1
ἔστιν πονηρία ἣν εἶδον ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον καὶ πολλή ἐστιν ἐπὶ τὸν ἄνθρωπον
There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon humanity.
Qoheleth opens the chapter with a fresh empirical observation: an evil visible within ordinary life under the sun and broadly oppressive in its effect.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 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.
πονηρίαevilN1A NSF · πονηρίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπονηρία: meaning 'evil'; 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.
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.
πολλήgreatA1 NSF · πολύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπολύς: meaning 'great'; 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.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; 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.
ἄνθρωπονhuman beingN2 ASM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'human being'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
2
ἀνήρ ᾧ δώσει αὐτῷ ὁ θεὸς πλοῦτον καὶ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ δόξαν καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὑστερῶν τῇ ψυχῇ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὧν ἐπιθυμήσει καὶ οὐκ ἐξουσιάσει αὐτῷ ὁ θεὸς τοῦ φαγεῖν ἀπ' αὐτοῦ ὅτι ἀνὴρ ξένος φάγεται αὐτόν τοῦτο ματαιότης καὶ ἀρρωστία πονηρά ἐστιν
A man to whom God gives wealth and possessions and honor, so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not empower him to eat from it, because a foreign man will consume it: this is vanity and a grievous affliction.
The general evil is specified through a concrete case: divine gifts are real, but the power to enjoy them is withheld, turning abundance into futility.
Word-by-word analysis· 43 words
ἀνήρmanN3 NSM · ἀνήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ᾧto whomRR DSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestᾧ: meaning 'to whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
δώσειwill giveVF FAI3S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureδίδωμι: meaning 'will 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.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
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.
δόξανhonorN1S ASF · δόξαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδόξα: meaning 'honor'; 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.
ἔστινisV9 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.
ὑστερῶνlackingV2 · παπνσμ ὑστερέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ὑστερέω: meaning 'lacking'; 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.
τῇto theRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχῇsoulN1 DSF · ψυχήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αὐτοῦof himRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πάντωνallA3 GPM · πᾶςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
ἐπιθυμήσειhe may desireVF FAI3S · θυμέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureθυμέω + ἐπι: meaning 'he may desire'; 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.
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.
ἐξουσιάσειwill empowerVF FAI3S · ἐξουσιάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἐξουσιάζω: meaning 'will empower'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
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.
τοῦtheRA 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.
αὐτοῦitRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: 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.
ἀνὴρa manN3 NSM · ἀνήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: meaning 'a man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ξένοςforeignA1 NSM · ξένοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceξένος: meaning 'foreign'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
φάγεταιwill consumeVF FMI3S · ἐσθίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἐσθίω: meaning 'will consume'; 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.
αὐτόνitRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτόν: 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.
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.
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.
ἀρρωστίαafflictionN1A NSF · ἀρρωστίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀρρωστία: meaning 'affliction'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πονηράgrievousA1A NSF · πονηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπονηρός: meaning 'grievous'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
3
ἐὰν γεννήσῃ ἀνὴρ ἑκατὸν καὶ ἔτη πολλὰ ζήσεται καὶ πλῆθος ὅ τι ἔσονται ἡμέραι ἐτῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ ψυχὴ αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐμπλησθήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγαθωσύνης καί γε ταφὴ οὐκ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ εἶπα ἀγαθὸν ὑπὲρ αὐτὸν τὸ ἔκτρωμα
If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, however numerous the days of his years may be, yet his soul is not filled with good things and even burial does not come to him, I said that the miscarriage is better off than he.
The chapter escalates from frustrated wealth to an intentionally shocking comparison: even maximal family size and longevity fail if satisfaction and honorable burial are absent.
Word-by-word analysis· 36 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.
γεννήσῃhe should begetVF FMI2S · γεννάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureγεννάω: meaning 'he should beget'; 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.
ἀνὴρa manN3 NSM · ἀνήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: meaning 'a man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἑκατὸνa hundredM · ἑκατόνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἑκατὸν: meaning 'a hundred'; 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.
