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

what will happen under the sun

This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated "under the sun" in Ecclesiastes 1:3. Alternate translation: "what will happen on the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

after he is gone

This is a polite expression for death. Alternate translation: "after he dies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7

Ecclesiastes 7:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 7:1-26.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Advice

This chapter gives a series of disconnected pieces of advice. Translators should not try to smooth the transitions between these pieces of advice. The advice in these statements do not apply in every situation. Therefore, they should be seen as "good ideas."

Ecclesiastes 7:1

A good name

Here a person's "name" is used to represent their reputation. Alternate translation: "A good reputation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:2

must take this to heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "must think seriously about this" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:3

sadness of face

This refers to being sad. Alternate translation: "an experience that makes a person sad" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

gladness of heart

Here the word "heart" refers to a person's thoughts and emotions. "Gladness" describes either 1) the state of the emotions of being happy and peaceful or 2) the ability to understand the truth. Alternate translation: "right thinking" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning

Here wise people are referred to by their "hearts." This speaks of the wise person mourning as being in a house of mourning. Alternate translation: "Wise people think deeply about death" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

but the heart of fools is in the house of feasting

Here foolish people are referred to by their "hearts." This speaks of foolish people thinking only about what makes them happy as being in a house of feasting. Alternate translation: "but foolish people think only about enjoying themselves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the house of mourning ... the house of feasting

These phrases refer to what happens in these places.

Ecclesiastes 7:5

to the rebuke of the wise

The word "rebuke" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "when wise people rebuke you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

to listen to the song of fools

"to listen to fools sing"

Ecclesiastes 7:6

For like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so also is the laughter of fools

This speaks of how listening to fools talk and laugh will teach you nothing, as if their speech and laughter were the sound of burning thorns. Alternate translation: "For listening to the laughter of fools will not teach a man any more than if he were listening to the crackling of thorns burning under a pot" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:7

Extortion

This refers to forcing someone to give money or other valuable items to another so that the other person does not harm him. It is considered wrong.

makes a wise man foolish

Possible meanings are 1) "turns the wise man into a foolish man" or 2) "makes the advice of the wise man appear to be foolish advice."

corrupts the heart

Here the word "heart" refers to the mind. Alternate translation: "ruins a person's ability to think and judge rightly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:8

the people patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit

Here the word "spirit" refers to a person's attitude. Alternate translation: "patient people are better than proud people" or "a patient attitude is better than a prideful attitude" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Do not be quick to anger in your spirit

Here the word "spirit" refers to a person's attitude. Alternate translation: "Do not become angry quickly" or "Do not have a bad temper" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

anger resides in the hearts of fools

This speaks of a person being full of anger as if the anger lived inside him. This speaks of the anger being in the person's heart because the "heart" is thought to be the source of a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "foolish people are full of anger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:10

Why were the days of old better than these?

The person asks this rhetorical question in order to complain about the present time. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Things were better in the past than they are now." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

it is not because of wisdom that you ask this question

Here the author uses irony to rebuke the person's question. Alternate translation: "if you were wise you would not ask this question" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:11

those who see the sun

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "those who are alive" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:12

the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom gives life

Possible meanings are 1) that the writer uses the words "knowledge" and "wisdom" to mean the same thing, or 2) "the advantage of knowing wisdom is that it gives life."

gives life to whoever has it

This speaks of how wisdom helps to preserve a person's life as if it gave life to that person. When a person is wise he makes good decisions that help him to live a more prosperous and longer life. Alternate translation: "preserves a person's life" or "helps a person to make good decisions and to live a longer life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:13

Who can straighten out anything he has made crooked?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can change something that God has done. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can straighten out anything he has made crooked." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:14

When times are good ... when times are bad

The word "times" is an idiom for "things happening." Alternate translation: "When good things happen ... when bad things happen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

live happily in that good

"be happy about those good things"

both to exist side by side

The phrase "side by side" is an idiom that means "this one" and "this one." Alternate translation: "both to exist" or "there to be both good and bad" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

anything that is coming after him

Possible meanings are 1) "anything that happens in the future" or 2) "anything that happens to him after he dies."

