Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote
ECC front intro d82s 0 # Introduction to Ecclesiastes
## Part 1: General Introduction
### Outline of the Book of Ecclesiastes
1. The author questions the nature of life and the limits of human wisdom (1:1–6:12)
1. The author teaches about making wise choices in how one lives (7:1–12:7)
1. The conclusion and ending (12:8–14)
### What is the Book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a group of short teachings that try to answer questions such as “What do people gain from all their labor?” Ecclesiastes is a series of thoughts about a variety of subjects, all of them about the purpose and worth of various actions and events. The author concludes that all the work we perform and all the knowledge and skill we gain is like a vapor that disappears, and that we must fear Yahweh and keep his commandments.
### How should the title of this book be translated?
The traditional title for this book is “Ecclesiastes.” Its meaning is similar to “religious assembly.” Translators might decide on a title that better describes the content of the book, such as “Words of a Teacher” or “Teachings of a Wise Man.”
### Who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes?
The author appears to be Solomon, “the Teacher, the descendant of David and king in Jerusalem.” This is consistent with what Solomon was known for:
* his wisdom ([Ecclesiastes 1:16](../../ecc/01/16.md) and twenty-six other references to wisdom);
* his vast wealth ([Ecclesiastes 2:8](../../ecc/02/08.md)), and the pain that comes from wealth ([Ecclesiastes 5:13-14](../05/13.md); [Ecclesiastes 4:8](../../ecc/04/08.md); and [Ecclesiastes 9:11](../../ecc/09/11.md));
* his large number of servants ([Ecclesiastes 2:7](../../ecc/02/07.md) and [Ecclesiastes 10:7](../../ecc/10/07.md));
* his limitless opportunities for worldly pleasures ([Ecclesiastes 2:1-2](../02/01.md), [Ecclesiastes 10](../02/09.md); [Ecclesiastes 3:13](../../ecc/03/13.md); [Ecclesiastes 4:8](../../ecc/04/08.md); [Ecclesiastes 5:4](../../ecc/05/04.md); and [Ecclesiastes 12:1](../../ecc/12/01.md)); and
* the wide range of his many building projects ([Ecclesiastes 2:4-6](../02/04.md)).
Solomon appears to have written the Book of Ecclesiastes near the end of his life, as he reflected on what he gained from all that he did.
### Why are there so many apparent contradictions in the Book of Ecclesiastes?
Some scholars think the author was a faithful man. Other scholars think that the author made bad decisions and was sorrowful when he wrote this book. Apparent contradictions in the book may indicate that Solomon’s faith was sometimes weak. Or, it is also possible that the teachings in the book differ from each other in order to relate to different things happening in the lives of readers.
## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
### What does this book teach about how God repays people?
In the ancient Near East, people were concerned with why they were being punished or blessed. They often connected these things to their gods. The writer of Ecclesiastes explains that Yahweh will bless and reward people for the right things they do and punish people for the evil things they do. But this might not happen in this life. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])
### What value did the Israelites place on the Book of Ecclesiastes?
The Israelites have often questioned the value of this book. This is due in large part to its unusual wording and teachings. At times, it appears to disagree with the rest of Scripture. While many have questioned its authority, it has been affirmed to be Scripture. It gives valuable lessons concerning the uselessness of pursuing any goal other than to give Yahweh glory.
## Part 3: Important Translation Issues
### What is the meaning of “under the sun?”
“Under the sun” here is another way of saying “on the earth.” When the author says that there is “nothing new under the sun,” this means that every kind of thing has already happened before on the earth. While a particular event may not have specifically occurred before, something similar has already occurred.
### How do I translate harsh or shocking passages?
Parts of the Book of Ecclesiastes can be shocking or surprising to read in Scripture. For example, “If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but if his heart is not satisfied with good and he is not buried with honor, then I say that a baby that is born dead is better off than he is” (6:3). The translator should allow these difficulties to remain and not try to make them less surprising.
### How is life described in the Book of Ecclesiastes?
The author of Ecclesiastes concludes that everything in this life quickly passes away, like a vapor that disappears. A person’s circumstances or character and even all of the things of this world have little or no significance apart from God. That is because God gives meaning to everything.
At the end of their life, people often say that the years of their life seemed short. The author of Ecclesiastes used the metaphor of vapor or breath to describe how life ends while it seems to be just beginning.
ECC 1 intro g7jr 0 # Ecclesiastes 01 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:2-11 and 15.
## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
### Tone
The tone of this chapter is sad, or depressing. The author believes that everything in life is pointless. The metaphors in this chapter all describe the idea that nothing ever changes. This is also known as “fatalism.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 1 2 x2dt figs-simile 0 Like a vapor of mist, like a breeze in the wind, everything vanishes This speaks of how everything in life vanishes and has no lasting value as if everything were like a disappearing vapor or breeze. Alternate translation: “Like a vapor of mist vanishes and like a breeze in the wind disappears, everything vanishes and has no lasting value” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 1 3 bsv3 figs-rquestion 0 What profit does mankind gain…under the sun? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that man’s work is pointless and has no lasting benefit. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Mankind gains no profit…under the sun.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 1 3 r9j3 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 1 4 fj3a 0 General Information: The writer is presenting the natural order of life as he understands it.
ECC 1 5 n9ia figs-personification 0 hurries back to the place This speaks of how the sun sets at the end of the day and is soon ready to rise again, as if it were a person that quickly ran from the place where it sets to the place from which it rises. Alternate translation: “quickly returns to the place” or “quickly goes to the place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 1 7 ri2j 0 General Information: The writer continues with observations about the natural order.
ECC 1 8 ax86 0 Everything becomes wearisome “Everything becomes tiring.” Since man is unable to explain these things, it becomes useless to try.
ECC 1 8 y4ve figs-synecdoche 0 The eye is not satisfied by what it sees Here the “eye” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “A person is not satisfied by what his eyes see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 1 8 n7hm figs-synecdoche 0 nor is the ear fulfilled by what it hears Here the “ear” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “nor is a person content by what his ears hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 1 9 h89i 0 General Information: There is nothing new regarding man and his activities.
