Ecclesiastes 2 — Greek, Translation, Interlinear & Discourse

εἶπον ἐγὼ ἐν καρδίᾳ μου δεῦρο δὴ πειράσω σε ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ καὶ ἰδὲ ἐν ἀγαθῷ καὶ ἰδοὺ καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης

I said in my heart, 'Come now, I will test you with gladness; then look into what is good.' And behold, this too is vanity.

Interior resolveasyndeton

Qoheleth opens the chapter by addressing his own heart and framing pleasure as a deliberate experiment rather than a naive surrender to appetite.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

εἶπονsaidVBI AAI3P · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεἶπον: meaning 'said'; 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.

ἐγὼIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; 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.

καρδίᾳheartN1A DSF · καρδίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

δεῦροcomeD · δεῦροadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδεῦρο: meaning 'come'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δὴnow / indeedX · δήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὴ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

πειράσωtestVF FAI1S · πειράζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπειράζω: meaning 'test'; 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.

σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: 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.

εὐφροσύνῃgladnessN1 DSF · εὐφροσύνηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεὐφροσύνη: meaning 'gladness'; 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.

ἰδὲseeVB AAD2S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὁράω: meaning 'see'; 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.

ἀγαθῷgoodA1 DSM · ἀγαθόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; 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.

ἰδοὺἰδούI · ἰδούadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: meaning 'ἰδού'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

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.

τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ματαιότηςvanityN3T NSF · ματαιότηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceματαιότης: meaning 'vanity'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

2

τῷ γέλωτι εἶπα περιφορὰν καὶ τῇ εὐφροσύνῃ τί τοῦτο ποιεῖς

To laughter I said, 'Confusion!' and to gladness, 'What is this doing?'

Immediate verdictasyndeton

Laughter and gladness are interrogated directly, and the speaker finds that amusement cannot explain its own lasting value.

Word-by-word analysis· 10 words

τῷfor theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γέλωτιin laughterN3T DSM · γέλωςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceγέλως: meaning 'in laughter'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

εἶπαεἶπονVAI AAI1S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεἶπον: meaning 'εἶπον'; 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.

περιφορὰνconfusionN1A ASF · περιφοράaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπεριφορά: meaning 'confusion'; 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.

τῇthatRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

εὐφροσύνῃgladnessN1 DSF · εὐφροσύνηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεὐφροσύνη: meaning 'gladness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

τίwhat? who?RI ASN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'what? 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.

τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ποιεῖςdoV2 PAI2S · 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.

3

κατεσκεψάμην ἐν καρδίᾳ μου τοῦ ἑλκύσαι εἰς οἶνον τὴν σάρκα μου καὶ καρδία μου ὡδήγησεν ἐν σοφίᾳ καὶ τοῦ κρατῆσαι ἐπ' ἀφροσύνῃ ἕως οὗ ἴδω ποῖον τὸ ἀγαθὸν τοῖς υἱοῖς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὃ ποιήσουσιν ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον ἀριθμὸν ἡμερῶν ζωῆς αὐτῶν

I searched in my heart to draw my flesh toward wine, while my heart guided me with wisdom, and to lay hold of folly until I might see what is good for the children of men to do under the sun during the numbered days of their life.

Programmatic inquiryasyndeton

The experiment broadens into controlled indulgence: wine and folly are tested under the supervision of wisdom in order to discover humanity's true good.

Word-by-word analysis· 41 words

κατεσκεψάμηνI searched outVAI AMI1S · σκέπτομαι + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristσκέπτομαι + κατα: meaning 'I searched 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.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

καρδίᾳheartN1A DSF · καρδίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

τοῦtoRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἑλκύσαιto drawVA AAN · ἕλκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἕλκω: meaning 'to draw'; 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.

οἶνονwineN2 ASM · οἶνοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοἶνος: meaning 'wine'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

σάρκαfleshN3K ASF · σάρξaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσάρξ: meaning 'flesh'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; 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.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ὡδήγησενleadVAI AAI3S · ὁδηγέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁδηγέω: meaning 'lead'; 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.

σοφίᾳwisdomN1A DSF · σοφίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; 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.

τοῦtoRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

κρατῆσαιto masterVA AAN · κρατέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementκρατέω: meaning 'to master'; 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.