Ecclesiastes 7:15

There is a righteous person who perishes in spite of his righteousness, and there is a wicked person who lives a long life in spite of his evil deeds.

The phrases "righteous person" and "wicked person" refer to any righteous or wicked person or people. "There are righteous people who perish in spite of their righteousness, and there are wicked people who live a long life in spite of their evil deeds."

in spite of his righteousness

"even though he is righteous"

in spite of his evil deeds

"even though he is evil"

Ecclesiastes 7:16

self-righteous, wise in your own eyes

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Do not be self-righteous

"Do not think that you are more righteous than you actually are"

wise in your own eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "being wise in your own opinion" or "being wise according to your own judgement" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Why should you destroy yourself?

The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that being self-righteous destroys a person. Alternate translation: "There is no reason to destroy yourself." or "If you think this way you will destroy yourself." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:17

Why should you die before your time?

The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no reason for people to do things that will cause them to die early. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is no reason for you to die sooner than you should." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:18

take hold of this wisdom

This speaks of striving to be wise as if "wisdom" were an object that a person could hold on to. Alternate translation: "commit yourself to this wisdom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you should not let go of righteousness

This speaks of striving to be righteous as if "righteousness" were an object that a person could hold on to. Alternate translation: "you should not stop trying to be righteous" or "you should keep trying to be righteous" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

will meet all his obligations

"will do everything that God expects of him"

Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom is powerful in the wise man, more than ten rulers in a city

"Wisdom makes a man powerful; it makes him more powerful than ten rulers in a city"

Ecclesiastes 7:20

does good and never sins

"does good things and does not sin"

Ecclesiastes 7:21

every word that is spoken

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that people say" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:22

For very many times, your heart knows, even you have cursed others

"For even you have cursed others very many times, and your heart knows it." The words "many times" placed at the beginning of the sentence and the word "even" before "you" emphasize that the reader is guilty and has been guilty many times.

your heart knows

The heart here is a metonym for the ability to think. "you certainly know."(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:23

All this have I proven

here the word "this" refers to all of the things the author has written about. Alternate translation: "All this that I have already written about have I proven" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

it was more than I could be

"it was beyond my ability to understand" or "but I was not able to do it"

Ecclesiastes 7:24

far off and very deep

This speaks of wisdom being difficult to understand as if it were something located far away or in a very deep place. Alternate translation: "difficult to understand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Who can find it?

The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize the difficulty in understanding wisdom. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can understand it." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:25

I turned my heart

Here the word "heart" refers to the mind. Also, here the word "turned" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I directed my thoughts" or "I determined" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the explanations of reality

"the reason for things." This word "explanations" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "how to explain various things in life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:26

any woman whose heart is full of snares and nets, and whose hands are chains

The writer says that the seductive woman is like traps that hunters use to catch animals. The author speaks of a woman being seductive as if she traps men like a hunter traps animals. Her "heart" represents her thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "any woman who traps men by seducing them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

snares and nets

These two words both refer to ways in which people trap animals to emphasize how the woman traps men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

whose hands are chains

Here the word "hands" refers to her power and control. This speaks of her being seductive as if hands were chains that she bound people with. Alternate translation: "from whom no one can escape" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the sinner will be taken by her

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she will capture the sinner" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:27

adding one discovery to another

The word "discovery" can be expressed as a verb. The word "adding" here is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: "discovering one thing after another" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

in order to find an explanation of reality

This word "explanation" can be expressed as a verb. See how the phrase "explanations of reality" is translated in Ecclesiastes 7:25. Alternate translation: "in order to be able to explain things in life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 7:28

one righteous man among a thousand

"1 righteous man among 1,000." Only one righteous man was found in a group of 1,000 people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

a woman among all those

There were no righteous women found in a group of 1,000 people.

