1
μὴ σπεῦδε ἐπὶ στόματί σου καὶ καρδία σου μὴ ταχυνάτω τοῦ ἐξενέγκαι λόγον πρὸ προσώπου τοῦ θεοῦ ὅτι ὁ θεὸς ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ καὶ σὺ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐπὶ τούτῳ ἔστωσαν οἱ λόγοι σου ὀλίγοι
Do not be hasty with your mouth, and let not your heart be quick to bring forth a word before God, because God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few.
Qoheleth grounds restraint in the distance between the Creator in heaven and the human speaker on earth, so reverence is shown by measured speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
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.
σπεῦδεbe hastyV1 PAD2S · σπεύδωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateσπεύδω: meaning 'be hasty'; 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.
στόματίmouthN3M DSN · στόμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; 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.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; 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.
ταχυνάτωlet be quickVA AAD3S · ταχύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateταχύνω: meaning 'let be quick'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐξενέγκαιto bring forthVA AAN · φέρω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementφέρω + ἐκ: meaning 'to bring forth'; 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.
πρὸbeforeP · πρόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
προσώπουfaceN2N 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.
τοῦto theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦof GodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'of God'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; 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.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανῷheavenN2 DSM · οὐρανόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceοὐρανός: meaning 'heaven'; 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.
σὺyouRP NS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσὺ: 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.
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.
γῆςearthN1 GSF · γῆgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγῆ: meaning 'earth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τούτῳthisRD DSM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestτούτῳ: 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.
ἔστωσανlet beV9 PAD3P · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateεἰμί: meaning 'let 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.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λόγοιwordsN2 NPM · λόγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλόγος: meaning 'words'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὀλίγοιfewA1 NPM · ὀλίγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀλίγος: meaning 'few'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
2
ὅτι παραγίνεται ἐνύπνιον ἐν πλήθει περισπασμοῦ καὶ φωνὴ ἄφρονος ἐν πλήθει λόγων
For a dream comes in a multitude of distractions, and the voice of a fool in a multitude of words.
As restless activity breeds confused dreams, so verbal excess reveals the fool rather than genuine wisdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παραγίνεταιcomesV1 PMI3S · γίγνομαι + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processγίγνομαι + παρα: meaning 'comes'; 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.
ἐνύπνιονdreamN2N NSN · ἐνύπνιονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐνύπνιον: meaning 'dream'; 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.
πλήθειmultitudeN3E DSN · πλῆθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπλῆθος: meaning 'multitude'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
περισπασμοῦdistractionN2 GSM · περισπασμόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπερισπασμός: meaning 'distraction'; 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.
φωνὴvoiceN1 NSF · φωνήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφωνή: meaning 'voice'; 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πλήθειmultitudeN3E DSN · πλῆθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπλῆθος: meaning 'multitude'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
λόγωνof wordsN2 GPM · λόγοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλόγος: meaning 'of words'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
3
καθὼς ἂν εὔξῃ εὐχὴν τῷ θεῷ μὴ χρονίσῃς τοῦ ἀποδοῦναι αὐτήν ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν θέλημα ἐν ἄφροσιν σὺν ὅσα ἐὰν εὔξῃ ἀπόδος
As often as you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, because there is no pleasure in fools; whatever you vow, pay it.
The saying presses worship away from impulsive promise and toward prompt, truthful fulfillment before God.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καθὼςasD · καθώςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθὼς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἂνeverX · ἄνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning 'ever'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὔξῃyou vowVA AMS2S · εὔχομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyεὔχομαι: meaning 'you vow'; 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.
εὐχὴνa vowN1 ASF · εὐχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὐχή: meaning 'a vow'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεῷto GodN2 DSM · θεόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceθεός: meaning 'to God'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
χρονίσῃςyou delayVA AAS2S · χρονίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyχρονίζω: meaning 'you delay'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀποδοῦναιto payVO AAN · δίδωμι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementδίδωμι + ἀπο: meaning 'to pay'; 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.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; 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.
θέλημαpleasureN3M NSN · θέλημαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθέλημα: meaning 'pleasure'; 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.
