1
μυῖαι θανατοῦσαι σαπριοῦσιν σκευασίαν ἐλαίου ἡδύσματος τίμιον ὀλίγον σοφίας ὑπὲρ δόξαν ἀφροσύνης μεγάλης
Dead flies putrefy a preparation of perfumed oil; a little wisdom is more precious than the great glory of folly.
A tiny corrupting element can spoil something precious, so the proverb contrasts concentrated decay with the surpassing worth of wisdom over notorious folly.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
μυῖαιfliesN1A NPF · μυῖαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμυῖα: meaning 'flies'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
θανατοῦσαιdyingV4 · παπνπφ θανατόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπφ θανατόω: meaning 'dying'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σαπριοῦσινputrefyVF2 FAI3P · σαπρίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureσαπρίζω: meaning 'putrefy'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σκευασίανpreparationN1A ASF · σκευασίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσκευασία: meaning 'preparation'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐλαίουoilN2N GSN · ἔλαιονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἔλαιον: meaning 'oil'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἡδύσματοςperfumeN3M GSN · ἥδυσμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἥδυσμα: meaning 'perfume'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τίμιονpreciousA1A ASM · τίμιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτίμιος: meaning 'precious'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὀλίγονa littleA1 ASM · ὀλίγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὀλίγος: meaning 'a little'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σοφίαςwisdomN1A GSF · σοφίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὑπὲρfor / on behalf ofP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δόξανgloryN1S ASF · δόξαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀφροσύνηςfollyN1 GSF · ἀφροσύνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀφροσύνη: meaning 'folly'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μεγάληςgreatA1 GSF · μέγαςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμέγας: meaning 'great'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
2
καρδία σοφοῦ εἰς δεξιὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ καρδία ἄφρονος εἰς ἀριστερὸν αὐτοῦ
The heart of the wise is at his right hand, but the heart of the fool is at his left.
Right and left hand imagery depicts the deep orientation of the wise and the fool rather than merely outward behavior.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σοφοῦwiseA1 GSM · σοφόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσοφός: meaning 'wise'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δεξιὸνrightA1A ASM · δεξιόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδεξιός: meaning 'right'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄφρονοςof a foolA3N GSM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of a fool'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀριστερὸνἀριστερὸνA1A ASM · ἀριστερόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀριστερός: meaning 'ἀριστερὸν'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
3
καί γε ἐν ὁδῷ ὅταν ἄφρων πορεύηται καρδία αὐτοῦ ὑστερήσει καὶ ἃ λογιεῖται πάντα ἀφροσύνη ἐστίν
And indeed on the road, whenever the fool goes, his heart will fail him, and whatever he thinks is all folly.
The fool exposes his own deficiency even in ordinary movement, because his thinking itself remains governed by folly.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
καίandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γεindeedX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὁδῷwayN2 DSF · ὁδόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὁδός: meaning 'way'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄφρωνfoolA3N NSM · ἄφρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πορεύηταιπορεύηταιV1 PMS3S · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπορεύομαι: meaning 'πορεύηται'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὑστερήσειwill failVF FAI3S · ὑστερέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὑστερέω: meaning 'will fail'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἃwho / whichRR APN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἃ: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
λογιεῖταιthinksVF2 FMI3S · λογίζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλογίζομαι: meaning 'thinks'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πάνταallA3 ASM · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀφροσύνηfollyN1 NSF · ἀφροσύνηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀφροσύνη: meaning 'folly'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστίνbeV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
4
ἐὰν πνεῦμα τοῦ ἐξουσιάζοντος ἀναβῇ ἐπὶ σέ τόπον σου μὴ ἀφῇς ὅτι ἴαμα καταπαύσει ἁμαρτίας μεγάλας
If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, because healing will calm great sins.