Ecclesiastes 7:29

they have gone away looking for many difficulties

Possible meanings are 1) "they have made many sinful plans" or 2) "they have made their own lives difficult."

they have gone away

Here the word "they" refers to "humanity." This speaks of humanity changing from being upright to not being upright as if they were going from one place to another. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8

Ecclesiastes 8:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 8:1 and 8:5-8.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Wisdom

Solomon, known for his wisdom, gives a detailed description of wisdom. True wisdom is seeking to honor God. This is the only thing that lasts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/wise.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:1

Who is a wise man? Who knows what the events in life mean?

The writer asks these as leading questions to provide the answer in what he says next.

causes his face to shine

This means that the person's face will show that he has wisdom. Alternate translation: "shows on his face" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the hardness of his face

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "his harsh appearance" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

is changed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "changes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:2

God's oath to protect him

"the oath you made before God to protect him"

Ecclesiastes 8:3

Do not hurry out of his presence

Possible meanings are 1) not to be hasty to physically leave the king's presence or 2) This is a metaphor that speaks of being loyal to the king as being in his presence. Alternate translation: "Do not abandon the king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:4

The king's word rules

"What the king says is the law"

who will say to him

This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one will ask the king the following question. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "no one can say to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

What are you doing?

This rhetorical question is a rebuke. This question can be written as as statement. Alternate translation: "You should not be doing what you are doing." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:5

A wise man's heart recognizes

Here a man is represented by his "heart" to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: "A wise man recognizes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

the proper course and time of action

"the correct time to do things and the right way to do them"

Ecclesiastes 8:6

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Ecclesiastes 8:7

Who can tell him what is coming?

This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one knows what will happen in the future. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can tell him what is coming." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:8

No one has power over the wind to restrain it ... no one has power over the day of his death

Just as no one has the ability to stop the wind from blowing, no one can continue living when it is time to die. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

the day of his death

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "when he will die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

No one is discharged from the army

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "No army discharges anyone" or "No army allows soldiers to leave" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

wickedness will not rescue those who are its slaves

This speaks of wickedness as if it were a master who had slaves. Alternate translation: "evil people will not be saved by doing what is evil" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:9

I have applied my heart

Here the author refers to himself by his "heart" to emphasize his feelings. See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:17. Alternate translation: "I applied myself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

every kind of work that is done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "every kind of work that people do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

under the sun

There is a time when a person oppresses another person to that person's hurt

"Sometimes one person will oppress another, causing that person to be hurt"

Ecclesiastes 8:10

the wicked buried publicly

This can be stated in active form. Evil people that died were given honorable burials. Alternate translation: "people bury the wicked publicly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

They were taken from the holy area and buried and were praised by people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People took them from the holy area and buried them and praised them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:11

When a sentence against an evil crime is not executed quickly

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When people in authority do not quickly execute a sentence against an evil crime" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

entices the hearts of human beings

Here people are represented by their "hearts" to emphasize their will and desires. Alternate translation: "entices human beings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:12

a hundred times

"100 times" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

it will be better for those who respect God

The phrase "it will be better" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "life will be better for those who respect God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

who respect God ... who stand before him and show him respect

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize people respecting God. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:13

his life will not be prolonged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not prolong his life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

His days are like a fleeting shadow

This speaks of how the wicked man's life passes quickly by saying that it is like a shadow that quickly disappears. Alternate translation: "His days will pass as quickly as a shadow disappears" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

His days are

"His life is"

Ecclesiastes 8:14

something else meaningless that is done on the earth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "another meaningless thing that people do on the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:15

under the sun

for all the days of his life that God has given him

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "for as long as God allows him to live" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:16

I applied my heart

the work that is done on the earth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the work that people do on the earth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

without sleep for the eyes

Here a person is represented by his "eyes." Alternate translation: "without sleeping" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 8:17

the work that is done under the sun

Possible meanings are 1) "the work that God does under the sun" or 2) "the work that God allows people to do under the sun." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 9

Ecclesiastes 9:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 9:2, 5-6, and 11-12.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Judgment