ἐπ'uponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπ': meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

ἀφροσύνῃby follyN1 DSF · ἀφροσύνηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀφροσύνη: meaning 'by folly'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

ἕωςuntilD · ἕωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως: meaning 'until'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὗwhereRR GSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationοὗ: meaning 'where'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ἴδωseeVB AAS1S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyὁράω: meaning 'see'; 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.

ποῖονwhat sort ofA1A ASN · ποῖοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationποῖος: meaning 'what sort of'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀγαθὸνagathonA1 ASN · ἀγαθόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀγαθός: meaning 'agathon'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

τοῖςfor theRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

υἱοῖςsonN2 DPM · υἱόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceυἱός: meaning 'son'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

τοῦof theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀνθρώπουmanN2 GSM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

ὃwhich / whoRR NSM · 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.

ποιήσουσινdo / makeVF FAI3P · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureποιέω: 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.

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.

ἀριθμὸνnumberN2 ASM · ἀριθμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀριθμός: meaning 'number'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

ἡμερῶνdayN1A GPF · ἡμέραgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἡμέρα: meaning 'day'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

ζωῆςlifeN1 GSF · ζωήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζωή: meaning 'life'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

4

ἐμεγάλυνα ποίημά μου ᾠκοδόμησά μοι οἴκους ἐφύτευσά μοι ἀμπελῶνας

I magnified my work: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.

Royal accumulationasyndeton

The chapter moves from inner testing to outward accomplishment, beginning the catalogue of works that advertise magnificence and control.

Word-by-word analysis· 9 words

ἐμεγάλυναI magnifiedVAI AAI1S · μεγαλύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristμεγαλύνω: meaning 'I magnified'; 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.

ποίημάworkN3M ASN · ποίημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationποίημα: meaning 'work'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ᾠκοδόμησάI builtVAI AAI1S · οἰκοδομέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristοἰκοδομέω: meaning 'I built'; 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

οἴκουςhousesN2 APM · οἶκοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοἶκος: meaning 'houses'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

ἐφύτευσάI plantedVAI AAI1S · φυτεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristφυτεύω: meaning 'I planted'; 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ἀμπελῶναςampelonasN3W APM · ἀμπελώνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀμπελών: meaning 'ampelonas'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

5

ἐποίησά μοι κήπους καὶ παραδείσους καὶ ἐφύτευσα ἐν αὐτοῖς ξύλον πᾶν καρποῦ

I made for myself gardens and parks, and I planted in them every kind of fruit tree.

Royal accumulationasyndeton

Cultivated beauty and abundance extend the speaker's program, showing pleasure sought through ordered landscapes and fertility.

Word-by-word analysis· 12 words

ἐποίησάdo / makeVAI AAI1S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

κήπουςgardensN2 APM · κῆποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκῆπος: meaning 'gardens'; 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.

παραδείσουςparksN2 APM · παράδεισοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαράδεισος: meaning 'parks'; 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.

ἐφύτευσαplantVAI AAI1S · φυτεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristφυτεύω: meaning 'plant'; 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.

αὐτοῖςto themRD DPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'to 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.

ξύλονwood, stakeN2N ASN · ξύλονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationξύλον: meaning 'wood, stake'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

πᾶνall / everyA3 ASN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

καρποῦfruitN2 GSM · καρπόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκαρπός: meaning 'fruit'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

6

ἐποίησά μοι κολυμβήθρας ὑδάτων τοῦ ποτίσαι ἀπ' αὐτῶν δρυμὸν βλαστῶντα ξύλα

I made for myself pools of water, to water from them a grove sprouting trees.

Royal accumulationasyndeton

The waterworks make the scale of the project tangible: nature itself is managed to sustain the speaker's planted world.

Word-by-word analysis· 11 words

ἐποίησάdo / makeVAI AAI1S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

κολυμβήθραςpoolsN1A APF · κολυμβήθραaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκολυμβήθρα: meaning 'pools'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

ὑδάτωνὕδωρN3T GPN · ὕδωρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὕδωρ: meaning 'ὕδωρ'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

τοῦtoRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ποτίσαιto give drinkVA AAN · ποτίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementποτίζω: meaning 'to give drink'; 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.

ἀπ'fromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπ': meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

δρυμὸνforestN2 ASM · δρυμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδρυμός: meaning 'forest'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

βλαστῶνταsproutingV3 · παπασμ βλαστάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασμ βλαστάω: meaning 'sprouting'; 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.