Qoheleth counsels composure under provoked authority, since patient restraint can quiet serious offense.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἐὰνifC · ἐάνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἐὰν: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πνεῦμαspiritN3M NSN · πνεῦμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπνεῦμα: meaning 'spirit'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐξουσιάζοντοςrulerV1 · παπγσμ ἐξουσιάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπγσμ ἐξουσιάζω: meaning 'ruler'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀναβῇgo upVZ AAS3S · βαίνω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyβαίνω + ἀνα: meaning 'go up'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σέyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσέ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τόπονplaceN2 ASM · τόποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτόπος: meaning 'place'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀφῇςlet goVH AAS2S · ἵημι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἵημι + ἀπο: meaning 'let go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἴαμαhealingN3M NSN · ἴαμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἴαμα: meaning 'healing'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καταπαύσειwill calmVF FAI3S · παύω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπαύω + κατα: meaning 'will calm'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἁμαρτίαςsinN1A APF · ἁμαρτίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἁμαρτία: meaning 'sin'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μεγάλαςgreatA1 APF · μέγαςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμέγας: meaning 'great'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
5
ἔστιν πονηρία ἣν εἶδον ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον ὡς ἀκούσιον ὃ ἐξῆλθεν ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ ἐξουσιάζοντος
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an involuntary error that went out from the face of the ruler:
The chapter turns to a public disorder that appears under the sun as though it were a ruler's grave mistake.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πονηρίαponeriaN1A NSF · πονηρίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπονηρία: meaning 'poneria'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἣνwho / whomRR ASF · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἣν: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἶδονI sawVBI AAI1S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁράω: meaning 'I saw'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὑπὸbyP · ὑπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὸ: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἥλιονsunN2 ASM · ἥλιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἥλιος: meaning 'sun'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀκούσιονinvoluntaryA1B NSN · ἀκούσιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀκούσιος: meaning 'involuntary'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὃwhichRR NSN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃ: meaning 'which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐξῆλθενwent outVBI AAI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἔρχομαι + ἐκ: meaning 'went out'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀπὸfrom / ofP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
προσώπουface / presenceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'face'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐξουσιάζοντοςrulerV1 · παπγσμ ἐξουσιάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπγσμ ἐξουσιάζω: meaning 'ruler'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
6
ἐδόθη ὁ ἄφρων ἐν ὕψεσι μεγάλοις καὶ πλούσιοι ἐν ταπεινῷ καθήσονται
the fool was given places of great height, while the rich will sit in a low place.
The disorder is named directly: fools are elevated while those of substance are humiliated.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἐδόθηwas givenVCI API3S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδίδωμι: meaning 'was given'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄφρωνfoolA3N NSM · ἄφρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὕψεσιὕψεσιN3E DPM · ὕψοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὕψος: meaning 'ὕψεσι'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μεγάλοιςmegaloisA1 DPM · μέγαςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμέγας: meaning 'megalois'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πλούσιοιrichA1A NPM · πλούσιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπλούσιος: meaning 'rich'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ταπεινῷthe lowlyA1 DSM · ταπεινόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceταπεινός: meaning 'the lowly'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καθήσονταιshall sitVF FMI3P · ἵημι + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἵημι + κατα: meaning 'shall sit'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
7
εἶδον δούλους ἐφ' ἵππους καὶ ἄρχοντας πορευομένους ὡς δούλους ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς
I saw slaves upon horses and rulers walking on the ground like slaves.
The social inversion is intensified by an image in which servants ride and rulers walk like servants.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
εἶδονI sawVBI AAI1S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁράω: meaning 'I saw'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δούλουςservantN2 APM · δοῦλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδοῦλος: meaning 'servant'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐφ'uponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐφ': meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἵππουςhorseN2 APM · ἵπποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἵππος: meaning 'horse'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄρχονταςruler / chiefN3 APM · ἄρχωνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄρχων: meaning 'ruler'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πορευομένουςπορευομένουςV1 · πμπαπμ πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπαπμ πορεύομαι: meaning 'πορευομένους'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δούλουςservantN2 APM · δοῦλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδοῦλος: meaning 'servant'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandN1 GSF · γῆgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγῆ: meaning 'land'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
8
ὁ ὀρύσσων βόθρον ἐν αὐτῷ ἐμπεσεῖται καὶ καθαιροῦντα φραγμόν δήξεται αὐτὸν ὄφις
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite the one tearing down a wall.