This chapter explains that there is one thing that awaits all people: judgment. When people die, they will all face Yahweh's judgment. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/judge.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:1

all of this I laid to my heart

"I thought very deeply about all this"

in the hand of God

Here the word "hand" refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: "under God's control" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

whether love or hate awaits him

This speaks of "love" and "hate" as if they are people that may come to visit someone else. Alternate translation: "whether he will experience love or hate" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:2

righteous people and wicked

This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of righteous and wicked people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

wicked ... the good ... the clean and the unclean

All of these phrases refer to people. Alternate translation: "wicked people ... good people ... clean people and unclean people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

the clean and the unclean

This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of clean and unclean people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

the clean

A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the unclean

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the one who sacrifices and the one who does not sacrifice

This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of those who sacrifice and those who do not. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

As good people ... so also will the sinner

This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of good people and sinners. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

will the sinner ... will the man who fears to make an oath

It is understood that this refers to people dying. Alternate translation: "the sinner will die ... the man who fears to make an oath will die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the one who swears ... so also will the man who fears to make an oath

This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of those who swear oaths and those who do not.(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:3

everything that is done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that happens" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

under the sun

the same event

death

The hearts of human beings are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts

Here the word "hearts" refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "Human beings are full of evil, and their thoughts are of madness" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

madness

"folly"

they go to the dead

The phrase "the dead" refers to dead people. Here dead people represent the place where people go after they die. Alternate translation: "they go to the place where dead people are" or "they die and go to the grave" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:4

the living

This refers to people who are alive. Alternate translation: "who are alive" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

even a live dog is better than a dead lion

A dog was considered a lowly animal while a lion was considered a noble animal. This speaks of it being better to be lowly and alive than to be considered noble and dead. Alternate translation: "As lowly as a dog is, it is better to be a dog and to be alive than to be noble like a lion and to be dead" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:5

the dead

This refers to people who are dead. Alternate translation: "those who are dead" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-nominaladj/01.md]])

their memory is forgotten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will forget them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:6

Their love, hatred, and envy

This refers to the love, hatred, and envy that the dead people showed others when they were alive.

anything done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "anything that people do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 9:7

eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize the importance of enjoying the basic activities of life. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

your bread

This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "your food" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

drink your wine with a happy heart

Here the word "heart" refers to the emotions. Alternate translation: "drink your wine joyfully" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:8

Let your clothes be always white and your head anointed with oil

Wearing white clothes and anointing one's head with oil were both signs of gladness and celebration. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

your head anointed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "anoint your head with oil" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Enjoy life with the wife whom you love

One should love the wife he has. Alternate translation: "Since you have a wife whom you love, live happily with her" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

under the sun

your ... days

"your ... lifetime"

this is your reward

The word "that" refers to living happily with his wife.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever your hand finds to do

Here a person is represented by his "hand" since a person often uses his hands to work. Alternate translation: "Whatever you are able to do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

there is no work or explanation or knowledge or wisdom

The nouns "work, "explanation," and "knowledge" can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: "the dead do not work or explain or know or have wisdom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:11

under the sun

The race does not belong to ... The battle does not belong to

"The race is not always won by ... The battle is not always won by"

Bread

Here "Bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "Food" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

time and chance affect them all

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "what happens and when it happens affect them all" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

affect them all

"affects all these things." Here the words "them all" refer to race, battle, bread, riches, and favor.

Ecclesiastes 9:12

when his time will come

This refers to when a person dies. Alternate translation: "when he will die" or "when the time of his death will come" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

fish are caught ... birds are caught ... the children of human beings are ensnared

This speaks of people dying when they do not expect it, in the same way that people catch animals and kill them when they do not expect it. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

the children of human beings are ensnared by evil times

This can be stated in active form. Also, this speaks of people experiencing disaster and unfortunate times as if they were being imprisoned or trapped. Alternate translation: "evil times are coming upon the children of human beings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

that suddenly fall upon them

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "at times when they do not expect them to happen" or "that suddenly happen to them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:13

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 9:14

a great king came against it

Here the "king" represents himself and his whole army. Alternate translation: "a great king and his army" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

great siege ramps

This refers to dirt ramps the army built up against the city walk so that they could climb up and attack the city.