ἄφροσινin foolsA3N DPM · ἄφρωνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄφρων: meaning 'in fools'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
σὺνratherP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'rather'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὅσαwhatever thingsA1 APN · ὅσοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὅσος: meaning 'whatever things'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
εὔξῃyou vowVA AMS2S · εὔχομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyεὔχομαι: meaning 'you vow'; 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.
ἀπόδοςpayVO AAD2S · δίδωμι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateδίδωμι + ἀπο: meaning 'pay'; 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
ἀγαθὸν τὸ μὴ εὔξασθαί σε ἢ τὸ εὔξασθαί σε καὶ μὴ ἀποδοῦναι
It is better for you not to vow than to vow and not to pay.
Qoheleth prefers honest restraint to pious speech that collapses into unkept obligation.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἀγαθὸνbetterA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
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.
εὔξασθαίto vowVA AMN · εὔχομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεὔχομαι: meaning 'to vow'; 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.
σεfor youRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'for 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.
ἢthanC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'than'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὔξασθαίto vowVA AMN · εὔχομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεὔχομαι: meaning 'to vow'; 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.
σεfor youRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'for 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.
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.
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.
ἀποδοῦναιto payVO AAN · δίδωμι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementδίδωμι + ἀπο: meaning 'to pay'; 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.
5
μὴ δῷς τὸ στόμα σου τοῦ ἐξαμαρτῆσαι τὴν σάρκα σου καὶ μὴ εἴπῃς πρὸ προσώπου τοῦ θεοῦ ὅτι ἄγνοιά ἐστιν ἵνα μὴ ὀργισθῇ ὁ θεὸς ἐπὶ φωνῇ σου καὶ διαφθείρῃ τὰ ποιήματα χειρῶν σου
Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before God, ‘It was ignorance,’ lest God become angry at your voice and destroy the works of your hands.
Excuses after rash speech do not erase accountability; careless vows can turn worship into self-destruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
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.
δῷςyou giveVO AAS2S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyδίδωμι: meaning 'you give'; 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 ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στόμαmouthN3M ASN · στόμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐξαμαρτῆσαιto cause to sinVA AAN · ἁμαρτάνω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἁμαρτάνω + ἐκ: meaning 'to cause to sin'; 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.
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.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; 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.
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.
εἴπῃςyou sayVB AAS2S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyεἶπον: meaning 'you say'; 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.
πρὸbeforeP · πρόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
προσώπουfaceN2N 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.
τοῦto theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦof GodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'of God'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄγνοιάignoranceN1A NSF · ἄγνοιαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄγνοια: meaning 'ignorance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning '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.
ἵναlestC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'lest'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
ὀργισθῇhe be angryVS APS3S · ὀργίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyὀργίζω: meaning 'he be angry'; 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
φωνῇvoiceN1 DSF · φωνήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceφωνή: meaning 'voice'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; 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.
διαφθείρῃhe destroyV1 PAS3S · φθείρω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyφθείρω + δια: meaning 'he destroy'; 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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιήματαworksN3M APN · ποίημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationποίημα: meaning 'works'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
χειρῶνof handsN3 GPF · χείρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχείρ: meaning 'of hands'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
6
ὅτι ἐν πλήθει ἐνυπνίων καὶ ματαιότητες καὶ λόγοι πολλοί ὅτι σὺν τὸν θεὸν φοβοῦ
For in a multitude of dreams and vanities and many words, instead fear God.
The unit resolves its warnings by opposing empty religious excess with the simple, durable command to fear God.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; 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.
πλήθειmultitudeN3E DSN · πλῆθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπλῆθος: meaning 'multitude'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐνυπνίωνof dreamsN2N GPN · ἐνύπνιονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐνύπνιον: meaning 'of dreams'; 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.
ματαιότητεςvanitiesN3T NPF · ματαιότηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceματαιότης: meaning 'vanities'; 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.
λόγοιwordsN2 NPM · λόγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλόγος: meaning 'words'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πολλοίmanyA1 NPM · πολύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπολύς: meaning 'many'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺνratherP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'rather'; 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.