Actions that unsettle structures can recoil on the one who undertakes them.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀρύσσωνdiggingV1 · παπνσμ ὀρύσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ὀρύσσω: meaning 'digging'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
βόθρονpitN2 ASM · βόθροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβόθρος: meaning 'pit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐμπεσεῖταιfall intoVF FMI3S · πίπτω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπίπτω + ἐν: meaning 'fall into'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καθαιροῦνταtearing downV2 · παπασμ αἱρέω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασμ αἱρέω + κατα: meaning 'tearing down'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
φραγμόνwallN2 ASM · φραγμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφραγμός: meaning 'wall'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
δήξεταιwill biteVF FMI3S · δάκνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureδάκνω: meaning 'will bite'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτὸνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὄφιςserpentN3I NSM · ὄφιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄφις: meaning 'serpent'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
9
ἐξαίρων λίθους διαπονηθήσεται ἐν αὐτοῖς σχίζων ξύλα κινδυνεύσει ἐν αὐτοῖς
He who lifts stones will be hurt by them; he who splits wood will be endangered by it.
Even necessary labor carries risk, so the worker is reminded that tasks demand care and cost.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἐξαίρωνἐξαίρωνV1 · παπνσμ αἴρω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ αἴρω + ἐκ: meaning 'ἐξαίρων'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λίθουςstoneN2 APM · λίθοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλίθος: meaning 'stone'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
διαπονηθήσεταιwill be hurtVC FPI3S · πονέω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπονέω + δια: meaning 'will be hurt'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτοῖςthemRD DPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
σχίζωνsplittingV1 · παπνσμ σχίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ σχίζω: meaning 'splitting'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ξύλαtimber / woodN2N APN · ξύλονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationξύλον: meaning 'timber'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
κινδυνεύσειwill be endangeredVF FAI3S · κινδυνεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκινδυνεύω: meaning 'will be endangered'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτοῖςthemRD DPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
10
ἐὰν ἐκπέσῃ τὸ σιδήριον καὶ αὐτὸς πρόσωπον ἐτάραξεν καὶ δυνάμεις δυναμώσει καὶ περισσεία τοῦ ἀνδρείου σοφία
If the iron falls dull and he has disturbed its face, then he must strengthen his powers; and wisdom is the greater advantage for the valiant man.
Dull tools require greater force, and the saying argues that wisdom supplies the advantage that raw exertion lacks.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἐὰνifC · ἐάνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἐὰν: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκπέσῃfalls offVA AAS3S · πίπτω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπίπτω + ἐκ: meaning 'falls off'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σιδήριονironN2N NSN · σιδήριονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσιδήριον: meaning 'iron'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτὸςheRD NSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸς: meaning 'he'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πρόσωπονface / presenceN2N ASN · πρόσωπονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'face'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐτάραξενthrew into confusionVAI AAI3S · ταράσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristταράσσω: meaning 'threw into confusion'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δυνάμειςforcesN3I APF · δύναμιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδύναμις: meaning 'forces'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
δυναμώσειwill strengthenVF FAI3S · δυναμόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureδυναμόω: meaning 'will strengthen'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
περισσείαsurplusN1A NSF · περισσείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπερισσεία: meaning 'surplus'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνδρείουvaliantA1A GSM · ἀνδρεῖοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀνδρεῖος: meaning 'valiant'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σοφίαwisdomN1A NSF · σοφίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
11
ἐὰν δάκῃ ὁ ὄφις ἐν οὐ ψιθυρισμῷ καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν περισσεία τῷ ἐπᾴδοντι
If the serpent bites when there is no whispering charm, there is no advantage for the enchanter.