Ecclesiastes 9:15

in the city was found a poor, wise man

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in the city, people found a poor, wise man" or "a poor, wise man lived in the city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:16

the poor man's wisdom is despised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people despise the poor man's wisdom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

his words are not heard

this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they do not listen to what he says" or "they do not take his advice" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:17

The words of wise people spoken quietly are heard better

Here "heard" represents understanding. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is easier to understands the words that wise people speak quietly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 9:18

General Information:

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Ecclesiastes 10

Ecclesiastes 10:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in all of chapter 10.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Advice

Ecclesiastes 10:1

As dead flies ... so a little folly

Just as flies can ruin perfume, so folly can ruin a person's reputation for wisdom and honor. This speaks of how a little folly can ruin a person's reputation in the same way that a few dead flies ruin perfume. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

a little folly can overpower wisdom and honor

This speaks of how a person acting foolishly can ruin his reputation as if his "folly" and "wisdom and honor" were people and that his folly overpowered his wisdom and honor. Alternate translation: "committing a little folly can ruin a person's wisdom and honor" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:2

The heart of a wise person ... the heart of a fool

Here the word "heart" refers to the mind or will. Alternate translation: "The way a wise person thinks ... the way a fool thinks" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

tends to the right ... tends to the left

Here the words "right" and "left" refer to what is right and wrong. Alternate translation: "tends to doing what is right ... tends to doing what is wrong" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:3

his thinking is deficient

This refers to the way that he acts. Alternate translation: "he is stupid" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:4

If the emotions of a ruler rise up against you

Here a ruler is represented by his "emotions" Alternate translation: "If a ruler becomes angry with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Calm can quiet down great outrage

"By remaining calm you may cause an outraged person to become quiet"

Ecclesiastes 10:5

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 10:6

Fools are given leadership positions

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Rulers give positions of leadership to fools" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

successful men are given low positions

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they give low positions to successful men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

low positions

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "unimportant positions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:7

successful men walking like slaves on the ground

This speaks of successful men walking like slaves walk, because slaves were usually forced to walk and were not permitted to ride. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:8

whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a snake may bite whoever breaks through a wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

a snake

This refers to a snake that was hiding inside the wall. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:9

cuts out stones

This refers working in a quarry and cutting larger stones.

can be hurt by them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those stones can hurt him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

is endangered by it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the wood may injure him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:10

wisdom provides an advantage for success

A wise person would have sharpened his blade and would not have had to work so hard.

Ecclesiastes 10:11

before it is charmed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "before the snake charmer charms it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:12

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious

Here the wise man's speech is represented by his "mouth." Alternate translation: "The things that a wise man says are gracious" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the lips of a fool consume him

Here the fool's speech is represented by his "lips." This speaks of the fool destroying himself by his speech as if it were eating him. Alternate translation: "The things that a foolish man says destroy him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:13

As words begin to flow from a fool's mouth

A fool's speech is represented by his "mouth." Alternate translation: "As a fool begins to speak" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

at the end his mouth flows with wicked madness

A fool's speech is represented by his "mouth." Alternate translation: "as he finishes talking, he speaks wicked madness" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:14

multiplies words

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "keeps on talking" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

what is coming

"what will happen in the future"

Who knows what is coming after him?

The writer asks this question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen in the future after one's death. This question can be written as as statement. Alternate translation: "No one knows what is coming after him." or "No one knows what will happen after he dies." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:15

wearies them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Fools become weary by their toil" or "Fools feel tired by the work that they do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

so that they do not even know the road to town

Possible meanings are 1) "so much that he is unable to find the road to town." That the foolish person becomes so tired from working too hard that he is unable to find his way anywhere, or 2) "because he does not even know the way to town." That the foolish person becomes tired from working too hard because he does not know enough to go home.