ECC 1 9 i85d figs-activepassive 0 whatever has been done is what will be done This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whatever has happened before is what will happen again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 1 9 sv37 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 1 10 kws8 figs-rquestion 0 Is there anything about which it may be said, ‘Look, this is new’? This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that man cannot say there is anything new. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing about which it may be said, ‘Look, this is new.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 1 10 pdf8 figs-activepassive 0 about which it may be said This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “about which someone may say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 1 11 h282 figs-ellipsis 0 that will happen in the future The understood subject may be supplied. Alternate translation: “the things that will happen in the future” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
ECC 1 11 si4s figs-activepassive 0 will not likely be remembered either This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will not likely remember them either” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 1 13 mk1h figs-synecdoche 0 I applied my mind Here the author refers to himself by his “mind” to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: “I determined” or “I applied myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 1 13 at9z figs-doublet 0 to study and to search out These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how diligently he studied. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 1 13 l4hf figs-explicit 0 under heaven This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 1 13 a36k 0 children of mankind “human beings”
ECC 1 14 d4rw figs-activepassive 0 all the deeds that are done This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 1 14 h2f6 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 1 14 fw3m figs-idiom 0 look The author uses this word to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “indeed” or “really” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 1 14 xq7t figs-parallelism 0 amount to vapor…chasing the wind These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 1 14 jpp7 figs-metaphor 0 amount to vapor “are only mist.” The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were “vapor.” Just as vapor disappears and does not last, things have no lasting value. Alternate translation: “are as useless as vapor” or “are meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 1 14 i9d5 figs-metaphor 0 chasing the wind The author says that everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. Alternate translation: “are as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 1 15 s638 figs-activepassive 0 The twisted cannot be straightened! The missing cannot be counted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People cannot straighten things that are twisted! They cannot count what is not there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 1 16 ql67 figs-synecdoche 0 I have spoken to my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I have spoken to myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 1 16 mnf4 0 My mind has seen Here the author refers to himself by his “mind” to emphasize what he has learned. Alternate translation: “I have gained” or “I have learned”
ECC 1 17 ewq3 figs-synecdoche 0 I applied my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I determined” or “I applied myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 1 17 bp2y figs-doublet 0 madness and folly The words “madness” and “folly” share similar meanings and refer to foolish thinking and behavior, respectively. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 1 17 msw2 figs-metaphor 0 an attempt to shepherd the wind The author says learning wisdom and madness and folly is as useless as trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 intro cab9 0 # Ecclesiastes 02 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 2:10-16.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Pleasures
When the author thought about the pointlessness of life, he decided to fill it with pointless pleasures. He believed that this type of living would have no effect on the world. Therefore, he indulged in every type of pleasure.
## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
### Assumed knowledge
It is assumed that the author is going to reject the way of living in this chapter. He is certainly not encouraging this way of living even though he does not say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 2 1 dd5v figs-synecdoche 0 I said in my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 2 1 shl4 figs-abstractnouns 0 I will test you with happiness Here the word “you” refers to himself. The word “happiness” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “I will test myself with things that make me happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 2 1 c2cn figs-abstractnouns 0 So enjoy pleasure The word “pleasure” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “So I will enjoy things that please me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 2 1 af7f figs-metaphor 0 this also was just a temporary breeze This speaks of how happiness only lasts for a short time as if it were a temporary breeze. Alternate translation: “this also only lasted for a short time, like a temporary breeze” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 2 v8jj figs-quotations 0 I said about laughter, “It is crazy,” The direct quotation can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I said that it is crazy to laugh at things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
ECC 2 2 s5xc figs-rquestion 0 What use is it? The author uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that pleasure is useless. Alternate translation: “It is useless.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 2 3 pim6 figs-metaphor 0 I explored in my heart This speaks of thinking hard for a long time as if it were exploring. Also, the author speaks of his feelings and his thoughts as if they were his “heart.” Alternate translation: “I thought hard about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 3 qyb2 figs-abstractnouns 0 to gratify my desires with wine The word “desires” may be expressed as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “to use wine to make myself happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 2 3 ce8x figs-personification 0 I let my mind guide me with wisdom Here the author speaks of using the wisdom that he had been taught to guide himself as if this wisdom were a person who guided him. Alternate translation: “I thought about the things that wise people had taught me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 2 3 t4xm figs-explicit 0 under heaven This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 2 3 dp1p 0 during the days of their lives “during the time that they are alive”
ECC 2 4 l8k8 figs-metonymy 0 I built houses for myself and planted vineyards The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: “I had people build houses and plant vineyards for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 5 b7j9 figs-metonymy 0 I built for myself gardens and parks; I planted The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: “I had people build for me gardens and parks; I had them plant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 5 ju37 figs-doublet 0 gardens and parks These two words share similar meanings and refer to beautiful orchards of fruit trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 2 6 s54k figs-metonymy 0 I created The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: “I had them create” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 6 f5w7 0 to water a forest “to provide water for a forest”
ECC 2 6 yp4p figs-activepassive 0 forest where trees were grown This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “forest where trees grew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 2 7 apg7 0 I had slaves born in my palace “I had slaves that were born in my palace” or “My slaves bore children and they also were my slaves”
ECC 2 7 ux74 figs-ellipsis 0 much more than any king The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “much more than any other king had” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
ECC 2 8 n6xa figs-explicit 0 the treasures of kings and provinces This refers to the gold and other wealth that neighboring countries were forced to pay to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: “that I acquired from the treasures of kings and the rulers of provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 2 8 z349 figs-metonymy 0 provinces Here “provinces” represents the rulers of the provinces. Alternate translation: “the rulers of provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 8 sng5 figs-explicit 0 the delights of the children of humanity—and many concubines This means that he had many concubines that he enjoyed sleeping with, as any man enjoys sleeping with women. Alternate translation: “I greatly enjoyed many concubines, as would delight any man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 2 9 v6ku figs-explicit 0 than all who were before me in Jerusalem This refers to all the previous rulers of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “than all the kings who had ruled before me in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 2 9 hz3n figs-idiom 0 my wisdom remained with me This is an idiom. “I continued to act wisely” or “I continued to be wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 2 10 ner1 figs-synecdoche 0 Whatever my eyes desired…from them Here the author refers to himself by his “eyes” to emphasize what he sees. Alternate translation: “Whatever I saw and desired…from myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 2 10 v74v 0 I did not withhold from them This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “I got for them”
ECC 2 10 vdf1 figs-synecdoche 0 I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his desires. This can be stated positively and the word “pleasure” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “I did not keep myself from any pleasure” or “I allowed myself to enjoy everything that made me happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 2 10 bsh6 figs-synecdoche 0 my heart rejoiced Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: “I rejoiced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 2 11 p9rs figs-synecdoche 0 all the deeds that my hands had accomplished Here the author refers to himself by his “hands.” Alternate translation: “all that I had accomplished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 2 11 s4rm figs-parallelism 0 vapor…an attempt to shepherd the wind These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 2 11 bmh2 figs-metaphor 0 vapor “mist.” The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were “vapor.” See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 11 g17w figs-metaphor 0 an attempt to shepherd the wind The author says that everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “are as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 11 ce6q 0 There was no profit under the sun in it “But it had no profit under the sun”
ECC 2 11 wz2f figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 2 12 l7xp figs-doublet 0 madness and folly The words “madness” and “folly” have similar meanings and refer to foolish thinking and behavior, respectively. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 2 12 u6br figs-rquestion 0 For what can the next king do who comes after the king, which has not already been done? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his point that the next king will not be able to do anything more valuable that what he had already done. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “For the next king who comes after the king can do nothing that a king before him has not already done.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 2 12 f76d 0 the next king…who comes after the king “the king…who succeeds the current king” or “the next king…who comes after me”
ECC 2 13 p1yi figs-simile 0 wisdom has advantages over folly, just as light is better than darkness This speaks of how wisdom is better than folly by comparing it to how light is better than darkness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 2 14 ml2f figs-metaphor 0 The wise man uses his eyes in his head to see where he is going This speaks of a wise man making wise decisions as walking and paying attention to where he is going. Alternate translation: “The wise man is like a person who uses his eyes to see where he is going” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 14 dub9 figs-idiom 0 uses his eyes in his head to see This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “pays attention and looks to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 2 14 j96u figs-metaphor 0 the fool walks in darkness This compares a fool making bad decisions to someone walking in darkness. Alternate translation: “the fool is like a person who walks in the dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 14 r1qq 0 the same event death
ECC 2 15 fe31 figs-synecdoche 0 I said in my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 2 15 ugh6 figs-rquestion 0 So what difference does it make if I am very wise? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit to being wise. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “So it makes no difference if I am very wise.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 2 15 l9yw figs-synecdoche 0 I concluded in my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I concluded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 2 15 b6qt figs-metaphor 0 is only vapor “is only mist.” The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were “vapor.” See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “is as useless as vapor” or “is meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 16 ybg8 figs-activepassive 0 For the wise man, like the fool, is not remembered for very long This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People do not remember the wise man for very long, just as they do not remember the fool for very long” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 2 16 h7gz figs-activepassive 0 everything will have been long forgotten This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will have long forgotten everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 2 17 few8 figs-activepassive 0 all the work done This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “all the work that people do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 2 17 sek4 0 was evil to me “troubled me”
ECC 2 17 l4jf figs-parallelism 0 vapor…an attempt to shepherd the wind These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 2 17 a874 figs-metaphor 0 vapor “mist.” The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were “vapor.” See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 17 i7pa figs-metaphor 0 an attempt to shepherd the wind The author says everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 17 y4bh figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 2 18 cl3k 0 to the man who comes after me “to the man who inherits it after me”
ECC 2 19 gjx9 figs-rquestion 0 For who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one knows the character the man who will inherit his wealth. Alternate translation: “For no one knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 2 19 je2l 0 he will be The word “he” refers to the author’s heir.