Skill applied too late has no benefit, just as a charmer gains nothing after the serpent has already struck.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἐὰνifC · ἐάνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἐὰν: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δάκῃbitesVB AAS3S · δάκνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyδάκνω: meaning 'bites'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄφιςserpentN3I NSM · ὄφιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄφις: meaning 'serpent'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
οὐnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ψιθυρισμῷwhispering charmN2 DSM · ψιθυρισμόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceψιθυρισμός: meaning 'whispering charm'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
περισσείαsurplusN1A NSF · περισσείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπερισσεία: meaning 'surplus'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῷofRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπᾴδοντιenchanterV1 · παπδσμ ᾄδω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπδσμ ᾄδω + ἐπι: meaning 'enchanter'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
12
λόγοι στόματος σοφοῦ χάρις καὶ χείλη ἄφρονος καταποντιοῦσιν αὐτόν
The words of a wise mouth are grace, but the lips of a fool will swallow him up.
Graceful wise speech is set against self-destructive foolish speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
λόγοιthing / wordN2 NPM · λόγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλόγος: meaning 'thing'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
στόματοςmouthN3M GSN · στόμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σοφοῦwiseA1 GSM · σοφόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσοφός: meaning 'wise'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
χάριςgraceN3 NSF · χάριςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχάρις: meaning 'grace'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χείληlipN3E NPN · χεῖλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχεῖλος: meaning 'lip'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄφρονοςof a foolA3N GSM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of a fool'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καταποντιοῦσινwill swallow upVF2 FAI3P · ποντίζω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureποντίζω + κατα: meaning 'will swallow up'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτόνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
13
ἀρχὴ λόγων στόματος αὐτοῦ ἀφροσόνη καὶ ἐσχάτη στόματος αὐτοῦ περιφέρεια πονηρά
The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, and the end of his mouth is wicked madness.
The fool's speech grows worse as it proceeds, moving from folly at the start to wicked madness at the end.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀρχὴdominionsN1 NSF · ἀρχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀρχή: meaning 'dominions'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
λόγωνthing / wordN2 GPM · λόγοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλόγος: meaning 'thing'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
στόματοςmouthN3M GSN · στόμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀφροσόνηἀφροσόνηN1 NSF · ἀφροσόνηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀφροσόνη: meaning 'ἀφροσόνη'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐσχάτηlastA1 NSF · ἔσχατοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔσχατος: meaning 'last'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
στόματοςmouthN3M GSN · στόμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
περιφέρειαconfusionN1A NSF · περιφέρειαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπεριφέρεια: meaning 'confusion'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πονηράgrievousA1A NSF · πονηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπονηρός: meaning 'grievous'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
14
καὶ ὁ ἄφρων πληθύνει λόγους οὐκ ἔγνω ὁ ἄνθρωπος τί τὸ γενόμενον καὶ τί τὸ ἐσόμενον ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ τίς ἀναγγελεῖ αὐτῷ
And the fool multiplies words; man does not know what has happened, and what will happen after him, who can tell him?
Verbose folly keeps talking in spite of human ignorance about what has been or will be.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄφρωνfoolA3N NSM · ἄφρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πληθύνειπληθύνειV1 PAI3S · πληθύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπληθύνω: meaning 'πληθύνει'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λόγουςwordN2 APM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλόγος: meaning 'word'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔγνωlearnedVZI AAI3S · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγιγνώσκω: meaning 'learned'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωποςman / human beingN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τίwhatRI ASN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'what'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενόμενονγενόμενονVB · αμπασν γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαμπασν γίγνομαι: meaning 'γενόμενον'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τίwhatRI ASN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'what'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐσόμενονἐσόμενονVF · φμπασν εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateφμπασν εἰμί: meaning 'ἐσόμενον'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὀπίσωafter / behindD · ὀπίσωadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τίςwho / whatRI NSM · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτίς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀναγγελεῖanaVF2 FAI3S · ἀγγέλλω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἀγγέλλω + ἀνα: meaning 'ana'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
15
μόχθος τῶν ἀφρόνων κοπώσει αὐτούς ὃς οὐκ ἔγνω τοῦ πορευθῆναι εἰς πόλιν
The toil of fools will weary them, because they do not know how to go to the city.