Ecclesiastes 10:16

Woe to you, land

The writer is speaking to the people of the nation as if they were the land itself, and he is speaking to the land as if it were a person. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-apostrophe/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

if your king is a young boy

This means that the king is inexperienced or immature.

begin feasting in the morning

This implies that the leaders are more concerned with having a good time than with leading the nation. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:17

blessed are you, land

king is the son of nobles

This implies that the son has been trained by his elders in the customs of being a good king. Alternate translation: "king has trained by nobles" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

for strength, and not for drunkenness

This explains why the blessed leaders eat.

Ecclesiastes 10:18

Because of laziness the roof sinks in

A lazy person does not keep up on the regular house maintenance. Alternate translation: "Because a lazy person does not repair his house, the roof sinks in" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

because of idle hands

Here a person is represented by his "hands" Alternate translation: "because of an idle person" or "because the person is idle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

the house leaks

Here the roof is represented by the whole house. Alternate translation: "the roof leaks" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 10:19

People prepare food for laughter

The word "laughter" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "People prepare food in order to laugh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

wine brings enjoyment to life

The word "enjoyment" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "wine helps people to enjoy life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

money fills the need for everything

Possible meanings are 1) "money provides for every need" or 2) "money provides for both food and wine"

Ecclesiastes 10:20

not even in your mind

A person's thoughts are represented by the person's "mind." Alternate translation: "not even in your thoughts" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

rich people in your bedroom

"rich people when you are in your bedroom." This means that you should not curse rich people even when you are in a private place where no one else will hear.

For a bird of the sky ... can spread the matter

These two lines mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. This speaks of people finding out what you have said as if a small bird would hear what you say and tell other people. Alternate translation: "For a bird may hear what you say and tell the matter to other people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11

Ecclesiastes 11:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in all of chapter 11.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Advice

Ecclesiastes 11:1

Send out your bread on the waters, for you will find it again after many days

Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor that means a person should be generous with his possessions and will then receive generously from others , or 2) that a person should invest his resources overseas and will make a profit from it. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11:2

Share it with seven, even eight people

Possible meanings are 1) to share your possessions with many people, or 2) to invest your resources in multiple places.

seven, even eight people

"7, even 8 people." This is an idiom that means "numerous" people. Alternate translation: "numerous people" or "multiple people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

what disasters are coming on the earth

Disasters happening is spoken of as if disasters were something that come to a place. Here "on the earth" may imply that these disasters happen to the person who is commanded to share. Alternate translation: "what disasters may happen in the world" or "what bad things may happen to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11:3

the clouds are full of rain

"the clouds are dark with rain"

empty themselves on the earth

"empty themselves on the ground"

toward the south or toward the north

Here "south" and "north" represent any direction. Alternate translation: "in any direction" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11:4

He who watches the wind might not plant

Possible meanings are 1) "Any farmer who pays attention to the wind will not plant when the wind is blowing in the wrong direction" or 2) "Any farmer who pays too much attention to the wind will never plant"

he who watches the clouds might not harvest

Possible meanings are 1) "any farmer who pays attention to the clouds will not harvest when it is about to rain" or 2) "any farmer who pays too much attention to the clouds will never harvest"

Ecclesiastes 11:5

As you do not know the path of the wind

This speaks of wind blowing as if wind traveled on a path. Alternate translation: "As you do not know where the wind comes from or where it goes" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

how a baby's bones grow

Possible meanings are 1) Here "bones" is a synecdoche representing the baby as a whole. Alternate translation: "how a baby grows" or 2) literally, "how the bones of a baby grow" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11:6

work with your hands

Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "keep on working" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

whether morning or evening, or this or that

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the person's work may prosper, no matter what time he has done it. Alternate translation: "whether the seed that you planted in the morning or the seed that you planted in the evening" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11:7

light is sweet

Here the word "light" refers to being able to see the sun and therefore being alive. And, this speaks of the joy of being alive as if the light had a sweet taste. Alternate translation: "it is a joy to be able to see the sun" or "being alive is delightful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for the eyes to see the sun

The "eyes" represent the whole person. This phrase means basically the same thing as the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "for a person to see the sun" or "to be alive" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11:8

happy in all of them

Here the word "them" refers to the years that a person is alive.

