1
ἀγαθὸν ὄνομα ὑπὲρ ἔλαιον ἀγαθὸν καὶ ἡμέρα τοῦ θανάτου ὑπὲρ ἡμέραν γενέσεως αὐτοῦ
A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of one's birth.
The chapter opens with a jarring value reversal: lasting moral reputation and the completed verdict of a life outweigh luxury and mere beginning.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἔλαιονoilN2N ASN · ἔλαιονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔλαιον: meaning 'oil'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; 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.
ἡμέραdayN1A NSF · ἡμέραnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἡμέρα: meaning 'day'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦofRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θανάτουdeathN2 GSM · θάνατοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθάνατος: meaning 'death'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἡμέρανdayN1A ASF · ἡμέραaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἡμέρα: meaning 'day'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
γενέσεωςbirthN3I GSF · γένεσιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγένεσις: meaning 'birth'; 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.
2
ἀγαθὸν πορευθῆναι εἰς οἶκον πένθους ἢ ὅτι πορευθῆναι εἰς οἶκον πότου καθότι τοῦτο τέλος παντὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καὶ ὁ ζῶν δώσει εἰς καρδίαν αὐτοῦ
It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of drinking, because this is the end of every human being, and the living man will lay it to his heart.
Qoheleth commends spaces of mortality as more instructive than spaces of festivity because death forces reflection.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
εἰςtoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
οἶκονhouseN2 ASM · οἶκοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοἶκος: meaning 'house'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πένθουςmourningN3E GSN · πένθοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπένθος: meaning 'mourning'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
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.
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.
εἰςtoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
οἶκονhouseN2 ASM · οἶκοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοἶκος: meaning 'house'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πότουdrinkingN2 GSM · πότοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπότος: meaning 'drinking'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καθότιsinceC · καθότιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθότι: meaning 'since'; 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.
τέλοςendN3E NSN · τέλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτέλος: meaning 'end'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
παντὸςof everyA3 GSM · πᾶςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπᾶς: meaning 'of every'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τοῦofRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπουhuman beingN2 GSM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'human being'; 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζῶνlivingV3 · παπνσμ ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ζάω: meaning 'living'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
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.
εἰςtoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
καρδίανheartN1A ASF · καρδίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
3
ἀγαθὸν θυμὸς ὑπὲρ γέλωτα ὅτι ἐν κακίᾳ προσώπου ἀγαθυνθήσεται καρδία
Vexation is better than laughter, because by the sadness of the face the heart will be made better.
Painful seriousness can improve the inner life in a way that easy amusement does not.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
θυμὸςvexationN2 NSM · θυμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθυμός: meaning 'vexation'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γέλωταlaughterN3T ASM · γέλωςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγέλως: meaning 'laughter'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
κακίᾳwickednessN1A DSF · κακίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκακία: meaning 'wickedness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
προσώπουthe faceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'the face'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀγαθυνθήσεταιwill be made betterVC FPI3S · ἀγαθύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἀγαθύνω: meaning 'will be made better'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
4
καρδία σοφῶν ἐν οἴκῳ πένθους καὶ καρδία ἀφρόνων ἐν οἴκῳ εὐφροσύνης
The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in a house of mirth.
Wisdom dwells where finitude is remembered, while folly gravitates toward distraction.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σοφῶνof the wiseA1 GPM · σοφόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσοφός: meaning 'of the wise'; 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.
οἴκῳhouseN2 DSM · οἶκοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceοἶκος: meaning 'house'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πένθουςmourningN3E GSN · πένθοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπένθος: meaning 'mourning'; 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.
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.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
οἴκῳhouseN2 DSM · οἶκοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceοἶκος: meaning 'house'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
εὐφροσύνηςmirthN1 GSF · εὐφροσύνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationεὐφροσύνη: meaning 'mirth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
5
ἀγαθὸν τὸ ἀκοῦσαι ἐπιτίμησιν σοφοῦ ὑπὲρ ἄνδρα ἀκούοντα ᾆσμα ἀφρόνων
It is better to hear the rebuke of a wise man than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Corrective speech is judged more valuable than entertaining but empty sound.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; 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.
ἀκοῦσαιto hearVA AAN · ἀκούωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἀκούω: meaning 'to hear'; 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.