7

ἐκτησάμην δούλους καὶ παιδίσκας καὶ οἰκογενεῖς ἐγένοντό μοι καί γε κτῆσις βουκολίου καὶ ποιμνίου πολλὴ ἐγένετό μοι ὑπὲρ πάντας τοὺς γενομένους ἔμπροσθέν μου ἐν Ιερουσαλημ

I acquired male slaves and female slaves, and homeborn servants came to be mine; I also had great possessions of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.

Royal accumulationasyndeton

Household labor and livestock expand the portrait of wealth, making the speaker's estate surpass earlier Jerusalem exemplars.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words

ἐκτησάμηνyou acquired / purchasedVAI AMI1S · κτάομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκτάομαι: meaning 'you acquired'; 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.

δούλουςδοῦλοςN2 APM · δοῦλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδοῦλος: meaning 'δοῦλος'; 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.

παιδίσκαςπαιδίσκηN1 APF · παιδίσκηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαιδίσκη: meaning 'παιδίσκη'; 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.

οἰκογενεῖςhomeborn servantsA3H NPM · οἰκογενήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοἰκογενής: meaning 'homeborn servants'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

ἐγένοντόcame to beVBI AMI3P · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'came to 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

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.

κτῆσιςpossessionN3I NSF · κτῆσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκτῆσις: meaning 'possession'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

βουκολίουof cattleN2 GSN · βουλόλιονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationβουλόλιον: meaning 'of cattle'; 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.

ποιμνίουof flocksN2 GSN · ποίμνιονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationποίμνιον: meaning 'of flocks'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

πολλὴgreatA1 NSF · πολύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπολύς: meaning 'great'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

ἐγένετόit happenedVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'it happened'; 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ὑπὲρunder / byP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'under'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

πάνταςallA3 APM · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γενομένουςwho were bornVB · αμπαπμ γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαμπαπμ γίγνομαι: meaning 'who were born'; 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.

ἔμπροσθένbeforeP · ἔμπροσθενpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἔμπροσθέν: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; 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.

ΙερουσαλημJerusalemD DSF · Ἰερουσαλήμadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastΙερουσαλημ: meaning 'Jerusalem'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

8

συνήγαγόν μοι καί γε ἀργύριον καὶ χρυσίον καὶ περιουσιασμοὺς βασιλέων καὶ τῶν χωρῶν ἐποίησά μοι ᾄδοντας καὶ ᾀδούσας καὶ ἐντρυφήματα υἱῶν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου οἰνοχόον καὶ οἰνοχόας

I gathered for myself also silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and provinces; I made for myself male singers and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men, a cupbearer and cupbearers.

Royal accumulationκαί γε

Precious metals, political treasure, and curated entertainment complete the inventory of pleasures and status goods.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

συνήγαγόνI gatheredVBI AAI1S · ἄγω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἄγω + συν: meaning 'I gathered'; 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

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.

ἀργύριονmoneyN2N ASN · ἀργύριονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀργύριον: meaning 'money'; 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.

χρυσίονgoldN2N ASN · χρυσίονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχρυσίον: meaning 'gold'; 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.

περιουσιασμοὺςspecial treasuresN2 APM · περιουσιασμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπεριουσιασμός: meaning 'special treasures'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

βασιλέωνof kingsN3V GPM · βασιλεύςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationβασιλεύς: meaning 'of kings'; 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.

τῶνtheRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χωρῶνprovinceN1A GPF · χώραgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχώρα: meaning 'province'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

ἐποίησάdo / makeVAI AAI1S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ᾄδονταςsingV1 · παπαπμ ᾄδωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπμ ᾄδω: meaning 'sing'; 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.

ᾀδούσαςfemale singersV1 · παπαπφ ᾄδωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπφ ᾄδω: meaning 'female singers'; 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.

ἐντρυφήματαdelightsN3M APN · ἐντρύφημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐντρύφημα: meaning 'delights'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

υἱῶνsonsN2 GPM · υἱόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationυἱός: meaning 'sons'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

τοῦof theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀνθρώπουmanN2 GSM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

οἰνοχόονcupbearerA1B ASM · οἰνοχόοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοἰνοχόος: meaning 'cupbearer'; 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.