θεὸνGodN2 ASM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
φοβοῦfearV2 PMD2S · φοβέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateφοβέω: meaning 'fear'; 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
ἐὰν συκοφαντίαν πένητος καὶ ἁρπαγὴν κρίματος καὶ δικαιοσύνης ἴδῃς ἐν χώρᾳ μὴ θαυμάσῃς ἐπὶ τῷ πράγματι ὅτι ὑψηλὸς ἐπάνω ὑψηλοῦ φυλάξαι καὶ ὑψηλοὶ ἐπ' αὐτούς
If you see the oppression of the poor and the plundering of judgment and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter, because a high official keeps watch over another high one, and there are higher ones over them.
Qoheleth does not excuse injustice, but he treats it as unsurprising within layered systems of surveillance and power.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 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.
συκοφαντίανoppressionN1A ASF · συκοφαντίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσυκοφαντία: meaning 'oppression'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πένητοςof a poor manN3T GSM · πένηςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπένης: meaning 'of a poor man'; 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.
ἁρπαγὴνplunderingN1 ASF · ἁρπαγήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἁρπαγή: meaning 'plundering'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
κρίματοςof judgmentN3M GSN · κρίμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκρίμα: meaning 'of judgment'; 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.
δικαιοσύνηςof righteousnessN1 GSF · δικαιοσύνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδικαιοσύνη: meaning 'of righteousness'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἴδῃςyou seeVB AAS2S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyὁράω: meaning 'you 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.
χώρᾳprovinceN1A DSF · χώραdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχώρα: meaning 'province'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
θαυμάσῃςyou marvelVA AAS2S · θαυμάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyθαυμάζω: meaning 'you marvel'; 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.
τῷtheRA DSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πράγματιmatterN3M DSN · πρᾶγμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπρᾶγμα: meaning 'matter'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑψηλὸςa high oneA1 NSM · ὑψηλόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὑψηλός: meaning 'a high one'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπάνωaboveD · ἐπάνωadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἐπάνω: meaning 'above'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑψηλοῦof a high oneA1 GSM · ὑψηλόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὑψηλός: meaning 'of a high one'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
φυλάξαιkeeps watchVA AAN · φυλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementφυλάσσω: meaning 'keeps watch'; 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.
ὑψηλοὶhigh onesA1 NPM · ὑψηλόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὑψηλός: meaning 'high ones'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπ'overP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπ': meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
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.
8
καὶ περισσεία γῆς ἐν παντί ἐστι βασιλεὺς τοῦ ἀγροῦ εἰργασμένου
And the abundance of the earth is for everyone; a king depends on cultivated land.
Even royal power finally rests on the productive ground that sustains all, leveling ruler and subject beneath the same material dependence.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 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.
περισσείαabundanceN1A NSF · περισσείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπερισσεία: meaning 'abundance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
γῆςearthN1 GSF · γῆgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγῆ: meaning 'earth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
παντίfor allA3 DSM · πᾶςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: meaning 'for all'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐστιisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning '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.
βασιλεὺςkingN3V NSM · βασιλεύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: meaning 'king'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦto theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀγροῦof a fieldN2 GSM · ἀγρόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγρός: meaning 'of a field'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰργασμένουcultivatedVT · χμπγσμ ἐργάζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχμπγσμ ἐργάζομαι: meaning 'cultivated'; 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.
9
ἀγαπῶν ἀργύριον οὐ πλησθήσεται ἀργυρίου καὶ τίς ἠγάπησεν ἐν πλήθει αὐτῶν γένημα καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης
He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; and who has loved abundance and its produce? This too is vanity.
Desire for money has no natural stopping point; abundance does not answer appetite but extends it.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἀγαπῶνlovingV3 · παπνσμ ἀγαπάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ἀγαπάω: meaning 'loving'; 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.
ἀργύριονsilverN2N ASN · ἀργύριονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀργύριον: meaning 'silver'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
πλησθήσεταιwill be satisfiedVS FPI3S · πίμπλημιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπίμπλημι: meaning 'will be satisfied'; 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.
ἀργυρίουwith silverN2N GSN · ἀργύριονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀργύριον: meaning 'with silver'; 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.