The fool is worn out even by the simplest practical navigation, becoming incapable of finding the city.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
μόχθοςmochthosN2 NSM · μόχθοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμόχθος: meaning 'mochthos'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῶνthe (who are)RA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
κοπώσειwill wearyVF FAI3S · κοπόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκοπόω: meaning 'will weary'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτούςthemRD APM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτούς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὃςwhoRR NSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔγνωlearnedVZI AAI3S · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγιγνώσκω: meaning 'learned'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πορευθῆναιgoVC APN · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπορεύομαι: meaning 'go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πόλινcityN3I ASF · πόλιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπόλις: meaning 'city'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
16
οὐαί σοι πόλις ἧς ὁ βασιλεύς σου νεώτερος καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντές σου ἐν πρωίᾳ ἐσθίουσιν
Woe to you, O city, whose king is young and whose rulers eat in the morning.
A civic lament is pronounced over a land ruled by immature appetite and undisciplined officials.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
οὐαίalasI · οὐαίadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐαί: meaning 'alas'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σοιto youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πόλιςcityN3I NSF · πόλιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπόλις: meaning 'city'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἧςwho / whichRR GSF · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἧς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεύςkingN3V NSM · βασιλεύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: meaning 'king'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
νεώτεροςyoungestA1A NSMC · νέοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceνέος: meaning 'youngest'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχοντέςcommanders / rulersN3 NPM · ἄρχωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄρχων: meaning 'commanders'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πρωίᾳmorningN1A DSF · πρωί̈αdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπρωί̈α: meaning 'morning'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐσθίουσινἐσθίουσινV1 PAI3P · ἐσθίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἐσθίω: meaning 'ἐσθίουσιν'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
17
μακαρία σύ γῆ ἧς ὁ βασιλεύς σου υἱὸς ἐλευθέρων καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντές σου πρὸς καιρὸν φάγονται ἐν δυνάμει καὶ οὐκ αἰσχυνθήσονται
Blessed are you, O land, whose king is a son of free men and whose rulers eat at the proper time, in strength, and will not be ashamed.
By contrast, a blessed land has noble leadership and rulers whose eating is timely, disciplined, and strengthening.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
μακαρίαblessedA1A NSF · μακάριοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμακάριος: meaning 'blessed'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σύyouRP NS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσύ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
γῆlandN1 NSF · γῆnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγῆ: meaning 'land'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἧςwho / whichRR GSF · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἧς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεύςkingN3V NSM · βασιλεύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: meaning 'king'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
υἱὸςsonN2 NSM · υἱόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceυἱός: meaning 'son'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐλευθέρωνfree menA1A GPM · ἐλεύθεροςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐλεύθερος: meaning 'free men'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχοντέςcommanders / rulersN3 NPM · ἄρχωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄρχων: meaning 'commanders'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
καιρὸνappointed time / seasonN2 ASM · καιρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαιρός: meaning 'appointed time'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
φάγονταιeatsVF FMI3P · ἐσθίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἐσθίω: meaning 'eats'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δυνάμειstrengthN3I DSF · δύναμιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceδύναμις: meaning 'strength'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αἰσχυνθήσονταιaischynoVC FPI3P · αἰσχύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureαἰσχύνω: meaning 'aischyno'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
18
ἐν ὀκνηρίαις ταπεινωθήσεται ἡ δόκωσις καὶ ἐν ἀργίᾳ χειρῶν στάξει ἡ οἰκία
Through laziness the rafters will be brought low, and through idleness of hands the house will drip.