ἐπιτίμησινrebukeN3I ASF · ἐπιτίμησιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐπιτίμησις: meaning 'rebuke'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σοφοῦof a wise manA1 GSM · σοφόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσοφός: meaning 'of a wise man'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἄνδραa manN3 ASM · ἀνήρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀνήρ: meaning 'a man'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀκούονταhearingV1 · παπασμ ἀκούωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασμ ἀκούω: meaning 'hearing'; 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.
ᾆσμαsongN3M ASN · ᾆσμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationᾆσμα: meaning 'song'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
6
ὅτι ὡς φωνὴ τῶν ἀκανθῶν ὑπὸ τὸν λέβητα οὕτως γέλως τῶν ἀφρόνων καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης
For as the sound of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools; and indeed this too is vanity.
Foolish laughter is noisy, brief, and combustible, offering flash without substance.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 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.
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.
φωνὴsoundN1 NSF · φωνήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφωνή: meaning 'sound'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῶνof theRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀκανθῶνthornsN1A GPF · ἄκανθαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄκανθα: meaning 'thorns'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
λέβηταpotN3T ASM · λέβηςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλέβης: meaning 'pot'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γέλωςlaughterN3T NSM · γέλωςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγέλως: meaning 'laughter'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῶνof theRA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
γεγέX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'γέ'; 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.
7
ὅτι ἡ συκοφαντία περιφέρει σοφὸν καὶ ἀπόλλυσι τὴν καρδίαν εὐτονίας αὐτοῦ
For oppression bewilders a wise man, and it destroys the vigor of his heart.
Qoheleth notes that even wisdom can be distorted under the corrosive pressure of oppressive conditions.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
συκοφαντίαoppressionN1A NSF · συκοφαντίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσυκοφαντία: meaning 'oppression'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
περιφέρειbewildersV1 PAI3S · φέρω + περιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processφέρω + περι: meaning 'bewilders'; 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.
σοφὸνwise manA1 ASM · σοφόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσοφός: meaning 'wise man'; 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.
ἀπόλλυσιdestroysV5 PAI3S · ὀλλύω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processὀλλύω + ἀπο: meaning 'destroys'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίανheartN1A ASF · καρδίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εὐτονίαςvigorN1A GSF · εὐτονίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationεὐτονία: meaning 'vigor'; 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.
8
ἀγαθὴ ἐσχάτη λόγων ὑπὲρ ἀρχὴν αὐτοῦ ἀγαθὸν μακρόθυμος ὑπὲρ ὑψηλὸν πνεύματι
Better is the end of a matter than its beginning; better is one who is patient than one who is lofty in spirit.
The saying joins teleological patience with humility, preferring completion and endurance over initial display.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀγαθὴbetterA1 NSF · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐσχάτηendA1 NSF · ἔσχατοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔσχατος: meaning 'end'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
λόγωνof a matterN2 GPM · λόγοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλόγος: meaning 'of a matter'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀρχὴνbeginningN1 ASF · ἀρχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀρχή: meaning 'beginning'; 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.
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μακρόθυμοςpatientA1B NSM · μακρόθυμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμακρόθυμος: meaning 'patient'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὑψηλὸνproudA1 ASM · ὑψηλόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὑψηλός: meaning 'proud'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πνεύματιin spiritN3M DSN · πνεῦμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπνεῦμα: meaning 'in spirit'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
9
μὴ σπεύσῃς ἐν πνεύματί σου τοῦ θυμοῦσθαι ὅτι θυμὸς ἐν κόλπῳ ἀφρόνων ἀναπαύσεται
Do not hasten in your spirit to become angry, because anger will rest in the bosom of fools.
Quick temper is treated not as strength but as the settled possession of folly.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 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.
σπεύσῃςhastenVA AAS2S · σπεύδωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyσπεύδω: meaning 'hasten'; 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.
πνεύματίspiritN3M DSN · πνεῦμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπνεῦμα: meaning 'spirit'; 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.
τοῦofRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυμοῦσθαιto become angryV4 PMN · θυμόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementθυμόω: meaning 'to become 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.
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.
θυμὸςvexationN2 NSM · θυμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθυμός: meaning 'vexation'; 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.
κόλπῳbosomN2 DSM · κόλποςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκόλπος: meaning 'bosom'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀναπαύσεταιwill restVF FMI3S · παύω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπαύω + ἀνα: meaning 'will rest'; 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.