ECC 2 19 eb64 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 2 19 w9z7 figs-metonymy 0 that my work and wisdom have built Here the author’s “work” and “wisdom” represent himself and the things he did in his wisdom. He probably had help with the literal buildings. Alternate translation: “that I worked very hard and wisely to build” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 19 ud4a figs-metaphor 0 vapor The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 20 gs18 figs-synecdoche 0 my heart began to despair Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I began to despair” or “I began to lose all hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 2 21 j6ge 0 who works with wisdom, with knowledge, and skill “who works wisely and skillfully, using the things that he has learned”
ECC 2 21 y72q 0 who has not made any of it “who has not worked for any of it”
ECC 2 21 klw5 figs-metaphor 0 vapor The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 21 j6ur 0 a great tragedy “a great disaster”
ECC 2 22 k62m figs-rquestion 0 For what profit does the person gain who works so hard and tries in his heart to complete his labors under the sun? The author uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the man who works hard gains nothing. Translate “what profit does…gain” as you did in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “For the person who works so hard and tries in his heart to complete his labors under the sun gains nothing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 2 22 g69d figs-parallelism 0 works so hard and tries in his heart These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how strenuously the person works. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 2 22 t8lp figs-idiom 0 tries in his heart This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “tries anxiously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 2 22 v87n figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 2 23 b5zv figs-doublet 0 painful and stressful These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how difficult the person’s work is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 2 23 f3zg figs-idiom 0 his soul does not find rest Here man’s mind is referred to as his “soul” to emphasize his deep thoughts. Alternate translation: “his mind does not rest” or “he continues to worry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 24 xa3q figs-metonymy 0 God’s hand Here God is represented by his “hand” to emphasize how he provides for people. Alternate translation: “from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 2 25 x4m8 figs-rquestion 0 For who can eat or who can have any kind of pleasure apart from God? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no pleasure can be had without God’s provision. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “For no one can eat or have any kind of pleasure apart from God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 2 26 s16q 0 so that he may give it away to someone who pleases God Possible meanings for the word “he” are (1) God or (2) the sinner. This also can be translated without making it clear who it is that gives the things that the sinner stored. Alternate translation: “so that the one who pleases God may have it”
ECC 2 26 fs9n figs-parallelism 0 vapor…an attempt to shepherd the wind These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 2 26 v8zn figs-metaphor 0 vapor “mist.” The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were “vapor.” See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 2 26 e7hm figs-metaphor 0 an attempt to shepherd the wind The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “are as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 3 intro a9c1 0 # Ecclesiastes 03 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 3:1-8 and 3:15.
## Important figures of speech in this chapter
### Parallelism
The chapter uses parallelism with the phrase, “a time to.” This gives the quotation a poetic style. Their overall purpose is to show that Yahweh directs the events of the world and therefore, they have purpose.
ECC 3 1 q8gz figs-merism 0 General Information: The writer uses merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 3 1 hn82 figs-parallelism 0 For everything there is an appointed time, and a season for every purpose These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 3 1 s8am figs-idiom 0 under heaven This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 3 2 ga5b 0 a time to pull up plants Possible meanings are (1) “a time to harvest” or (2) “a time to uproot.”
ECC 3 4 a5em figs-merism 0 General Information: The writer continues with merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 3 5 yg8l 0 embrace to hold someone in your arms to show love or friendship
ECC 3 6 az59 figs-merism 0 General Information: The writer continues with merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 3 8 f1fu figs-merism 0 General Information: The writer concludes using merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 3 9 q3gk figs-rquestion 0 What profit does the worker gain in his labor? This is a thought provoking question to focus the reader on the next discussion topic. Translate “what profit does…gain” as you did in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “The worker gains no profit for his labor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 3 11 z9kk 0 God has made everything suitable for its own time “God has fixed a time that is right for everything to happen” or “God has set a time that is right for each thing to happen:
ECC 3 11 k5de figs-metonymy 0 placed eternity in their hearts Here the word “their” refers to human beings. Here the “hearts” of the people represent their thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: “placed eternity in the hearts of human beings” or “caused people to think about eternal things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 3 11 jac1 figs-merism 0 from their beginning all the way to their end This refers to the beginning and the end and all that is in between. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 3 13 cyl8 0 should understand how to enjoy “should learn how to enjoy” or “should enjoy”
ECC 3 14 w9c2 figs-activepassive 0 Nothing can be added to it or taken away This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one can add anything to or take anything away from it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 3 16 iyt8 figs-parallelism 0 I have seen the wickedness…wickedness was there These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how common wicked behavior is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 3 16 i932 0 in place of righteousness “where there should be righteousness”
ECC 3 16 ib3m figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 3 17 h7j6 figs-synecdoche 0 I said in my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 3 17 ar25 figs-nominaladj 0 the righteous and the wicked This refers to righteous and wicked people. Alternate translation: “those who are righteous and those who are wicked” or “the righteous people and the wicked people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
ECC 3 17 s71g figs-doublet 0 every matter and every deed These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to every action that people do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 3 18 tst7 figs-synecdoche 0 I said in my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 3 18 uam6 figs-simile 0 they are like animals Here the author says that human beings are like animals. In the next verse the author explains clearly how humans are like animals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 3 19 az6d 0 is the same fate for them “is the same for both of them” or “is the same”
ECC 3 19 i4mv 0 The breath is the same for all of them “All of them breathe same”
ECC 3 19 y2nd 0 There is no advantage for mankind over the animals “Mankind is no better off than the animals”
ECC 3 19 q66p figs-metaphor 0 is not everything just a breath? Here the author speaks of everything being as temporary as if it were a breath of air. The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that everything is temporary. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Everything is just a breath.” or “Everything is as temporary as a breath.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 3 20 gi8h figs-explicit 0 Everything is going to the same place This means that all people and all animals die and decay and become part of the soil. Alternate translation: “Everything dies and goes to the same place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 3 20 d4km 0 dust soil
ECC 3 21 h8x9 figs-rquestion 0 Who knows whether the spirit…into the earth? The author asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one truly knows what happens after people and animals die. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows whether the spirit…into the earth.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 3 22 h5jm 0 there is nothing better for anyone than to See how you translated this phrase in [Ecclesiastes 3:12](../03/12.md).