Neglect slowly ruins a house, making interior disorder visible in structural decay.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὀκνηρίαιςlazinessN1A DPF · ὀκνηρίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὀκνηρία: meaning 'laziness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ταπεινωθήσεταιhumbleVC FPI3S · ταπεινόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureταπεινόω: meaning 'humble'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δόκωσιςraftersN3I NSF · δόκωσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδόκωσις: meaning 'rafters'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀργίᾳἀργίᾳN1A DSF · ἀργίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀργία: meaning 'ἀργίᾳ'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
χειρῶνhandsN3 GPF · χείρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχείρ: meaning 'hands'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
στάξειwill dripVF FAI3S · στάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureστάζω: meaning 'will drip'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκίαοἰκίαN1A NSF · οἰκίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοἰκία: meaning 'οἰκία'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
19
εἰς γέλωτα ποιοῦσιν ἄρτον καὶ οἶνος εὐφραίνει ζῶντας καὶ τοῦ ἀργυρίου ἐπακούσεται σὺν τὰ πάντα
They make bread for laughter, and wine gladdens the living, and silver answers with everything together.
The saying notices the uses of bread, wine, and silver in social life, though the line retains Qoheleth's ironic economy of provision and pleasure.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γέλωταgelosN3T ASM · γέλωςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγέλως: meaning 'gelos'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ποιοῦσινdo / makeV2 PAI3P · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processποιέω: meaning 'do'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄρτονbreadN2 ASM · ἄρτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄρτος: meaning 'bread'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἶνοςwineN2 NSM · οἶνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοἶνος: meaning 'wine'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εὐφραίνειrejoiceV1 PAI3S · εὐφραίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεὐφραίνω: meaning 'rejoice'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ζῶνταςlivingV3 · παπαπμ ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπμ ζάω: meaning 'living'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀργυρίουsilverN2N GSN · ἀργύριονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀργύριον: meaning 'silver'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπακούσεταιwill listenVF FMI3S · ἀκούω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἀκούω + ἐπι: meaning 'will listen'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σὺνwithP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
20
καί γε ἐν συνειδήσει σου βασιλέα μὴ καταράσῃ καὶ ἐν ταμιείοις κοιτώνων σου μὴ καταράσῃ πλούσιον ὅτι πετεινὸν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀποίσει σὺν τὴν φωνήν καὶ ὁ ἔχων τὰς πτέρυγας ἀπαγγελεῖ λόγον
And indeed, in your conscience do not curse a king, and in the chambers of your bed do not curse a rich man, because a bird of heaven will carry the voice, and the winged creature will report the matter.
Even private curses are unsafe because speech finds ways to travel beyond the chamber and return as exposure.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
καίandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γεindeedX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
συνειδήσεισυνειδήσειN3I DSF · συνείδησιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσυνείδησις: meaning 'συνειδήσει'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
βασιλέαkingN3V ASM · βασιλεύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβασιλεύς: meaning 'king'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταράσῃκαταράσῃVA AMS2S · ῥάομαι + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyῥάομαι + κατα: meaning 'καταράσῃ'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ταμιείοιςinner roomN2N DPN · ταμιεῖονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceταμιεῖον: meaning 'inner room'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κοιτώνωνκοιτώνωνN3N GPM · κοιτώνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκοιτών: meaning 'κοιτώνων'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταράσῃκαταράσῃVA AMS2S · ῥάομαι + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyῥάομαι + κατα: meaning 'καταράσῃ'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πλούσιονπλούσιονA1A ASM · πλούσιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπλούσιος: meaning 'πλούσιον'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πετεινὸνπετεινὸνN2N NSN · πετεινόνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπετεινόν: meaning 'πετεινὸν'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανοῦheavenN2 GSM · οὐρανόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationοὐρανός: meaning 'heaven'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀποίσειwill carry awayVF FAI3S · φέρω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureφέρω + ἀπο: meaning 'will carry away'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σὺνwithP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνήνvoiceN1 ASF · φωνήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφωνή: meaning 'voice'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔχωνhaveV1 · παπνσμ ἔχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ἔχω: meaning 'have'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὰςtheRA APF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πτέρυγαςwingsN3G APF · πτέρυξaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπτέρυξ: meaning 'wings'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀπαγγελεῖwill declareVF2 FAI3S · ἀγγέλλω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἀγγέλλω + ἀπο: meaning 'will declare'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λόγονwordN2 ASM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλόγος: meaning 'word'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.