οἰνοχόαςcupbearersA1B APF · οἰνοχόοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοἰνοχόος: meaning 'cupbearers'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

9

καὶ ἐμεγαλύνθην καὶ προσέθηκα παρὰ πάντας τοὺς γενομένους ἔμπροσθέν μου ἐν Ιερουσαλημ καί γε σοφία μου ἐστάθη μοι

And I became great and increased beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem; also my wisdom stood by me.

Retrospective summaryκαί γε

The catalogue pauses so the speaker can summarize his surpassing greatness while noting that wisdom still remained alongside his acquisitions.

Word-by-word analysis· 18 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.

ἐμεγαλύνθηνI became greatVCI API1S · μεγαλύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristμεγαλύνω: meaning 'I became great'; 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.

προσέθηκαI increasedVAI AAI1S · τίθημι + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτίθημι + προς: meaning 'I increased'; 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.

παρὰbesideP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'beside'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

πάνταςallA3 APM · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γενομένουςwho were bornVB · αμπαπμ γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαμπαπμ γίγνομαι: meaning 'who were born'; 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.

ἔμπροσθένbeforeP · ἔμπροσθενpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἔμπροσθέν: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; 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.

ΙερουσαλημJerusalemN DSF · Ἰερουσαλήμnominal element functioning within the clause→ participant identificationΙερουσαλημ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as nominal element functioning within the clause.

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.

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.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ἐστάθηstood firmVCI API3S · ἵστημιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἵστημι: meaning 'stood firm'; 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.

μοιfrom meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'from me'; 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

καὶ πᾶν ὃ ᾔτησαν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου οὐχ ὑφεῖλον ἀπ' αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀπεκώλυσα τὴν καρδίαν μου ἀπὸ πάσης εὐφροσύνης ὅτι καρδία μου εὐφράνθη ἐν παντὶ μόχθῳ μου καὶ τοῦτο ἐγένετο μερίς μου ἀπὸ παντὸς μόχθου μου

And whatever my eyes asked, I did not withhold from them; I did not restrain my heart from any gladness, for my heart rejoiced in all my toil, and this became my portion from all my toil.

Measured concessionκαί

Qoheleth concedes a real, temporary enjoyment in labor: delight was experienced, even if only as a limited portion rather than a permanent gain.

Word-by-word analysis· 36 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.

πᾶνall / everyA3 ASN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

ὃwho / whichRR ASN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃ: 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.

ᾔτησανaskedVAI AAI3P · αἰτέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristαἰτέω: meaning 'asked'; 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.

οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὀφθαλμοίeyesN2 NPM · ὀφθαλμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀφθαλμός: meaning 'eyes'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

οὐχnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὑφεῖλονI withheldVBI AAI3P · αἱρέω + ὑποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristαἱρέω + ὑπο: meaning 'I withheld'; 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.

ἀπ'fromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπ': meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; 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.

ἀπεκώλυσαI restrainedVAI AAI1S · κωλύω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκωλύω + ἀπο: meaning 'I restrained'; 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.

τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

καρδίανheartN1A ASF · καρδίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

πάσηςall / everyA1S GSF · πᾶςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

εὐφροσύνηςrejoicingN1 GSF · εὐφροσύνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationεὐφροσύνη: meaning 'rejoicing'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

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.

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.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

εὐφράνθηrejoicedVC API3S · εὐφραίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεὐφραίνω: meaning 'rejoiced'; 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.

παντὶeveryA3 DSM · πᾶςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: meaning 'every'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

μόχθῳtoilN2 DSM · μόχθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμόχθος: meaning 'toil'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; 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.

τοῦτοthisRD NSN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ἐγένετοthere aroseVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'there arose'; 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.

μερίςportionN3D NSF · μερίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμερίς: meaning 'portion'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

παντὸςallA3 GSM · πᾶςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

μόχθουof toilN2 GSM · μόχθοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμόχθος: meaning 'of toil'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

11

καὶ ἐπέβλεψα ἐγὼ ἐν πᾶσιν ποιήμασίν μου οἷς ἐποίησαν αἱ χεῖρές μου καὶ ἐν μόχθῳ ᾧ ἐμόχθησα τοῦ ποιεῖν καὶ ἰδοὺ τὰ πάντα ματαιότης καὶ προαίρεσις πνεύματος καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν περισσεία ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον

And I looked upon all my works that my hands had made and on the toil in which I had labored to do them, and behold, all was vanity and a pursuit of spirit, and there is no surplus under the sun.