τίςwhoRI 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.
ἠγάπησενhas lovedVAI AAI3S · ἀγαπάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἀγαπάω: meaning 'has loved'; 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.
πλήθειmultitudeN3E DSN · πλῆθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπλῆθος: meaning 'multitude'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αὐτῶνof themRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'of 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.
γένημαproduceN3M ASN · γένημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγένημα: meaning 'produce'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καίindeedC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'indeed'; 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 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.
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.
10
ἐν πλήθει τῆς ἀγαθωσύνης ἐπληθύνθησαν ἔσθοντες αὐτήν καὶ τί ἀνδρεία τῷ παρ' αὐτῆς ὅτι ἀλλ' ἢ τοῦ ὁρᾶν ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτοῦ
When goods increase, those who consume them increase, and what advantage is there for their owner except to look at them with his eyes?
Accumulation enlarges the circle of consumption, leaving the owner with spectacle more than true advantage.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 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.
πλήθειmultitudeN3E DSN · πλῆθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπλῆθος: meaning 'multitude'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀγαθωσύνηςof goodsN1 GSF · ἀγαθωσύνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγαθωσύνη: meaning 'of goods'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπληθύνθησανwere multipliedVCI API3P · πληθύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπληθύνω: meaning 'were multiplied'; 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.
ἔσθοντεςthose eatingV1 · παπνπμ ἐσθίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ἐσθίω: meaning 'those eating'; 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.
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 NSF · 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.
ἀνδρείαadvantageA1A NSF · ἀνδρεῖοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνδρεῖος: meaning 'advantage'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρ'forP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρ': meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτῆςitRD GSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: 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.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀλλ'exceptC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'except'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἢthanC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'than'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁρᾶνto seeV3 PAN · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementὁράω: meaning 'to 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.
ὀφθαλμοῖςwith eyesN2 DPM · ὀφθαλμόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: meaning 'with eyes'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
11
γλυκὺς ὕπνος τοῦ δούλου εἰ ὀλίγον καὶ εἰ πολὺ φάγεται καὶ τῷ ἐμπλησθέντι τοῦ πλουτῆσαι οὐκ ἔστιν ἀφίων αὐτὸν τοῦ ὑπνῶσαι
Sweet is the sleep of the servant, whether he eats little or much; but for the one made full by wealth there is no permission for him to sleep.
The laborer enjoys rest, while the wealthy person burdened by fullness finds that riches do not purchase peace.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
γλυκὺςsweetA3U NSM · γλυκύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγλυκύς: meaning 'sweet'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὕπνοςsleepN2 NSM · ὕπνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὕπνος: meaning 'sleep'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦto theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δούλουof a servantN2 GSM · δοῦλοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδοῦλος: meaning 'of a servant'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰwhetherC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'whether'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὀλίγονlittleA1 ASM · ὀλίγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὀλίγος: meaning 'little'; 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.
εἰwhetherC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'whether'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πολὺmuchA1P ASN · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπολύς: meaning 'much'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
φάγεταιhe eatsVF FMI3S · ἐσθίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἐσθίω: meaning 'he 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.
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.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐμπλησθέντιfor the one filledVS · αππδσμ πίμπλημι + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππδσμ πίμπλημι + ἐν: meaning 'for the one filled'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλουτῆσαιwith wealthVA AAN · πλουτέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπλουτέω: meaning 'with wealth'; 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.
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.
ἀφίωνallowingV7 · παπνσμ ἵημι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ἵημι + ἀπο: meaning 'allowing'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑπνῶσαιto sleepVA AAN · ὑπνόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementὑπνόω: meaning 'to sleep'; 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
ἔστιν ἀρρωστία ἣν εἶδον ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον πλοῦτον φυλασσόμενον τῷ παρ' αὐτοῦ εἰς κακίαν αὐτοῦ
There is a sickness that I have seen under the sun: wealth being kept by its owner for his harm.
Qoheleth labels hoarded wealth a diseased condition when possession turns inward and injures its possessor.
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.