ECC 3 22 lqg2 figs-rquestion 0 Who can bring him back to see what happens after him? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one will see what happens after he dies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one of us knows what happens to us after we die.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 4 intro ev1x 0 # Ecclesiastes 04 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 4:1-3, 4:5-6, and 4:8-12.
## Important figures of speech in this chapter
### Irony
The teacher looks at the oppression in the world and is saddened by it, but he is the king and has the power to change things. He also laments being alone even though he has many wives, children, and concubines. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lament]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
ECC 4 1 cuy2 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 4 1 ys32 0 behold, the tears “I looked and I saw”
ECC 4 1 zp3i figs-metonymy 0 the tears of oppressed people Here “tears” represent weeping. Alternate translation: “the oppressed people were weeping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 4 1 c1sv figs-metonymy 0 Power was in the hand of their oppressors This means that their oppressors were powerful. Here their “hand” represents what thet possess. Alternate translation: “Their oppressors were powerful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 4 2 g9pt figs-parallelism 0 the living, who are still alive The word “living” is a nominal adjective that refers to people who are living. The phrase “those who are still alive” means the same thing as “the living.” Alternate translation: “the people who are still alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
ECC 4 3 ekt2 0 more fortunate than both of them is the one who has not yet lived “the one who has not yet been born is better off than both of them”
ECC 4 3 q72x figs-explicit 0 both of them This refers to those who are dead and to those who are alive. Alternate translation: “both those who are dead and those who are living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 4 3 hua5 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 4 4 y7i7 figs-abstractnouns 0 became the envy of one’s neighbor The word “envy” may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “made one’s neighbor envious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 4 4 u7wt 0 the envy of one’s neighbor possible meanings are (1) The neighbor envies the object his neighbor made, or (2) the neighbor envies the skills his neighbor has.
ECC 4 4 e19x figs-parallelism 0 vapor…an attempt to shepherd the wind These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 4 4 u3t7 figs-metaphor 0 vapor “mist.” The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 4 m36w figs-metaphor 0 an attempt to shepherd the wind The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “are as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 5 vfv8 translate-symaction 0 The fool folds his hands and does not work To fold the hands is a gesture of laziness and is another way of saying that the person refuses to work. Alternate translation: “The fool refuses to work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 4 5 b92h figs-metaphor 0 so his food is his own flesh This speaks of a person destroying himself as if he were eating his own body. Alternate translation: “as a result, he causes his own ruin” or “and as a result, he destroys himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 6 n1d9 0 a handful “a small amount”
ECC 4 6 mw6l figs-ellipsis 0 two handfuls “a large amount.” It is understood that this refer to profit gained. Alternate translation: “two handfuls of profit” or “a large amount of profit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
ECC 4 6 se1l figs-metaphor 0 that tries to shepherd the wind The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “that is as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 7 civ1 0 futility being useless, without profit
ECC 4 7 w5f8 figs-metaphor 0 more vanishing vapor “more vanishing mist.” The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated “vapor” in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “more things that are as useless as vapor” or “more meaningless things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 7 w5st figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 4 7 x1r1 figs-metaphor 0 vapor “mist.” The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 8 a3v5 figs-explicit 0 no son or brother This person has no family. Alternate translation: “he has no family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 4 8 np2n figs-synecdoche 0 his eyes are not satisfied Here the whole person is represented by his “eyes” to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: “he is not satisfied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 4 8 cx1e 0 For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure “Will anyone benefit from me working hard and not enjoying myself”
ECC 4 10 r5m2 figs-personification 0 sorrow follows the one who is alone when he falls Here sorrow is spoken of as if it were a person that could follow someone else. Alternate translation: “the one who is alone when he falls is sorrowful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 4 11 b486 figs-explicit 0 If two lie down together, they can be warm The writer speaks of two people keeping each other warm on a cold night. Alternate translation: “If two people lie down together at night, they can be warm” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 4 11 b6yw figs-rquestion 0 how can one be warm alone? This refers to a person lying down. The author use this rhetorical question to emphasize that two people can keep each other warm but one person cannot. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “a person cannot be warm when he is alone.” or “a person who lies down alone cannot be warm.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
ECC 4 12 cj73 figs-activepassive 0 One man alone can be overpowered This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone can overpower a person who is alone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 4 12 aq3c 0 but two “but two people”
ECC 4 12 r98s 0 withstand an attack “defend themselves against an attack”
ECC 4 12 mg67 figs-metaphor 0 a three-strand rope This speaks of three people together being stronger as if they were a three-strand rope. Alternate translation: “three people are even stronger, like a three-strand rope that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 12 iur4 figs-activepassive 0 a three-strand rope is not quickly broken This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people cannot easily break a rope made with three strands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 4 13 uhs1 0 wise youth “wise young man”
ECC 4 13 uye4 figs-metonymy 0 who no longer knows how Here knowing represents willingness. Alternate translation: “who is no longer willing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 4 14 k5lm 0 from prison “after being in prison”
ECC 4 14 xu6r figs-explicit 0 he was born poor in his kingdom This means that he had poor parents. Alternate translation: “he was born to poor parents who lived in the land that he will someday rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 4 15 l8cp 0 General Information: Instead of choosing the wise youth, the people choose the king’s son, who may not be any wiser.
ECC 4 15 pj25 figs-parallelism 0 alive…walking around The words “alive” and “walking around” mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize living people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 4 15 s7r7 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 4 16 rru3 figs-hyperbole 0 There is no end to all the people This is an exaggeration used to emphasize a large number of people. Alternate translation: “There are very many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
ECC 4 16 xk33 figs-parallelism 0 vapor…an attempt to shepherd the wind These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 4 16 xp58 figs-metaphor 0 vapor “mist.” The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 4 16 l1y1 figs-metaphor 0 an attempt to shepherd the wind The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “are as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 5 intro p4zf 0 # Ecclesiastes 05 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 5:2-3, and 5:10-17.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Materialism
The author describes the pointlessness of pursuing material things. This is known as “materialism.” Those who pursue after things will always want more. At the end of their life, they will not be able to use these things.