10
μὴ εἴπῃς τί ἐγένετο ὅτι αἱ ἡμέραι αἱ πρότεραι ἦσαν ἀγαθαὶ ὑπὲρ ταύτας ὅτι οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐπηρώτησας περὶ τούτου
Do not say, 'Why did the former days become better than these?' for it is not from wisdom that you asked concerning this.
Nostalgia is exposed as a false wisdom that asks the wrong kind of question about time.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 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.
εἴπῃςsayVB AAS2S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyεἶπον: meaning '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.
τίwhyRI ASN · τίpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'why'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐγένετοdid becomeVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'did become'; 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.
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.
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.
αἱtheRA NPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρότεραιformerA1A NPF · πρότεροςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπρότερος: meaning 'former'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἦσανwereV9 IAI3P · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'were'; 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.
ἀγαθαὶbetterA1 NPF · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ταύταςtheseRD APF · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceταύτας: meaning 'these'; 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σοφίᾳfrom wisdomN1A DSF · σοφίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσοφία: meaning 'from wisdom'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐπηρώτησαςyou askedVAI AAI2S · ἐρωτάω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἐρωτάω + ἐπι: meaning 'you asked'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
περὶconcerningP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'concerning'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τούτουthisRD GSM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationτούτου: 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.
11
ἀγαθὴ σοφία μετὰ κληροδοσίας καὶ περισσεία τοῖς θεωροῦσιν τὸν ἥλιον
Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and it is an advantage for those who see the sun.
Wisdom joined to tangible means is portrayed as a real benefit within earthly life.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἀγαθὴbetterA1 NSF · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σοφίαwisdomN1A NSF · σοφίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μετὰwithP · μετάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
κληροδοσίαςinheritanceN1A GSF · κληροδοσίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκληροδοσία: meaning 'inheritance'; 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.
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.
τοῖςfor thoseRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεωροῦσινseeingV2 · παπδπμ θεωρέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπδπμ θεωρέω: meaning 'seeing'; 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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἥλιονsunN2 ASM · ἥλιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἥλιος: meaning 'sun'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
12
ὅτι ἐν σκιᾷ αὐτῆς ἡ σοφία ὡς σκιὰ τοῦ ἀργυρίου καὶ περισσεία γνώσεως τῆς σοφίας ζωοποιήσει τὸν παρ' αὐτῆς
For under its shadow, wisdom is like the shadow of silver; and the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom is that it will give life to the one who has it.
Qoheleth compares wisdom's protection to material shelter, yet grants it a distinctive life-giving surplus.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 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.
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.
αὐτῆςof itRD GSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: 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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σοφίαwisdomN1A NSF · σοφίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
σκιὰσκιάN1A NSF · σκιάnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσκιά: meaning 'σκιά'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦofRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀργυρίουof silverN2N GSN · ἀργύριονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀργύριον: meaning 'of 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.
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.
γνώσεωςof knowledgeN3I GSF · γνῶσιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγνῶσις: meaning 'of knowledge'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τῆςὁRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σοφίαςσοφίαN1A GSF · σοφίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσοφία: meaning 'σοφία'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ζωοποιήσειwill give lifeVF FAI3S · ζωοποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureζωοποιέω: meaning 'will give life'; 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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρ'to the one fromP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρ': meaning 'to the one from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτῆςof itRD GSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: 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.
13
ἰδὲ τὰ ποιήματα τοῦ θεοῦ ὅτι τίς δυνήσεται τοῦ κοσμῆσαι ὃν ἂν ὁ θεὸς διαστρέψῃ αὐτόν
Look at the works of God: for who will be able to straighten what God has made crooked?
The hearer is redirected from self-confidence to the unalterable shape of divine providence.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἰδὲlookVB AAD2S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὁράω: meaning 'look'; 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.
τὰeverythingRA 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.
τοῦofRA 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.
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.
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.
τοῦofRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κοσμῆσαιto straightenVA AAN · κοσμέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementκοσμέω: meaning 'to straighten'; 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.
ὃνwhatRR ASM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃν: 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.
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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςθεόςN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'θεός'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
διαστρέψῃhas made crookedVF FMI2S · στρέφω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureστρέφω + δια: meaning 'has made crooked'; 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.