ἀρρωστίαsicknessN1A NSF · ἀρρωστίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀρρωστία: meaning 'sickness'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἣνwhichRR ASF · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἣν: 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.
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.
ὑπὸunderP · ὑπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὸ: meaning 'under'; 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.
πλοῦτονwealthN2 ASM · πλοῦτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπλοῦτος: meaning 'wealth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
φυλασσόμενονbeing keptV1 · πμπασμ φυλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπασμ φυλάσσω: meaning 'being kept'; 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.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρ'forP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρ': meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
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.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
κακίανharmN1A ASF · κακίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκακία: meaning 'harm'; 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.
13
καὶ ἀπολεῖται ὁ πλοῦτος ἐκεῖνος ἐν περισπασμῷ πονηρῷ καὶ ἐγέννησεν υἱόν καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν χειρὶ αὐτοῦ οὐδέν
And that wealth will perish in a grievous distraction, and he fathered a son, yet there is nothing in his hand.
A bad turn of affairs can consume what was stored, leaving even an heir with nothing tangible to receive.
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.
ἀπολεῖταιwill perishVF2 FMI3S · ὀλλύω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὀλλύω + ἀπο: meaning 'will perish'; 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλοῦτοςwealthN2 NSM · πλοῦτοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπλοῦτος: meaning 'wealth'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐκεῖνοςthatRD NSM · ἐκεῖνοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐκεῖνος: meaning 'that'; 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.
περισπασμῷin distressN2 DSM · περισπασμόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπερισπασμός: meaning 'in distress'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πονηρῷevilA1A DSM · πονηρόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπονηρός: meaning 'evil'; 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.
ἐγέννησενhe fatheredVAI AAI3S · γεννάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγεννάω: meaning 'he fathered'; 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.
υἱόνa sonN2 ASM · υἱόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationυἱός: meaning 'a son'; 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.
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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χειρὶin handN3 DSF · χείρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχείρ: meaning 'in hand'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
οὐδένnothingA3 NSN · οὐδείςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοὐδείς: meaning 'nothing'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
14
καθὼς ἐξῆλθεν ἀπὸ γαστρὸς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ γυμνός ἐπιστρέψει τοῦ πορευθῆναι ὡς ἥκει καὶ οὐδὲν οὐ λήμψεται ἐν μόχθῳ αὐτοῦ ἵνα πορευθῇ ἐν χειρὶ αὐτοῦ
As he came forth naked from his mother's womb, so he will return, to go as he came, and he will take nothing from his labor that he may carry away in his hand.
The verse ties birth and death together to show how thoroughly toil fails to secure lasting possession.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καθὼςasD · καθώςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθὼς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξῆλθενhe came outVBI AAI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἔρχομαι + ἐκ: meaning 'he came 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.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γαστρὸςwombN3 GSF · γαστήρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγαστήρ: meaning 'womb'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μητρὸςof motherN3 GSF · μήτηρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμήτηρ: meaning 'of mother'; 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.
γυμνόςnakedA1 NSM · γυμνόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγυμνός: meaning 'naked'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπιστρέψειhe will returnVF FAI3S · στρέφω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureστρέφω + ἐπι: meaning 'he will return'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πορευθῆναιto goVC APN · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπορεύομαι: meaning 'to 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.
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.
ἥκειhe cameV1 PAI3S · ἥκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἥκω: meaning 'he came'; 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.
οὐδὲνnothingA3 ASN · οὐδείςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοὐδείς: meaning 'nothing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
λήμψεταιhe will takeVF FMI3S · λαμβάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλαμβάνω: meaning 'he will take'; 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.
μόχθῳlaborN2 DSM · μόχθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμόχθος: meaning 'labor'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
ἵναlestC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'lest'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πορευθῇhe may goVC APS3S · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπορεύομαι: meaning 'he may 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χειρὶin handN3 DSF · χείρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχείρ: meaning 'in hand'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
15
καί γε τοῦτο πονηρὰ ἀρρωστία ὥσπερ γὰρ παρεγένετο οὕτως καὶ ἀπελεύσεται καὶ τίς περισσεία αὐτῷ ᾗ μοχθεῖ εἰς ἄνεμον
And this too is a grievous sickness: exactly as he came, so also he will depart. And what surplus has he for all his laboring after the wind?