ECC 5 1 h4uf figs-metonymy 0 Guard your steps Here “steps” are a metonym for a person’s conduct. Alternate translation: “Be careful how you conduct yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 5 2 k5is figs-parallelism 0 Do not be too quick…do not let your heart be too quick These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that you should think first before you speak to God about a matter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 5 2 s9ue 0 to speak with your mouth Here the phrase “with your mouth” emphasizes and describes a person speaking. Alternate translation: “to speak”
ECC 5 2 ucz2 figs-synecdoche 0 do not let your heart Here a person is represented by his “heart” to emphasize his emotions and desires. Alternate translation: “do not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 5 2 g7vv 0 let your words be few “do not say too much”
ECC 5 4 isy3 figs-explicit 0 do not delay to do it, for God has no pleasure in fools It is implied that it is foolish to delay in fulfilling a vow that you have made to God. Alternate translation: “do not foolishly delay in doing it, because God is not pleased with foolish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 5 6 l6vb figs-metonymy 0 Do not allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin Here a person’s “mouth” represents a person’s speech, and the person himself is represented by his “flesh.” Alternate translation: “Do not let what you say cause you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 5 6 l7nd figs-rquestion 0 Why make God angry by vowing falsely, provoking God to destroy the work of your hands? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that it is foolish to make a vow that you will not keep. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “It would be foolish to make God angry by vowing falsely, provoking God to destroy the work of your hands.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 5 6 mi3z figs-synecdoche 0 destroy the work of your hands Here a person is represented by his “hands.” Alternate translation: “destroy everything you do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 5 7 r95z figs-metaphor 0 For in many dreams, as in many words, there is meaningless vapor The author speaks of things as being useless and futile as if they were vapor. See how you translated “vapor” in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “For many dreams and many words are as useless as vapor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 5 8 jdl4 figs-activepassive 0 the poor being oppressed and robbed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people oppressing the poor and robbing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 5 8 x1rp figs-nominaladj 0 the poor This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “those who are poor” or “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
ECC 5 8 h98m figs-doublet 0 just and right treatment The words “just” and “right” mean basically the same thing and refer to the kind of treatment that people deserve. Alternate translation: “fair treatment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 5 8 d57b 0 do not be astonished as if no one knows, because there are people “do not be surprised, for there are people
ECC 5 8 kr4z 0 there are people in power “there are people with authority”
ECC 5 8 v44r figs-idiom 0 even higher ones over them There are other men who rule over the men in authority. Alternate translation: “men who have even more authority than they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 5 9 uc5e figs-abstractnouns 0 the produce of the land…produce from the fields The word “produce” may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “the food that the land produces…crops from the fields” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 5 10 kh3l figs-metaphor 0 vapor The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 5 11 md9b figs-abstractnouns 0 As prosperity increases The word “prosperity” may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “As a person becomes more prosperous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 5 11 xh2w 0 so also do the people who consume it Possible meanings are (1) “so also the person spends more money” or (2) “so also there will be more people who use his wealth.”
ECC 5 11 ncz7 figs-metaphor 0 who consume it This speaks of people spending wealth as if they were “eating” it. Alternate translation: “who use it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 5 11 c2dc figs-rquestion 0 What advantage in wealth is there to the owner except to watch it with his eyes? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the wealthy do not benefit from their wealth. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “The only benefit that the owner has from wealth is that he can look at it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 5 12 d52v figs-metaphor 0 The sleep of a working man is sweet This speaks of a person’s sleep being fulfilling and peaceful as if it were sweet like something he eats. Alternate translation: “The sleep of a working man is peaceful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 5 12 dr7p 0 whether he eats little or a lot “whether he eats a little bit of food or a lot of food”
ECC 5 12 u4e4 figs-personification 0 but the wealth of a rich person does not allow him to sleep well “but the wealth of a rich person keeps him awake at night.” This speaks of a rich person not being able to sleep because he is worried about his money as if his money were a person that would not allow him to sleep. Alternate translation: “but rich people do not sleep well because they worry about their money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 5 13 m4vd figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 5 13 j6b2 figs-activepassive 0 riches hoarded by the owner This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “an owner hoards riches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 5 14 d5n4 0 through bad luck Possible meanings are (1) “through misfortune” or (2) “through a bad business deal.”
ECC 5 14 zb1u figs-metonymy 0 his own son, one whom he has fathered, is left with nothing in his hands Here the phrase “in his hands” represents ownership. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he leaves no possession for his own son” (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 5 15 it6k figs-metaphor 0 As a man comes from his mother’s womb…he will leave naked It is implied that a man is naked when he is born. In addition to being without clothing, here the word “naked” emphasizes that people are born without any possessions. Alternate translation: “As a man is naked and owns nothing when he is born…he will leave this life the same way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 5 15 wl6z 0 comes from his mother’s womb “is born”
ECC 5 15 zl7h figs-euphemism 0 he will leave This refers to dying. Alternate translation: “he will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
ECC 5 15 fe51 figs-metonymy 0 He can take none of the fruits of his labor in his hand Here a man’s possessions are spoken of as if they are fruit that he grew with his labor. Alternate translation: “He can not take any of his possessions with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 5 16 qd7u figs-explicit 0 as a person comes, so he goes away This refers to the birth and death of a person and expresses the same idea as the previous verse. This refers to women as well as men. Alternate translation: “as people bring nothing into the world when they are born, so they take nothing with them when they die and leave this world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
ECC 5 16 h3bb figs-rquestion 0 So what profit is there for him who works for the wind? The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit in working for the wind. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one gets any profit in working for the wind.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 5 16 dl4p figs-metaphor 0 works for the wind Possible meanings are (1) This speaks of the person receiving no lasting profit as if he were trying to control the wind. Alternate translation: “tries to shepherd the wind” or “work that is as useless as trying to shepherd the wind” or (2) This implies that the person only receives the air that he breaths as his profit. Alternate translation: “works to receive the air he breathes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 5 17 x449 figs-metaphor 0 During his days he eats with darkness This speaks of a person mourning throughout his life as if he always ate in darkness. Here “darkness” represents sadness and mourning. Alternate translation: “He spends his life in mourning and sadness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 5 17 rys5 figs-metonymy 0 his days Here a person’s “days” represent his life. Alternate translation: “his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 5 17 zw6w figs-abstractnouns 0 is greatly distressed with sickness and anger The words “sickness” and “anger” can be expressed as adjectives. Alternate translation: “suffers greatly, being sick and angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 5 18 k7uq figs-idiom 0 Look The author uses this word here to draw his reader’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 5 18 qp65 figs-doublet 0 what I have seen to be good and suitable Here the words “good” and “suitable” mean basically the same thing. The second intensifies the meaning of the first. Alternate translation: “what I have seen to be the best thing to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 5 18 ue88 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 5 18 m281 figs-idiom 0 during the days of this life that God has given us This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “as long as God allows us to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 5 18 ued7 0 For this is man’s assignment Possible meanings are (1) “For this is man’s reward” or (2) “For these are the things that he allows man to do”
ECC 5 19 n4ka figs-doublet 0 riches and wealth These two words mean basically the same thing. They refer to money and the things that a person can buy with money. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 5 19 b3ld 0 to receive his share “to accept what he is given”
ECC 5 20 iz9m figs-idiom 0 he does not call to mind Here the word “he” refers to the person to whom God has given a gift. The phrase “call to mind” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he does not remember” or “he does not think about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 5 20 qr1s figs-idiom 0 the days of his life This refers to the things that happened during his lifetime. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the things that have happened during his lifetime” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 5 20 n32s 0 keep busy “stay busy”
ECC 6 intro ar6e 0 # Ecclesiastes 06 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 6:7-11.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Satisfaction