ἔτηyearsN3E APN · ἔτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔτος: meaning 'years'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
ζήσεταιhe will liveVF FMI3S · ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureζάω: meaning 'he will live'; 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.
πλῆθοςmultitudeN3E ASN · πλῆθοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπλῆθος: meaning 'multitude'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὅwhateverRR ASN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὅ: meaning 'whatever'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τιindeedRI ASN · τιςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτι: meaning 'indeed'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἔσονταιwill beVF FMI3P · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεἰμί: meaning 'will 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.
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.
ἐτῶνof yearsN3E GPN · ἔτοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἔτος: meaning 'of years'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτοῦof himRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
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.
ψυχὴsoulN1 NSF · ψυχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτοῦof himRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
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.
ἐμπλησθήσεταιwill be filledVS FPI3S · πίμπλημι + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπίμπλημι + ἐν: meaning 'will be 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.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; 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.
ἀγαθωσύνηςgood thingsN1 GSF · ἀγαθωσύνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγαθωσύνη: meaning 'good things'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καίandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γεindeedX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ταφὴburialN1 NSF · ταφήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceταφή: meaning 'burial'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
ἐγένετοcame to beVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'came to be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἶπαI saidVAI AAI1S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεἶπον: meaning 'I said'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
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.
ὑπὲρthanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
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.
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔκτρωμαmiscarriageN3M NSN · ἔκτρωμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔκτρωμα: meaning 'miscarriage'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
4
ὅτι ἐν ματαιότητι ἦλθεν καὶ ἐν σκότει πορεύεται καὶ ἐν σκότει ὄνομα αὐτοῦ καλυφθήσεται
For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name will be covered.
Qoheleth explains the stillborn child's condition in stark, compressed terms: its entrance and departure are hidden, obscure, and uncelebrated.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὅτιforC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'for'; 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.
ματαιότητιvanityN3T DSF · ματαιότηςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceματαιότης: meaning 'vanity'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἦλθενit cameVBI AAI3S · ἔρχομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: meaning 'it 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σκότειdarknessN3E DSN · σκότοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσκότος: meaning 'darkness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πορεύεταιit goesV1 PMI3S · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπορεύομαι: meaning 'it goes'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σκότειdarknessN3E DSN · σκότοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσκότος: meaning 'darkness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὄνομαnameN3M NSN · ὄνομαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄνομα: meaning 'name'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτοῦof itRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
καλυφθήσεταιwill be coveredVV FPI3S · καλύπτωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκαλύπτω: meaning 'will be covered'; 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
καί γε ἥλιον οὐκ εἶδεν καὶ οὐκ ἔγνω ἀνάπαυσις τούτῳ ὑπὲρ τοῦτον
It has not even seen the sun, nor has it known anything; this one has more rest than that man.
Paradoxically, the one deprived of conscious earthly experience is said to possess more rest than the long-lived person whose desires never come to peace.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
καίandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γεindeedX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
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.
εἶδενit sawVBI AAI3S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁράω: meaning 'it 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.
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.
ἔγνωit knewVZI AAI3S · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγιγνώσκω: meaning 'it knew'; 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.
ἀνάπαυσιςrestN3I NSF · ἀνάπαυσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνάπαυσις: meaning 'rest'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τούτῳto this oneRD DSM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestτούτῳ: meaning 'to this one'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὑπὲρthanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦτονthat oneRD ASM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτον: meaning 'that one'; 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
καὶ εἰ ἔζησεν χιλίων ἐτῶν καθόδους καὶ ἀγαθωσύνην οὐκ εἶδεν μὴ οὐκ εἰς τόπον ἕνα τὰ πάντα πορεύεται
Even if he should live a thousand years twice over and yet not see good, do not all go to one place?
Extreme longevity does not change the argument: without experienced good, the common destination of all human beings nullifies the apparent advantage.
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.
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔζησενhe livedVAI AAI3S · ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristζάω: meaning 'he lived'; 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.