14
ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἀγαθωσύνης ζῆθι ἐν ἀγαθῷ καὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κακίας ἰδέ καί γε σὺν τοῦτο σύμφωνον τούτῳ ἐποίησεν ὁ θεὸς περὶ λαλιᾶς ἵνα μὴ εὕρῃ ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ μηδέν
In a day of goodness, live in the good; and in a day of evil, observe. Indeed, God has made this correspond to that, concerning what is spoken, so that man may not find anything that comes after him.
Prosperity and adversity are to be received as paired realities under God, who leaves the future beyond human mastery.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 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.
ἡμέρᾳἡμέραN1A DSF · ἡμέραdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: meaning 'ἡμέρα'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀγαθωσύνηςprosperityN1 GSF · ἀγαθωσύνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγαθωσύνη: meaning 'prosperity'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ζῆθιliveV3 PAD2S · ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateζάω: meaning '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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀγαθῷin the goodA1 DSM · ἀγαθόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀγαθός: meaning 'in the good'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἡμέρᾳἡμέραN1A DSF · ἡμέραdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: meaning 'ἡμέρα'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κακίαςevilN1A GSF · κακίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκακία: meaning 'evil'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἰδέὁράωVB AAD2S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὁράω: meaning 'ὁράω'; 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.
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.
γεγέX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'γέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺνwithP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
σύμφωνονcorrespondingA1B ASN · σύμφωνονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσύμφωνον: meaning 'corresponding'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
ἐποίησενmadeVAI AAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'made'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςθεόςN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'θεός'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
περὶconcerningP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'concerning'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
λαλιᾶςwhat is spokenN1A GSF · λαλιάgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλαλιά: meaning 'what is spoken'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; 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.
εὕρῃmay findVB AAS3S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyεὑρίσκω: meaning 'may find'; 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.
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.
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.
μηδένnothingA3P ASN · μηδείςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμηδείς: meaning 'nothing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
15
σὺν τὰ πάντα εἶδον ἐν ἡμέραις ματαιότητός μου ἔστιν δίκαιος ἀπολλύμενος ἐν δικαίῳ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔστιν ἀσεβὴς μένων ἐν κακίᾳ αὐτοῦ
I have seen everything in the days of my vanity: there is a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and there is an ungodly man remaining in his wickedness.
The preacher states the scandalous data of experience: moral order is not mechanically visible in outcomes.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
σὺνwithP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὰeverythingRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἡμέραιςin the daysN1A DPF · ἡμέραdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: meaning 'in the days'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ματαιότητόςof 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.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
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.
δίκαιοςrighteousA1A NSM · δίκαιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδίκαιος: meaning 'righteous'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀπολλύμενοςperishingV5 · πμπνσμ ὀλλύω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ ὀλλύω + ἀπο: meaning 'perishing'; 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.
δικαίῳrighteousnessA1A DSM · δίκαιοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceδίκαιος: meaning 'righteousness'; 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.
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.
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.
ἀσεβὴςungodlyA3H NSM · ἀσεβήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀσεβής: meaning 'ungodly'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μένωνremainingV1 · παπνσμ μένωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ μένω: meaning 'remaining'; 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.
κακίᾳwickednessN1A DSF · κακίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκακία: meaning 'wickedness'; 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.
16
μὴ γίνου δίκαιος πολὺ καὶ μὴ σοφίζου περισσά μήποτε ἐκπλαγῇς
Do not become excessively righteous, and do not make yourself excessively wise, lest you be stunned.
Qoheleth warns against a self-destructive absolutizing of righteousness or wisdom, likely a proud overreaching rather than true godliness.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 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.
γίνουbecomeV1 PMD2S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateγίγνομαι: meaning 'become'; 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.
δίκαιοςrighteousA1A NSM · δίκαιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδίκαιος: meaning 'righteous'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πολὺexcessivelyA1P ASN · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπολύς: meaning 'excessively'; 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.
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.
σοφίζουmake yourself wiseV1 PMD2S · σοφίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateσοφίζω: meaning 'make yourself wise'; 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.