While a person may be given a great many things, they are worthless and provide no sense of satisfaction or peace. It is assumed that only Yahweh can provide these things to man. Solomon is depressed that he had everything he could have ever wanted in life, but they were not enough to give him satisfaction or peace. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 6 1 fyq4 figs-metaphor 0 it weighs heavy on men Here evil is spoken of as something that is a heavy load to carry. Alternate translation: “it causes hardship for people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 6 2 jzl7 figs-doublet 0 riches, wealth These two words mean basically the same thing. They refer to money and the things that a person can buy with money. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 6 2 n75e figs-doublenegatives 0 he lacks nothing This is a double negative. Alternate translation: “he has everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
ECC 6 2 rg6q 0 God gives him no ability “does not give him the ability”
ECC 6 2 jr84 figs-metaphor 0 vapor The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 6 3 qq8e translate-numbers 0 fathers a hundred children “fathers 100 children.” This is a hypothetical situation. This is also an exaggeration and is applicable to people with fewer than 100 children. Alternate translation: “fathers many children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
ECC 6 3 z9ls figs-parallelism 0 lives many years, so that the days of his years are many These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “lives many years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 6 3 fun6 figs-synecdoche 0 his heart is not satisfied with good This refers to a man by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “he is not content with good things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 6 3 qmh2 figs-activepassive 0 he is not buried This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) “no one buries him at all” or (2) he receives no honor, “no one buries him properly.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] or [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 6 4 g8un 0 such a baby is born in futility “such a baby is born for nothing”
ECC 6 4 tr53 figs-idiom 0 passes away in darkness This speaks of the death of the baby being as unexplainable as “darkness.” Alternate translation: “dies unexplainably” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 6 4 xfu5 figs-metaphor 0 its name remains hidden This speaks of no one knowing the baby’s name as if it were a hidden object. Alternate translation: “no one knows its name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 6 6 iz6f figs-hypo 0 Even if a man should live for two thousand years This is a hypothetical situation. This is also an exaggeration to show that it does not matter how long a person lives if he does not enjoy the good things in life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
ECC 6 6 sa97 translate-numbers 0 two thousand years “2,000 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
ECC 6 6 g8tb figs-explicit 0 he goes to the same place as everyone else This means that he dies like all other people. Alternate translation: “he dies and go to the same place as everyone else” or “he goes to the grave just like everyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 6 7 wf5f figs-metonymy 0 is for his mouth Here putting food in a man’s mouth represents feeding him. Alternate translation: “is to put food in his mouth” or “is to feed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 6 7 lc2f figs-activepassive 0 his appetite is not satisfied This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he does not satisfy his appetite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 6 8 syz9 figs-rquestion 0 what advantage has the wise person over the fool? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a wise person does not have any more lasting benefits than a fool. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “it seems the wise person has no advantage over the fool.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 6 8 gse4 figs-rquestion 0 What advantage does the poor man have even if he knows how to act in front of other people? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a poor man does not have any more lasting benefits than someone else. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “The poor man has no advantage even if he knows how to act in front of other people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 6 8 zy1l 0 how to act “how to conduct himself”
ECC 6 9 ays9 figs-metonymy 0 what the eyes see A person can see these things because he already has them. Alternate translation: “what a person has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 6 9 xhe8 figs-metonymy 0 to desire what a wandering appetite craves This refers to things that a person wants but does not have. Alternate translation: “to want what he does not have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 6 9 n6mw figs-parallelism 0 vapor…an attempt to shepherd the wind These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 6 9 f92y figs-metaphor 0 vapor “mist.” The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 6 9 qai8 figs-metaphor 0 an attempt to shepherd the wind The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “are as useless as trying to control the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 6 10 vs8g figs-activepassive 0 Whatever has existed has already been given its name This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People have already named everything that exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 6 10 f9hg figs-activepassive 0 what mankind is like has already been known This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people already know what mankind is like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 6 10 uy4z 0 the one who is the mighty judge “God, who is the mighty judge”
ECC 6 11 l9d5 figs-activepassive 0 The more words that are spoken This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The more words that people speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 6 11 pz7h 0 the more futility increases The more a person speaks, the more likely he will speak about meaningless things. Alternate translation: “the more meaningless those words are”
ECC 6 11 s51v 0 futility being useless, without profit
ECC 6 11 pq2r figs-rquestion 0 what advantage is that to a man? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no advantage for a man to talk a lot. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “that is no advantage to a man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 6 12 cb4r figs-rquestion 0 For who knows what is good for man…he passes like a shadow? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no person truly knows what is good for man. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows what is good for man…he passes like a shadow.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 6 12 jj23 figs-simile 0 in his life during his futile, numbered days through which he passes like a shadow This speaks of how life passes quickly by saying that it is like a shadow that quickly disappears. The phrase “numbered days” emphasizes that a person’s life is short. Alternate translation: “during his futile, short life, which he passes through as quickly as a shadow passes by” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 6 12 ka2l figs-rquestion 0 Who can tell a man…after he passes? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen after a person dies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can tell a man…after he passes.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 6 12 pjl3 figs-idiom 0 what will come under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated “under the sun” in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “what will happen on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 6 12 k2ab figs-euphemism 0 after he passes This is a polite expression for death. Alternate translation: “after he dies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
ECC 7 intro fp2g 0 # Ecclesiastes 07 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 7:1-26.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Advice
This chapter gives a series of disconnected pieces of advice. Translators should not try to smooth the transitions between these pieces of advice. The advice in these statements do not apply in every situation. Therefore, they should be seen as “good ideas.”
ECC 7 1 fq9e figs-metonymy 0 A good name Here a person’s “name” is used to represent their reputation. Alternate translation: “A good reputation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 2 y1yx figs-idiom 0 must take this to heart This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “must think seriously about this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 3 g9c7 figs-idiom 0 sadness of face This refers to being sad. Alternate translation: “an experience that makes a person sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 3 rsl9 figs-metonymy 0 gladness of heart Here the word “heart” refers to a person’s thoughts and emotions. “Gladness” describes either (1) the state of the emotions of being happy and peaceful or (2) the ability to understand the truth. Alternate translation: “right thinking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 4 pli9 figs-synecdoche 0 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning Here wise people are referred to by their “hearts.” This speaks of the wise person mourning as being in a house of mourning. Alternate translation: “Wise people think deeply about death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 7 4 lly7 figs-synecdoche 0 but the heart of fools is in the house of feasting Here foolish people are referred to by their “hearts.” This speaks of foolish people thinking only about what makes them happy as being in a house of feasting. Alternate translation: “but foolish people think only about enjoying themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 7 4 ux5g 0 the house of mourning…the house of feasting These phrases refer to what happens in these places.
ECC 7 5 wm3y figs-abstractnouns 0 to the rebuke of the wise The word “rebuke” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “when wise people rebuke you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 7 5 lal6 0 to listen to the song of fools “to listen to fools sing”
ECC 7 6 bh8q figs-simile 0 For like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so also is the laughter of fools This speaks of how listening to fools talk and laugh will teach you nothing, as if their speech and laughter were the sound of burning thorns. Alternate translation: “For listening to the laughter of fools will not teach a man any more than if he were listening to the crackling of thorns burning under a pot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 7 6 im4x figs-metaphor 0 vapor The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “as useless as vapor” or “meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 7 7 be8y 0 Extortion This refers to forcing someone to give money or other valuable items to another so that the other person does not harm him. It is considered wrong.
ECC 7 7 dt3e 0 makes a wise man foolish Possible meanings are (1) “turns the wise man into a foolish man” or (2) “makes the advice of the wise man appear to be foolish advice.”