Qoheleth names the tragedy plainly: a life spent grasping ends with no retained advantage.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καίindeedC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'indeed'; 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 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.
πονηρὰgrievousA1A NSF · πονηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπονηρός: meaning 'grievous'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀρρωστίαsicknessN1A NSF · ἀρρωστίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀρρωστία: meaning 'sickness'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρεγένετοhe cameVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαι + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι + παρα: meaning 'he came'; 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.
οὕτωςthusD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'thus'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
ἀπελεύσεταιhe will departVF FMI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἔρχομαι + ἀπο: meaning 'he will depart'; 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.
τίςwhoRI NSF · 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.
περισσείαabundanceN1A NSF · περισσείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπερισσεία: meaning 'abundance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῷfor himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'for 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.
ᾗfor whichRR DSF · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestᾗ: meaning 'for 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.
μοχθεῖhe laborsV2 PAI3S · μοχθέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processμοχθέω: meaning 'he labors'; 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.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἄνεμονwindN2 ASM · ἄνεμοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνεμος: meaning 'wind'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
16
καί γε πᾶσαι αἱ ἡμέραι αὐτοῦ ἐν σκότει καὶ πένθει καὶ θυμῷ πολλῷ καὶ ἀρρωστίᾳ καὶ χόλῳ
Indeed, all his days are in darkness and mourning and much anger and sickness and resentment.
The interior cost of acquisitive striving is depicted as a life shadowed by grief, irritation, and bodily decline.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καίindeedC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'indeed'; 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.
πᾶσαιallA1S NPF · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αἱtheRA NPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραιdaysN1A NPF · ἡμέραnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἡμέρα: meaning 'days'; 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σκότειin darknessN3E DSN · σκότοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσκότος: meaning 'in darkness'; 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.
πένθειmourningN3E DSN · πένθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπένθος: meaning 'mourning'; 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.
θυμῷangerN2 DSM · θυμόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceθυμός: meaning 'anger'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πολλῷmuchA1 DSM · πολύςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπολύς: meaning 'much'; 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.
ἀρρωστίᾳsicknessN1A DSF · ἀρρωστίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀρρωστία: meaning 'sickness'; 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.
χόλῳresentmentN2 DSM · χόλοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχόλος: meaning 'resentment'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
17
ἰδοὺ ὃ εἶδον ἐγὼ ἀγαθόν ὅ ἐστιν καλόν τοῦ φαγεῖν καὶ τοῦ πιεῖν καὶ τοῦ ἰδεῖν ἀγαθωσύνην ἐν παντὶ μόχθῳ αὐτοῦ ᾧ ἐὰν μοχθῇ ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον ἀριθμὸν ἡμερῶν ζωῆς αὐτοῦ ὧν ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεός ὅτι αὐτὸ μερὶς αὐτοῦ
Behold, what I have seen to be good, what is beautiful, is to eat and to drink and to see goodness in all the labor with which one labors under the sun during the number of the days of his life that God has given him, because this is his portion.
After exposing the futility of possession, Qoheleth commends a limited but genuine good: receiving daily enjoyment within one's assigned span of life.
Word-by-word analysis· 40 words
ἰδοὺbeholdI · ἰδούadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: meaning 'behold'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὃwhatRR ASN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃ: 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.
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.
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.
ἀγαθόνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὅwhichRR NSN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὅ: 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.
ἐστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning '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.
καλόνbeautifulA1 NSN · καλόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαλός: meaning 'beautiful'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φαγεῖνto eatVB AAN · ἐσθίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἐσθίω: meaning 'to eat'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πιεῖνto drinkVB AAN · πίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπίνω: meaning 'to 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.
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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἰδεῖνto seeVB AAN · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementὁράω: meaning 'to 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.
ἀγαθωσύνηνgoodnessN1 ASF · ἀγαθωσύνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀγαθωσύνη: meaning 'goodness'; 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.