περισσάtoo muchA1 APN · περισσόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπερισσός: meaning 'too much'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μήποτεlest perhapsD · μήποτεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμήποτε: meaning 'lest perhaps'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκπλαγῇςbe stunnedVD APS2S · πλήσσω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπλήσσω + ἐκ: meaning 'be stunned'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
17
μὴ ἀσεβήσῃς πολὺ καὶ μὴ γίνου σκληρός ἵνα μὴ ἀποθάνῃς ἐν οὐ καιρῷ σου
Do not be excessively ungodly, and do not become hard, so that you may not die before your time.
The companion warning rejects the opposite extreme: reckless wickedness and hardening hasten ruin.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 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.
ἀσεβήσῃςbe ungodlyVA AAS2S · ἀσεβέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἀσεβέω: meaning 'be ungodly'; 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.
πολὺexcessivelyA1P ASN · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπολύς: meaning 'excessively'; 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.
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.
γίνουbecomeV1 PMD2S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateγίγνομαι: meaning 'become'; 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.
σκληρόςhardA1A NSM · σκληρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσκληρός: meaning 'hard'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; 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.
ἀποθάνῃςyou dieVB AAS2S · θνήσκω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyθνήσκω + ἀπο: meaning 'you die'; 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.
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.
καιρῷin your timeN2 DSM · καιρόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαιρός: meaning 'in your time'; 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.
18
ἀγαθὸν τὸ ἀντέχεσθαί σε ἐν τούτῳ καί γε ἀπὸ τούτου μὴ ἀνῇς τὴν χεῖρά σου ὅτι φοβούμενος τὸν θεὸν ἐξελεύσεται τὰ πάντα
It is good for you to take hold of this, and indeed from that do not let your hand rest, because the one who fears God will come forth through all these things.
Fear of God is presented as the posture that holds the chapter's tensions together without collapsing into either extreme.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
ἀγαθὸνgoodA1 NSN · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'good'; 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.
ἀντέχεσθαίto take holdV1 PMN · ἔχω + ἀντιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἔχω + ἀντι: meaning 'to take hold'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
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.
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.
γεγέX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'γέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τούτουthisRD GSM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationτούτου: 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.
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.
ἀνῇςlet goV7 AAS2S · ἵημι + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἵημι + ἀνα: meaning 'let go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖράhandN3 ASF · χείρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχείρ: meaning 'hand'; 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.
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.
φοβούμενοςfearingV2 · πμπνσμ φοβέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ φοβέω: meaning 'fearing'; 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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸνθεόςN2 ASM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'θεός'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐξελεύσεταιwill come forthVF FMI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἔρχομαι + ἐκ: meaning 'will come 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.
τὰeverythingRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
19
ἡ σοφία βοηθήσει τῷ σοφῷ ὑπὲρ δέκα ἐξουσιάζοντας τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τῇ πόλει
Wisdom will help the wise man more than ten rulers who are in the city.
Practical wisdom is valued as a stronger support than concentrated civic power.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σοφίαwisdomN1A NSF · σοφίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
βοηθήσειwill helpVC FPI2S · βοάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureβοάω: meaning 'will help'; 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.
σοφῷσοφόςA1 DSM · σοφόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσοφός: meaning 'σοφός'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δέκαtenM · δέκαadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδέκα: meaning 'ten'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξουσιάζονταςrulersV1 · παπαπμ ἐξουσιάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπμ ἐξουσιάζω: meaning 'rulers'; 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.
τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄνταςbeingV9 · παπαπμ εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπμ εἰμί: meaning 'being'; 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.
τῇto theRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλειcityN3I DSF · πόλιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπόλις: meaning 'city'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
20
ὅτι ἄνθρωπος οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος ἐν τῇ γῇ ὃς ποιήσει ἀγαθὸν καὶ οὐχ ἁμαρτήσεται
For there is no righteous man on the earth who will do good and not sin.
Universal moral failure underwrites the chapter's warnings against self-righteous extremity.
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.
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.
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.
δίκαιοςrighteousA1A NSM · δίκαιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδίκαιος: meaning 'righteous'; 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.
τῇto theRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῇon earthN1 DSF · γῆdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceγῆ: meaning 'on earth'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὃςwhoRR NSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ποιήσειwill doVF FAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureποιέω: meaning 'will do'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
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.
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.
οὐχnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἁμαρτήσεταιwill sinVF FMI3S · ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'will 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.