ECC 7 7 n3hs figs-metonymy 0 corrupts the heart Here the word “heart” refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “ruins a person’s ability to think and judge rightly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 8 bw3c figs-metonymy 0 the people patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit Here the word “spirit” refers to a person’s attitude. Alternate translation: “patient people are better than proud people” or “a patient attitude is better than a prideful attitude” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 9 lb8v figs-metonymy 0 Do not be quick to anger in your spirit Here the word “spirit” refers to a person’s attitude. Alternate translation: “Do not become angry quickly” or “Do not have a bad temper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 9 fx66 figs-metaphor 0 anger resides in the hearts of fools This speaks of a person being full of anger as if the anger lived inside him. This speaks of the anger being in the person’s heart because the “heart” is thought to be the source of a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “foolish people are full of anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 7 10 mu3y figs-rquestion 0 Why were the days of old better than these? The person asks this rhetorical question in order to complain about the present time. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Things were better in the past than they are now.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 7 10 r6bl figs-irony 0 it is not because of wisdom that you ask this question Here the author uses irony to rebuke the person’s question. Alternate translation: “if you were wise you would not ask this question” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
ECC 7 11 w53h figs-idiom 0 those who see the sun This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “those who are alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 12 wt8d 0 the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom gives life Possible meanings are (1) that the writer uses the words “knowledge” and “wisdom” to mean the same thing, or (2) “the advantage of knowing wisdom is that it gives life.”
ECC 7 12 erb5 figs-personification 0 gives life to whoever has it This speaks of how wisdom helps to preserve a person’s life as if it gave life to that person. When a person is wise he makes good decisions that help him to live a more prosperous and longer life. Alternate translation: “preserves a person’s life” or “helps a person to make good decisions and to live a longer life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 7 13 x6a8 figs-rquestion 0 Who can straighten out anything he has made crooked? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can change something that God has done. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can straighten out anything he has made crooked.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 7 14 iig7 figs-idiom 0 When times are good…when times are bad The word “times” is an idiom for “things happening.” Alternate translation: “When good things happen…when bad things happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 14 ab9b 0 live happily in that good “be happy about those good things”
ECC 7 14 c4j4 figs-idiom 0 both to exist side by side The phrase “side by side” is an idiom that means “this one” and “this one.” Alternate translation: “both to exist” or “there to be both good and bad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 14 ey3r 0 anything that is coming after him Possible meanings are (1) “anything that happens in the future” or (2) “anything that happens to him after he dies.”
ECC 7 15 q493 0 in my meaningless days “in my meaningless life”
ECC 7 15 vy5k 0 in spite of their righteousness “even though they are righteous”
ECC 7 15 la4s 0 in spite of their evil “even though they are evil”
ECC 7 16 ux2c figs-parallelism 0 self-righteous, wise in your own eyes These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 7 16 p2av 0 Do not be self-righteous “Do not think that you are more righteous than you actually are”
ECC 7 16 n342 figs-metaphor 0 wise in your own eyes The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “being wise in your own opinion” or “being wise according to your own judgement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 7 16 tc29 figs-rquestion 0 Why should you destroy yourself? The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that being self-righteous destroys a person. Alternate translation: “There is no reason to destroy yourself.” or “If you think this way you will destroy yourself.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 7 17 s5mm figs-rquestion 0 Why should you die before your time? The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no reason for people to do things that will cause them to die early. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to die sooner than you should.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 7 18 u3fa figs-metaphor 0 take hold of this wisdom This speaks of striving to be wise as if “wisdom” were an object that a person could hold on to. Alternate translation: “commit yourself to this wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 7 18 p1xy figs-metaphor 0 you should not let go of righteousness This speaks of striving to be righteous as if “righteousness” were an object that a person could hold on to. Alternate translation: “you should not stop trying to be righteous” or “you should keep trying to be righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 7 18 m73i 0 will meet all his obligations “will do everything that God expects of him”
ECC 7 19 ugu9 0 Wisdom is powerful in the wise man, more than ten rulers in a city “Wisdom makes a man powerful; it makes him more powerful than ten rulers in a city”
ECC 7 20 uf5z 0 does good and never sins “does good things and does not sin”
ECC 7 21 q4dk figs-activepassive 0 every word that is spoken This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 7 22 wq73 figs-rpronouns 0 you know yourself “you yourself know.” Here “yourself” is used to emphasize the phrase “you know.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
ECC 7 22 t45l figs-metonymy 0 in your own heart Here a person’s thoughts are represented by their “heart.” Alternate translation: “in your own thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 23 ix7d figs-explicit 0 All this have I proven here the word “this” refers to all of the things the author has written about. Alternate translation: “All this that I have already written about have I proven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 7 23 fw1m 0 it was more than I could be “it was beyond my ability to understand” or “but I was not able to do it”
ECC 7 24 y2i9 figs-idiom 0 far off and very deep This speaks of wisdom being difficult to understand as if it were something located far away or in a very deep place. Alternate translation: “difficult to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 24 p3a6 figs-rquestion 0 Who can find it? The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize the difficulty in understanding wisdom. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can understand it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 7 25 l5xj figs-metonymy 0 I turned my heart Here the word “heart” refers to the mind. Also, here the word “turned” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I directed my thoughts” or “I determined” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 25 p2l6 figs-abstractnouns 0 the explanations of reality “the reason for things.” This word “explanations” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “how to explain various things in life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 7 26 p367 figs-metaphor 0 any woman whose heart is full of snares and nets, and whose hands are chains The writer says that the seductive woman is like traps that hunters use to catch animals. The author speaks of a woman being seductive as if she traps men like a hunter traps animals. Her “heart” represents her thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “any woman who traps men by seducing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 26 lxk1 figs-doublet 0 snares and nets These two words both refer to ways in which people trap animals to emphasize how the woman traps men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
ECC 7 26 kh37 figs-metaphor 0 whose hands are chains Here the word “hands” refers to her power and control. This speaks of her being seductive as if hands were chains that she bound people with. Alternate translation: “from whom no one can escape” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 7 26 h6z9 figs-activepassive 0 the sinner will be taken by her This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “she will capture the sinner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 7 27 vsz7 figs-abstractnouns 0 adding one discovery to another The word “discovery” can be expressed as a verb. The word “adding” here is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “discovering one thing after another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 7 27 k9h2 figs-abstractnouns 0 in order to find an explanation of reality This word “explanation” can be expressed as a verb. See how the phrase “explanations of reality” is translated in [Ecclesiastes 7:25](../07/25.md). Alternate translation: “in order to be able to explain things in life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 7 28 twu8 translate-numbers 0 one righteous man among a thousand “1 righteous man among 1,000.” Only one righteous man was found in a group of 1,000 people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
ECC 7 28 xkw3 0 a woman among all those There were no righteous women found in a group of 1,000 people.
ECC 7 29 dra3 0 they have gone away looking for many difficulties Possible meanings are (1) “they have made many sinful plans” or (2) “they have made their own lives difficult.”
ECC 7 29 e78n figs-metaphor 0 they have gone away Here the word “they” refers to “humanity.” This speaks of humanity changing from being upright to not being upright as if they were going from one place to another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 8 intro g2ul 0 # Ecclesiastes 08 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 8:1 and 8:5-8.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Wisdom
Solomon, known for his wisdom, gives a detailed description of wisdom. True wisdom is seeking to honor God. This is the only thing that lasts. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]])
ECC 8 1 sfc8 0 Who is a wise man? Who knows what the events in life mean? The writer asks these as leading questions to provide the answer in what he says next.