παντὶin allA3 DSM · πᾶςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: meaning 'in all'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μόχθῳlaborN2 DSM · μόχθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμόχθος: meaning 'labor'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
ᾧwith whichRR DSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestᾧ: meaning 'with 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.
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.
μοχθῇhe laborsV2 PAS3S · μοχθέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyμοχθέω: meaning 'he labors'; 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.
ὑπὸunderP · ὑπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὸ: meaning 'under'; 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.
ἡμερῶνof daysN1A GPF · ἡμέραgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἡμέρα: meaning 'of days'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ζωῆςof lifeN1 GSF · ζωήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζωή: meaning 'of life'; 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.
ὧνwhichRR GPM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationὧν: 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.
ἔδωκενgaveVAI AAI3S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδίδωμι: meaning 'gave'; 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.
αὐτῷfor himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'for 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτὸthisRD NSN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: 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.
μερὶςportionN3D NSF · μερίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμερίς: meaning 'portion'; 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.
18
καί γε πᾶς ὁ ἄνθρωπος ᾧ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεὸς πλοῦτον καὶ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ ἐξουσίασεν αὐτὸν τοῦ φαγεῖν ἀπ' αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῦ λαβεῖν τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐφρανθῆναι ἐν μόχθῳ αὐτοῦ τοῦτο δόμα θεοῦ ἐστιν
Indeed, every person to whom God has given wealth and possessions, and has empowered him to eat from them and to take his portion and to rejoice in his labor, this is the gift of God.
Enjoyment itself, not merely wealth, is attributed to divine gift; the capacity to receive one's portion is as given as the portion itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 36 words
καίindeedC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'indeed'; 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.
πᾶςeveryA3 NSM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'every'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνθρωποςpersonN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'person'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ᾧwith whichRR DSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestᾧ: meaning 'with 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.
ἔδωκενgaveVAI AAI3S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδίδωμι: meaning 'gave'; 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.
αὐτῷfor himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'for 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πλοῦτονwealthN2 ASM · πλοῦτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπλοῦτος: meaning 'wealth'; 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.
ὑπάρχονταpossessionsV1 · παπασμ ἄρχω + ὑποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασμ ἄρχω + ὑπο: meaning 'possessions'; 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.
ἐξουσίασενempoweredVAI AAI3S · ἐξουσιάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἐξουσιάζω: meaning 'empowered'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φαγεῖνto eatVB AAN · ἐσθίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἐσθίω: meaning 'to eat'; 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.
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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαβεῖνto takeVB AAN · λαμβάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementλαμβάνω: meaning 'to take'; 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 ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μέροςportionN3E ASN · μέροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμέρος: meaning 'portion'; 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.
τοῦto theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὐφρανθῆναιto rejoiceVC APN · εὐφραίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεὐφραίνω: meaning 'to 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
μόχθῳlaborN2 DSM · μόχθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμόχθος: meaning 'labor'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
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.
δόμαgiftN3M NSN · δόμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδόμα: meaning 'gift'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
θεοῦof GodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'of God'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning '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.
19
ὅτι οὐ πολλὰ μνησθήσεται τὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ζωῆς αὐτοῦ ὅτι ὁ θεὸς περισπᾷ αὐτὸν ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ καρδίας αὐτοῦ
For he will not remember many of the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.
The chapter ends by portraying God-given gladness as a merciful absorption that keeps life's brevity from becoming consuming bitterness.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
πολλὰmanyA1 APN · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπολύς: meaning 'many'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μνησθήσεταιhe will rememberVS FPI3S · μιμνήσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureμιμνήσκω: meaning 'he will remember'; 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.
ἡμέραςdaysN1A GSF · ἡμέραgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἡμέρα: meaning 'days'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζωῆςof lifeN1 GSF · ζωήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζωή: meaning 'of life'; 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.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
περισπᾷkeeps occupiedV3 PAI3S · σπάω + περιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processσπάω + περι: meaning 'keeps occupied'; 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
εὐφροσύνῃwith gladnessN1 DSF · εὐφροσύνηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεὐφροσύνη: meaning 'with gladness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καρδίαςof heartN1A GSF · καρδίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκαρδία: meaning 'of heart'; 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.