21
καί γε εἰς πάντας τοὺς λόγους οὓς λαλήσουσιν μὴ θῇς καρδίαν σου ὅπως μὴ ἀκούσῃς τοῦ δούλου σου καταρωμένου σε
And indeed, to all the words that they may speak, do not set your heart, lest you hear your servant cursing you.
Qoheleth counsels guarded receptivity: wisdom does not over-attend every spoken word.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 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.
γεγέX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'γέ'; 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.
πάνταςallA3 APM · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λόγουςwordsN2 APM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλόγος: meaning 'words'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὓςwhichRR APM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceοὓς: 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.
λαλήσουσινthey speakVF FAI3P · λαλέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλαλέω: meaning 'they speak'; 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.
θῇςsetVE AAS2S · τίθημιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyτίθημι: meaning 'set'; 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.
καρδίανheartN1A ASF · καρδίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
ὅπωςthatC · ὅπωςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅπως: meaning 'that'; 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.
ἀκούσῃςyou hearVA AAS2S · ἀκούωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἀκούω: meaning 'you hear'; 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.
τοῦofRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δούλουyour servantN2 GSM · δοῦλοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδοῦλος: meaning 'your servant'; 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.
καταρωμένουcursingV3 · πμπγσμ ῥάομαι + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπγσμ ῥάομαι + κατα: meaning 'cursing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
22
ὅτι πλειστάκις πονηρεύσεταί σε καὶ καθόδους πολλὰς κακώσει καρδίαν σου ὅπως καί γε σὺ κατηράσω ἑτέρους
For many times your heart will act wickedly against you and in many ways will injure it, so that indeed you yourself also have cursed others.
The reason for restraint is self-knowledge: the hearer too has been guilty of what he resents in others.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 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.
πλειστάκιςmany timesD · πλειστάκιςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπλειστάκις: meaning 'many times'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πονηρεύσεταίwill do evil againstVF FMI3S · πονηρεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπονηρεύω: meaning 'will do evil against'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
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.
καθόδουςin many waysN2 APF · κάθοδοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκάθοδος: meaning 'in many ways'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πολλὰςmanyA1 APF · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπολύς: meaning 'many'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
κακώσειwill injureVF FAI3S · κακόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκακόω: meaning 'will injure'; 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.
καρδίανheartN1A ASF · καρδίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
ὅπωςthatC · ὅπωςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅπως: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
γεγέX · γέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγε: meaning 'γέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺσύRP NS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'σύ'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
κατηράσωhave cursedVAI AMI2S · ἀράομαι + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἀράομαι + κατα: meaning 'have cursed'; 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.
ἑτέρουςothersA1A APM · ἕτεροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἕτερος: meaning 'others'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
23
πάντα ταῦτα ἐπείρασα ἐν τῇ σοφίᾳ εἶπα σοφισθήσομαι
All these things I tested in wisdom; I said, 'I will become wise.'
The discourse turns autobiographical as Qoheleth recounts his own experimental search for wisdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ταῦταthese thingsRD APN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceταῦτα: meaning 'these things'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐπείρασαtestedVAI AAI1S · πειράζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπειράζω: meaning 'tested'; 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.
τῇto theRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σοφίᾳfrom wisdomN1A DSF · σοφίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσοφία: meaning 'from wisdom'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
σοφισθήσομαιI will become wiseVC FPI1S · σοφίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureσοφίζω: meaning 'I will become wise'; 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.
24
καὶ αὐτὴ ἐμακρύνθη ἀπ' ἐμοῦ μακρὰν ὑπὲρ ὃ ἦν καὶ βαθὺ βάθος τίς εὑρήσει αὐτό
And it itself was far from me, far beyond what was, and a deep depth - who will find it?
Wisdom proves elusive, receding precisely as the seeker reaches toward it.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 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.
αὐτὴitRD NSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὴ: 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.
ἐμακρύνθηwas far removedVCI AAI3S · μακρύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristμακρύνω: meaning 'was far removed'; 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.
ἐμοῦmeRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μακρὰνfarA1A ASF · μακρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμακρός: meaning 'far'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὃwhatRR NSM · 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.
ἦνit wasV9 IAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ participant referenceἦν: meaning 'it was'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within 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.