Evaluationκαὶ ἰδού

The retrospective gaze yields the chapter's first large verdict: the completed enterprise has no enduring surplus and dissolves into vanity.

Word-by-word analysis· 34 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.

ἐπέβλεψαlookedVAI AAI1S · βλέπω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristβλέπω + ἐπι: meaning 'looked'; 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.

ἐγὼIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; 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.

πᾶσινallA3 DPN · πᾶςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

ποιήμασίνworksN3M DPN · ποίημαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceποίημα: meaning 'works'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

οἷςwhich / whoRR DPN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestοἷς: 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.

ἐποίησανdo / makeVAI AAI3P · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: 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.

αἱtheRA NPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χεῖρέςhandsN3 NPF · χείρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχείρ: meaning 'hands'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; 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.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.

μόχθῳtoilN2 DSM · μόχθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμόχθος: meaning 'toil'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.

ᾧwho / whichRR DSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestᾧ: 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.

ἐμόχθησαI laboredVAI AAI1S · μοχθέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristμοχθέω: meaning 'I labored'; 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.

τοῦtoRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ποιεῖνto makeV2 PAN · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementποιέω: meaning 'to make'; 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.

ἰδοὺἰδούI · ἰδούadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: meaning 'ἰδού'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὰtheRA NPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πάνταall thingsA3 NPN · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all things'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

ματαιότηςvanityN3T NSF · ματαιότηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceματαιότης: meaning 'vanity'; 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.

προαίρεσιςchasingN3I NSF · προαίρεσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπροαίρεσις: meaning 'chasing'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

πνεύματοςspiritN3M GSN · πνεῦμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπνεῦμα: meaning 'spirit'; 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.

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.

ἔστινbeV9 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.

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.

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.

12

καὶ ἐπέβλεψα ἐγὼ τοῦ ἰδεῖν σοφίαν καὶ περιφορὰν καὶ ἀφροσύνην ὅτι τίς ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὃς ἐπελεύσεται ὀπίσω τῆς βουλῆς τὰ ὅσα ἐποίησεν αὐτήν

And I turned to behold wisdom and confusion and folly; for what is the person who will come after the plan concerning all that it has already done?

Comparative turnκαί

Having judged pleasure and achievement, the speaker turns to compare wisdom, confusion, and folly in a more reflective mode.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 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.

ἐπέβλεψαlookedVAI AAI1S · βλέπω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristβλέπω + ἐπι: meaning 'looked'; 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.

ἐγὼIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.

τοῦtoRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἰδεῖνseeVB AAN · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementὁράω: meaning 'see'; 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.

σοφίανwisdomN1A ASF · σοφίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; 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.

περιφορὰνconfusionN1A ASF · περιφοράaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπεριφορά: meaning 'confusion'; 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.

ἀφροσύνηνfollyN1 ASF · ἀφροσύνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀφροσύνη: meaning 'folly'; 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.

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.

ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἄνθρωποςanthroposN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'anthropos'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.

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.

ἐπελεύσεταιwill come uponVF FMI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἔρχομαι + ἐπι: meaning 'will come upon'; 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.

ὀπίσωopisoD · ὀπίσωadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὀπίσω: meaning 'opiso'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βουλῆςcounselN1 GSF · βουλήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationβουλή: meaning 'counsel'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.

τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὅσαhow muchA1 APN · ὅσοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὅσος: meaning 'how much'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.

ἐποίησενhe madeVAI AAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'he made'; 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.

αὐτήνitRD ASF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'it'; 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

καὶ εἶδον ἐγὼ ὅτι ἔστιν περισσεία τῇ σοφίᾳ ὑπὲρ τὴν ἀφροσύνην ὡς περισσεία τοῦ φωτὸς ὑπὲρ τὸ σκότος

And I saw that wisdom has an advantage over folly, just as light has an advantage over darkness.

Qualified advantageκαί

Wisdom is not denied; it truly excels folly, though the chapter will soon test whether that advantage can survive death.

Word-by-word analysis· 18 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.

εἶδονseeVBI AAI1S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁράω: meaning 'see'; 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.