the coming days of darkness

Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming" And, here the word "darkness" refers to death. Alternate translation: "how many days that he will be dead" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

for they will be many

Here the word "they" refers to the "days of darkness" Alternate translation: "for he will be dead for many more days than he is alive" or "for he will be dead forever"

Everything to come is meaningless

Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "No one knows what will happen after he dies" or 2) Alternate translation: "Everything to come is meaningless" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Everything to come

Possible meanings are 1) "Everything that happens after death" or 2) "Everything that happens in the future"

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Take joy, young man, in your youth, and let your heart be joyful in the days of your youth

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that the man should be happy while he is young. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

let your heart be joyful

Here the word "heart" represents the emotions. Alternate translation: "be joyful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Pursue the good desires of your heart

Here the word "heart" may represent the mind or emotions. Alternate translation: "Pursue the good things that you desire" or "Pursue the good things that you have determined to pursue" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

whatever is within the sight of your eyes

Here "eyes" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "whatever you see that you desire" or "whatever you see to be best" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

God will bring you into judgment for all these things

The abstract noun "judgment" can be stated as "judge" or "make you account" Alternate translation: "God will judge you for all these things" or "God will make you account for all of your actions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 11:10

Drive anger away from your heart

Refusing to be angry is spoken of as if anger were something that can be forced away. Also, "heart" represents a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "Refuse to be angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]]and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

because youth and its strength are meaningless

The authors speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were "vapor" Just as vapor disappears and does not last, the author speaks of things having no lasting value. See how you translated "vapor" in Ecclesiastes 1:14. Alternate translation: "because youth and its strength will not last forever" or "because you will not be young and strong forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12

Ecclesiastes 12:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:1-7 and 12:13-14.

Special concepts in this chapter

# Advice

# Yahweh

At the end of a very impressive life, Solomon looks back and sees that the only real lasting thing in this world is Yahweh. The purpose of his life was to honor Yahweh, something he should have done far more throughout his life. Therefore, he felt that his life was wasted. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:1

call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

before the days of difficulty come

Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming" Alternate translation: "before you experience difficult times" or "before bad things happen to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

before the years arrive when you say, "I have no pleasure in them"

Future time is spoken of as if "years arrive" Alternate translation: "before you become old when you say, 'I no longer enjoy being alive'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:2

do this before the light of the sun ... after the rain

Growing old and dying is spoken of as if the sun and moon go dark and dark clouds return. Alternate translation: "do this before it seems to you that the light of the sun ... after the rain" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:3

General Information:

The writer describes a house in which various activities stop. This appears to be a metaphor for the human body as it becomes old. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

strong men are bent over

"strong men become weak"

the women who grind cease because they are few

"the women who grind grain stop grinding grain because there are few of them"

Ecclesiastes 12:4

General Information:

The writer continues his metaphor. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the doors are shut in the street

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people shut the doors that lead to the street" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

when men are startled at the voice of a bird

It is implied that the voice of the birds startle the men awake. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the voice of a bird startles men awake" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the singing of girls' voices fades away

Here "girls" may be a metaphor for the birds. Alternate translation: "the songs of the birds fade away" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:5

General Information:

The writer continues his metaphor. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

when the almond tree blossoms

The "almond tree" is a tree that blossoms in the winter with white flowers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

when grasshoppers drag themselves along

A grasshopper is a large, straight-winged insect with long, jointed back legs that give it the ability to jump a long way. Here it can only drag itself because it has gotten old and weak. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

when natural desires fail

The abstract noun "desires" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "when people no longer desire what they once did naturally" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Then the man goes to his eternal home

This refers to death. Alternate translation: "Then the man goes to the place of the dead forever" or "Then the person dies and never returns to life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

the mourners go around in the streets

Possible meanings are 1) that mourners go around in the streets to attend a funeral, or 2) that mourners go around in the streets to the house of the person who is about to die.