χιλίωνa thousandA1A GPN · χίλιοιgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχίλιοι: meaning 'a thousand'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐτῶνyearsN3E GPN · ἔτοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἔτος: meaning 'years'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καθόδουςtwice overN2 APF · κάθοδοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκάθοδος: meaning 'twice over'; 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.
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.
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.
εἶδενhe sawVBI AAI3S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁράω: meaning 'he 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.
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.
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.
εἰςtoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τόπονplaceN2 ASM · τόποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτόπος: meaning 'place'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἕναoneA3 ASM · εἷςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ measure or countἕνα: meaning 'one'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
τὰtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάνταall thingsA3 ASM · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all things'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πορεύεταιgoesV1 PMI3S · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπορεύομαι: meaning 'goes'; 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
πᾶς μόχθος τοῦ ἀνθρώπου εἰς στόμα αὐτοῦ καί γε ἡ ψυχὴ οὐ πληρωθήσεται
All the toil of a man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
The discourse turns from the illustrative case to a general maxim about labor: bodily need drives work, but the inner appetite remains unsatisfied.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
πᾶςallA3 NSM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μόχθοςtoilN2 NSM · μόχθοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμόχθος: meaning 'toil'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦof theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπουmanN2 GSM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement 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.
αὐτοῦof himRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
καίandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γεindeedX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχὴsoulN1 NSF · ψυχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
πληρωθήσεταιwill be filledVC FPI3S · πληρόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπληρόω: meaning 'will be 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.
8
ὅτι τίς περισσεία τῷ σοφῷ ὑπὲρ τὸν ἄφρονα διότι ὁ πένης οἶδεν πορευθῆναι κατέναντι τῆς ζωῆς
For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what has the poor man who knows how to walk before life?
Two compressed questions probe whether wisdom or poverty with practical skill actually yields any decisive surplus within ordinary life.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ὅτιforC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τίςwhatRI NSF · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτίς: 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.
περισσείαadvantageN1A NSF · περισσείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπερισσεία: meaning 'advantage'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῷto theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σοφῷwise manA1 DSM · σοφόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσοφός: meaning 'wise man'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὑπὲρoverP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'over'; 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.
ἄφροναfoolA3N ASM · ἄφρωνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
διότιbecauseC · διότιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastδιότι: 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.
πένηςpoor manN3T NSM · πένηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπένης: meaning 'poor man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
οἶδενknowsVX XAI3S · οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateοἶδα: meaning 'knows'; 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.
πορευθῆναιto walkVC APN · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπορεύομαι: meaning 'to walk'; 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.
κατέναντιbeforeD · κατέναντιadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκατέναντι: meaning 'before'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζωῆςlifeN1 GSF · ζωήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζωή: meaning 'life'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
9
ἀγαθὸν ὅραμα ὀφθαλμῶν ὑπὲρ πορευόμενον ψυχῇ καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης καὶ προαίρεσις πνεύματος
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the soul; this too is vanity and a striving of spirit.
The proverb favors concrete, present enjoyment over roaming desire, yet even that comparative good remains within the wider verdict of vanity.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 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.
ὅραμαsightN3M NSN · ὅραμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὅραμα: meaning 'sight'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὀφθαλμῶνof eyesN2 GPM · ὀφθαλμόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὀφθαλμός: meaning 'of eyes'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὑπὲρthanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πορευόμενονwanderingV1 · πμπασν πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπασν πορεύομαι: meaning 'wandering'; 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.
ψυχῇfor the soulN1 DSF · ψυχήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceψυχή: meaning 'for the soul'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καίandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γεindeedX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῦτοthisRD 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.
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.
προαίρεσιςstrivingN3I NSF · προαίρεσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπροαίρεσις: meaning 'striving'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πνεύματοςof spiritN3M GSN · πνεῦμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπνεῦμα: meaning 'of spirit'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
10
εἴ τι ἐγένετο ἤδη κέκληται ὄνομα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐγνώσθη ὅ ἐστιν ἄνθρωπος καὶ οὐ δυνήσεται τοῦ κριθῆναι μετὰ τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ ὑπὲρ αὐτόν
Whatever has come to be has already had its name called, and it is known what a human being is; and he will not be able to contend in judgment with one stronger than he.