βαθὺdeepA3U NSN · βαθύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβαθύς: meaning 'deep'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
βάθοςdepthN3E NSN · βάθοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβάθος: meaning 'depth'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
εὑρήσειwill findVF FAI3S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεὑρίσκω: meaning 'will find'; 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.
αὐτόitRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτό: 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.
25
ἐκύκλωσα ἐγώ καὶ ἡ καρδία μου τοῦ γνῶναι καὶ τοῦ κατασκέψασθαι καὶ ζητῆσαι σοφίαν καὶ ψῆφον καὶ τοῦ γνῶναι ἀσεβοῦς ἀφροσύνην καὶ σκληρίαν καὶ περιφοράν
I turned about, I and my heart, to know and to examine and to seek wisdom and a reckoning, and to know the folly of the ungodly and the hardness and wandering.
Qoheleth intensifies his inquiry, extending it from wisdom into the anatomy of wickedness and distortion.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ἐκύκλωσαI turned aboutVAI AAI1S · κυκλόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκυκλόω: meaning 'I turned about'; 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.
ἐγώIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγώ: 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.
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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τοῦofRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γνῶναιto knowVZ AAN · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementγιγνώσκω: meaning 'to know'; 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.
τοῦofRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατασκέψασθαιto examineVA AMN · σκέπτομαι + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementσκέπτομαι + κατα: meaning 'to examine'; 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.
ζητῆσαιto seekVA AAN · ζητέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementζητέω: meaning 'to seek'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σοφίανwisdomN1A ASF · σοφίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ψῆφονreckoningN2 ASF · ψῆφοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψῆφος: meaning 'reckoning'; 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.
τοῦofRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γνῶναιto knowVZ AAN · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementγιγνώσκω: meaning 'to know'; 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.
ἀσεβοῦςof the ungodlyA3H GSM · ἀσεβήςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀσεβής: meaning 'of the ungodly'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀφροσύνηνfollyN1 ASF · ἀφροσύνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀφροσύνη: meaning 'folly'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
σκληρίανhardnessN1A ASF · σκληρίανaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσκληρίαν: meaning 'hardness'; 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.
περιφοράνwanderingN1A ASF · περιφοράaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπεριφορά: meaning 'wandering'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
26
καὶ εὑρίσκω ἐγὼ πικρότερον ὑπὲρ θάνατον σὺν τὴν γυναῖκα ἥτις ἐστὶν θηρεύματα καὶ σαγῆναι καρδία αὐτῆς δεσμοὶ χεῖρες αὐτῆς ἀγαθὸς πρὸ προσώπου τοῦ θεοῦ ἐξαιρεθήσεται ἀπ' αὐτῆς καὶ ἁμαρτάνων συλλημφθήσεται ἐν αὐτῇ
And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are bonds; the one who is good before God will be delivered from her, but the sinner will be caught in her.
The image is polemical and severe: seductive entanglement is described as a trap from which divine favor alone frees a person.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 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.
εὑρίσκωI findV1 PAI1S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεὑρίσκω: meaning 'I find'; 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.
ἐγὼἐγώRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'ἐγώ'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πικρότερονmore bitterA1A ASMC · πικρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπικρός: meaning 'more bitter'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὑπὲρmore thanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'more than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
θάνατονdeathN2 ASM · θάνατοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθάνατος: meaning 'death'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σὺνwithP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυναῖκαwomanN3K ASF · γυνήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγυνή: meaning 'woman'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἥτιςwhoRX NSF · ὅστιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant referenceἥτις: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστὶνisV9 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.
θηρεύματαsnaresN3M NPN · θήρευμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθήρευμα: meaning 'snares'; 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.
σαγῆναιnetsN1 NPF · σαγήνηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσαγήνη: meaning 'nets'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
αὐτῆςof itRD GSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: 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.
δεσμοὶbondsN2 NPM · δεσμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδεσμός: meaning 'bonds'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
χεῖρεςhandsN3 NPF · χείρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχείρ: meaning 'hands'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῆςof itRD GSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: 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.
ἀγαθὸςone goodA1 NSM · ἀγαθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγαθός: meaning 'one good'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πρὸbeforeP · πρόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
προσώπουthe faceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'the face'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τοῦofRA 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.
ἐξαιρεθήσεταιwill be deliveredVC FPI3S · αἱρέω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureαἱρέω + ἐκ: meaning 'will be delivered'; 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.