Ecclesiastes 12:6

Call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

before the silver cord is cut ... or the water wheel is broken at the well

The writer speaks of dying as if it were one of these various broken items. Death will break the body just as suddenly as people accidentally break these items while they are using them. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the silver cord is cut

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone cuts the silver cord" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the golden bowl is crushed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone crushes the golden bowl" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the pitcher is shattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone shatters the pitcher" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the water wheel is broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone breaks the water wheel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:7

dust returns to the earth

Here the word "dust" refers to the human body that has decomposed. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:8

Meaningless

Or "vapor."

the Teacher

See how you translated this in Ecclesiastes 1:1.

Ecclesiastes 12:9

contemplated and set in order

"thought much about and arranged" or "thought much about and wrote down"

Ecclesiastes 12:10

using vivid ... words

The Teacher wanted the words to be pleasurable to the listener. They bring pleasure because they are well written, not because they are comforting.

Ecclesiastes 12:11

The words of wise people ... taught by one shepherd

The writer speaks of the teacher who uses his words to instruct people as if the teacher were a shepherd who uses his tools to lead his flock. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

The words of wise people are like goads

This is a simile. Alternate translation: "Wise people encourage people to act, like a sharp stick encourages an animal to move" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Like nails driven deeply are the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs

This is a simile. Alternate translation: "Like you can depend on a nail that a person drives firmly into a piece of wood, so you can depend on the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs

"the wise words collected in their proverbs" or "the sayings of the wise"

which are taught by one shepherd

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which one shepherd teaches" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:12

be aware of something more

Possible meanings are 1) these words refer to what follows or 2) these words refer to the material in verse 11, "be careful of anything in addition to that."

The making of many books has no end

The noun phrase "the making" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "People will never stop making many books"

brings weariness to the body

Here "body" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "makes the person tired" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:13

The end of the matter

"The final conclusion on the matter"

after everything has been heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after you have heard everything" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ecclesiastes 12:14

along with every hidden thing

Things done in secret is spoken of as if they were an object that was hidden. Alternate translation: "along with everything that people do in secret" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

open-licensed biblical content

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes front

Ecclesiastes front:intro

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Ecclesiastes

What is the Book of Ecclesiastes about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes?

Why are there so many apparent contradictions in the Book of Ecclesiastes?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What does this book teach about how God repays people?

What value did the Israelites place on the Book of Ecclesiastes?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What is the meaning of "under the sun?"

How do I translate harsh or shocking passages?

How is life described in the Book of Ecclesiastes?

Ecclesiastes 1

Ecclesiastes 1:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

# Tone

Links:

Ecclesiastes 1:1

General Information:

Ecclesiastes 1:2

"Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. "Absolutely meaningless! Everything is meaningless!"

Ecclesiastes 1:3

What profit does a man gain from all the work that he labors at under the sun?

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 1:4

General Information:

Ecclesiastes 1:5

hurries back to the place

Ecclesiastes 1:6

General Information:

Ecclesiastes 1:7

General Information:

Ecclesiastes 1:8

Everything becomes wearisome

The eye is not satisfied by what it sees

nor is the ear fulfilled by what it hears

Ecclesiastes 1:9

General Information:

whatever has been done is what will be done

under the sun

Ecclesiastes 1:10

Is there anything about which it may be said, 'Look, this is new'?

about which it may be said

Ecclesiastes 1:11

that will happen in the future

will not likely be remembered either

Ecclesiastes 1:12

General Information:

Ecclesiastes 1:13

I applied my mind

to study and to search out

under heaven

children of mankind

Ecclesiastes 1:14

all the deeds that are done

under the sun

look

chasing the wind

Ecclesiastes 1:15

The twisted cannot be straightened! The missing cannot be counted

Ecclesiastes 1:16

I have spoken to my heart

My mind has seen

Ecclesiastes 1:17

I applied my heart

madness and folly

an attempt to shepherd the wind

Ecclesiastes 1:18

General Information:

Ecclesiastes 2

Ecclesiastes 2:intro-0

Ecclesiastes 02 General Notes