Qoheleth shifts from appetite to ontology: humanity is already named and known, and no person can litigate successfully against superior power.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
εἴifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἴ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τιanythingRI NSN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτι: meaning 'anything'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐγένετοcame to beVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'came to be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἤδηalreadyD · ἤδηadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἤδη: meaning 'already'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κέκληταιhas been namedVM XPI3S · καλέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateκαλέω: meaning 'has been named'; 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.
ὄνομαnameN3M NSN · ὄνομαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄνομα: meaning 'name'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτοῦof itRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
ἐγνώσθηit was knownVSI API3S · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγιγνώσκω: meaning 'it was known'; 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.
ὅwhatRR NSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὅ: 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.
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.
ἄνθρωποςmanN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; 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.
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.
δυνήσεταιwill be ableVF FMI3S · δύναμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureδύναμαι: meaning 'will be able'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κριθῆναιto be judgedVC APN · κρίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementκρίνω: meaning 'to be judged'; 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.
μετὰwithP · μετάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἰσχυροῦstronger oneA1A GSM · ἰσχυρόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἰσχυρός: meaning 'stronger one'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὑπὲρthanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτόνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
11
ὅτι εἰσὶν λόγοι πολλοὶ πληθύνοντες ματαιότητα τί περισσὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ
For there are many words that multiply vanity; what surplus is there for a human being?
The reflection tightens into a verdict on speech itself: multiplying explanations or arguments does not increase genuine human gain.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ὅτιforC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰσὶνareV9 PAI3P · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'are'; 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.
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.
πολλοὶmanyA1 NPM · πολύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπολύς: meaning 'many'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πληθύνοντεςmultiplyingV1 · παπνπμ πληθύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ πληθύνω: meaning 'multiplying'; 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.
ματαιότηταvanityN3T ASF · ματαιότηςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationματαιότης: meaning 'vanity'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τίwhatRI ASN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'what'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
περισσὸνsurplusD · περισσόνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπερισσὸν: meaning 'surplus'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῷto theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπῳmanN2 DSM · ἄνθρωποςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
12
ὅτι τίς οἶδεν τί ἀγαθὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐν τῇ ζωῇ ἀριθμὸν ἡμερῶν ζωῆς ματαιότητος αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐποίησεν αὐτὰς ἐν σκιᾷ ὅτι τίς ἀπαγγελεῖ τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τί ἔσται ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον
For who knows what is good for a human being in life, through the number of the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who will tell a human being what will be after him under the sun?
The chapter closes with twin questions about the good and the future, underscoring the epistemic limits that frame life under the sun.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
ὅτιforC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'for'; 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.
οἶδενknowsVX XAI3S · οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateοἶδα: meaning 'knows'; 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.
τίwhatRI ASN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'what'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 ASN · ἀγαθόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῷto theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπῳmanN2 DSM · ἄνθρωποςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῇtheRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζωῇlifeN1 DSF · ζωήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceζωή: meaning 'life'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
ματαιότητοςof vanityN3T GSF · ματαιότηςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationματαιότης: meaning 'of vanity'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτοῦof himRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
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.
ἐποίησενhe spentVAI AAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'he spent'; 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.
αὐτὰςthemRD APF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὰς: 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σκιᾷshadowN1A DSF · σκιάdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσκιά: meaning 'shadow'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὅτιforC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'for'; 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.
ἀπαγγελεῖwill declareVF2 FAI3S · ἀγγέλλω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἀγγέλλω + ἀπο: meaning 'will declare'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῷto theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπῳmanN2 DSM · ἄνθρωποςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τίwhatRI ASN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'what'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἔσταιwill beVF FMI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεἰμί: meaning 'will 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.
ὀπίσωafterD · ὀπίσωadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτοῦof himRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'of 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.
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.