αὐτῆςof itRD GSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: 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.
ἁμαρτάνωνthe sinnerV1 · παπνσμ ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'the sinner'; 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.
συλλημφθήσεταιwill be caughtVV FPI3S · λαμβάνω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλαμβάνω + συν: meaning 'will be caught'; 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.
αὐτῇin herRD DSF · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῇ: meaning 'in her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
27
ἰδὲ τοῦτο εὗρον εἶπεν ὁ Ἐκκλησιαστής μία τῇ μιᾷ τοῦ εὑρεῖν λογισμόν
Behold, this I found, said the Preacher, adding one thing to another to find the reckoning.
Qoheleth presents his conclusion as a cumulative accounting built from patient comparison.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἰδὲlookVB AAD2S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὁράω: meaning 'look'; 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.
τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εὗρονI foundVB AAI1S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: meaning 'I found'; 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.
εἶπενεἶπονVBI AAI3S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεἶπον: meaning 'εἶπον'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
Ἐκκλησιαστήςthe PreacherN1M NSM · Ἐκκλησιαστήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant identificationἘκκλησιαστής: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μίαoneA1A NSF · εἷςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ measure or countμία: meaning 'one'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
τῇto theRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μιᾷoneA1A DSF · εἷςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ measure or countμιᾷ: meaning 'one'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
τοῦofRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὑρεῖνto findVB AAN · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεὑρίσκω: meaning 'to find'; 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.
λογισμόνthe reckoningN2 ASM · λογισμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλογισμός: meaning 'the reckoning'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
28
ὃν ἔτι ἐζήτησεν ἡ ψυχή μου καὶ οὐχ εὗρον ἄνθρωπον ἕνα ἀπὸ χιλίων εὗρον καὶ γυναῖκα ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις οὐχ εὗρον
What my soul still sought and I did not find: one man among a thousand I found, but a woman among all these I did not find.
The search report remains deliberately unsettling, emphasizing rarity and the preacher's inability to secure satisfying human exemplars.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ὃνwhatRR ASM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃν: 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.
ἔτιstillD · ἔτιadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἔτι: meaning 'still'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐζήτησενsoughtVAI AAI3S · ζητέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristζητέω: meaning 'sought'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχήsoulN1 NSF · ψυχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐχnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὗρονI foundVB AAI1S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: meaning 'I found'; 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.
ἄνθρωπονmanN2 ASM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; 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.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χιλίωνa thousandA1A GPM · 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.
εὗρονI foundVB AAI1S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: meaning 'I found'; 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.
γυναῖκαwomanN3K ASF · γυνήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγυνή: meaning 'woman'; 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.
πᾶσιallA3 DPM · πᾶςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τούτοιςtheseRD DPM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestτούτοις: meaning 'these'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
οὐχnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὗρονI foundVB AAI1S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: meaning 'I found'; 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.
29
πλὴν ἰδὲ τοῦτο εὗρον ὃ ἐποίησεν ὁ θεὸς σὺν τὸν ἄνθρωπον εὐθῆ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐζήτησαν λογισμοὺς πολλούς
Only behold, this I found: that God made man upright, but they themselves sought many devices.
The final claim shifts blame from God's making to humanity's multiplied schemes, closing the chapter on a theological diagnosis of disorder.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
πλὴνonlyD · πλήνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπλὴν: meaning 'only'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἰδὲlookVB AAD2S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὁράω: meaning 'look'; 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.
τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εὗρονI foundVB AAI1S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: meaning 'I found'; 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.
ὃwhatRR NSM · 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.
ἐποίησενmadeVAI AAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'made'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςθεόςN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'θεός'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σὺνwithP · σύνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingσὺν: meaning 'with'; 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.
ἄνθρωπονmanN2 ASM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εὐθῆuprightA3H ASM · εὐθήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὐθής: meaning 'upright'; 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.
αὐτοὶthey themselvesRD NPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτοὶ: meaning 'they themselves'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐζήτησανsoughtVAI AAI3P · ζητέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristζητέω: meaning 'sought'; 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.
λογισμοὺςdevicesN2 APM · λογισμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλογισμός: meaning 'devices'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πολλούςmanyA1 APM · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπολύς: meaning 'many'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.