ECC 8 1 v1sf figs-idiom 0 causes his face to shine This means that the person’s face will show that he has wisdom. Alternate translation: “shows on his face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 8 1 e5zq figs-idiom 0 the hardness of his face This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “his harsh appearance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 8 1 beu2 figs-activepassive 0 is changed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “changes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 2 ig6x 0 God’s oath to protect him “the oath you made before God to protect him”
ECC 8 3 jz73 figs-metaphor 0 Do not hurry out of his presence Possible meanings are (1) not to be hasty to physically leave the king’s presence or (2) This is a metaphor that speaks of being loyal to the king as being in his presence. Alternate translation: “Do not abandon the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 8 4 mc7i 0 The king’s word rules “What the king says is the law”
ECC 8 4 k14s figs-rquestion 0 who will say to him This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one will ask the king the following question. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one can say to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 8 4 fn4s figs-rquestion 0 What are you doing? This rhetorical question is a rebuke. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be doing what you are doing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 8 5 v9wu figs-synecdoche 0 A wise man’s heart recognizes Here a man is represented by his “heart” to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: “A wise man recognizes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 8 5 qc3y 0 the proper course and time of action “the correct time to do things and the right way to do them”
ECC 8 7 l5bd figs-rquestion 0 Who can tell him what is coming? This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one knows what will happen in the future. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can tell him what is coming.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 8 8 md5b figs-simile 0 No one is ruler over his breath so as to stop the breath…no one has power over the day of his death Just as no one has the ability to stop himself from breathing, no one can continue living when it is time to die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 8 8 vd1v 0 No one is ruler The word “ruler” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “No one has control”
ECC 8 8 np67 figs-idiom 0 the day of his death This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when he will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 8 8 blf2 figs-activepassive 0 No one is discharged from the army This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “No army discharges anyone” or “No army allows soldiers to leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 8 tfi8 figs-personification 0 wickedness will not rescue those who are its slaves This speaks of wickedness as if it were a master who had slaves. Alternate translation: “evil people will not be saved by doing what is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 8 9 m5md figs-synecdoche 0 I have applied my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:17](../01/17.md). Alternate translation: “I applied myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 8 9 k1ch figs-activepassive 0 every kind of work that is done This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “every kind of work that people do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 9 jnb1 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 8 9 d2gx 0 There is a time when a person oppresses another person to that person’s hurt “Sometimes one person will oppress another, causing that person to be hurt”
ECC 8 10 a8np figs-activepassive 0 the wicked buried publicly This can be stated in active form. Evil people that died were given honorable burials. Alternate translation: “people bury the wicked publicly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 10 gw4a figs-activepassive 0 They were taken from the holy area and buried and were praised by people This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People took them from the holy area and buried them and praised them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 11 fl29 figs-activepassive 0 When a sentence against an evil crime is not executed quickly This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When people in authority do not quickly execute a sentence against an evil crime” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 11 k6a9 figs-synecdoche 0 entices the hearts of human beings Here people are represented by their “hearts” to emphasize their will and desires. Alternate translation: “entices human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 8 12 ty8m translate-numbers 0 a hundred times “100 times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
ECC 8 12 mh1j figs-idiom 0 it will be better for those who respect God The phrase “it will be better” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “life will be better for those who respect God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 8 12 x5tl figs-parallelism 0 who respect God…who stand before him and show him respect These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize people respecting God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 8 13 y6mk figs-activepassive 0 his life will not be prolonged This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not prolong his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 13 jsa6 figs-simile 0 His days are like a fleeting shadow This speaks of how the wicked man’s life passes quickly by saying that it is like a shadow that quickly disappears. Alternate translation: “His days will pass as quickly as a shadow disappears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 8 13 e7yl 0 His days are “His life is”
ECC 8 14 e2e2 figs-activepassive 0 something else that is done on the earth This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “something else that people do on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 14 vn88 figs-metaphor 0 this also is useless vapor “this also is useless mist.” The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were ‘vapor.’ See how you translated the word “vapor” in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “this also is as useless as vapor” or “this also is meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 8 15 e8jj figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 8 15 n76x figs-idiom 0 for all the days of his life that God has given him This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “for as long as God allows him to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 8 16 q9us figs-synecdoche 0 I applied my heart Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:17](../01/17.md). Alternate translation: “I applied myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 8 16 d9sa figs-activepassive 0 the work that is done on the earth This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the work that people do on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 16 ct32 figs-synecdoche 0 without sleep for the eyes Here a person is represented by his “eyes.” Alternate translation: “without sleeping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 8 17 vk1q figs-activepassive 0 the work that is done under the sun Possible meanings are (1) “the work that God does under the sun” or (2) “the work that God allows people to do under the sun.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 8 17 gl2w figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 intro j3kr 0 # Ecclesiastes 09 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 9:2, 5-6, and 11-12.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Judgment
This chapter explains that there is one thing that awaits all people: judgment. When people die, they will all face Yahweh’s judgment. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])
ECC 9 1 hpl4 0 I thought about all this in my mind “I thought very deeply about all this”
ECC 9 1 dt8e 0 They are all in God’s hands Here the word “they” refers to “the righteous and wise people” as well as “their deeds.”
ECC 9 1 l7sr figs-metonymy 0 in God’s hands Here the word “hands” refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: “under God’s control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 9 1 ubx9 figs-personification 0 whether love or hate will come to someone This speaks of “love” and “hate” as if they are people that may come to visit someone else. Alternate translation: “whether someone will experience love or hate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 9 2 j1u2 figs-merism 0 righteous people and wicked This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of righteous and wicked people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 9 2 pff6 figs-nominaladj 0 wicked…the good…the clean and the unclean All of these phrases refer to people. Alternate translation: “wicked people…good people…clean people and unclean people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
ECC 9 2 y27f figs-merism 0 the clean and the unclean This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of clean and unclean people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 9 2 yje9 figs-metaphor 0 the clean A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 9 2 k7ls figs-metaphor 0 the unclean A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 9 2 vsk6 figs-merism 0 the one who sacrifices and the one who does not sacrifice This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of those who sacrifice and those who do not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 9 2 lu29 figs-merism 0 As good people…so also will the sinner This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of good people and sinners. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 9 2 d65f figs-ellipsis 0 will the sinner…will the man who fears to make an oath It is understood that this refers to people dying. Alternate translation: “the sinner will die…the man who fears to make an oath will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
ECC 9 2 v2sh figs-merism 0 the one who swears…so also will the man who fears to make an oath This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of those who swear oaths and those who do not.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 9 3 f3q9 figs-activepassive 0 everything that is done This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that happens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 9 3 cz36 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 3 ex39 0 the same event death
ECC 9 3 vf5k figs-metonymy 0 The hearts of human beings are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts Here the word “hearts” refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “Human beings are full of evil, and their thoughts are of madness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 9 3 zyc7 0 madness “folly”
ECC 9 3 ha8w figs-nominaladj 0 they go to the dead The phrase “the dead” refers to dead people. Here dead people represent the place where people go after they die. Alternate translation: “they go to the place where dead people are” or “they die and go to the grave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 9 4 a4uf figs-nominaladj 0 the living This refers to people who are alive. Alternate translation: “who are alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
ECC 9 4 s9jy figs-simile 0 just as a living dog is better than a dead lion A “dog” was considered a lowly animal while a lion was considered a noble animal. This speaks of it being better to be lowly and alive than to be considered noble and dead. Alternate translation: “It is better to be lowly like a dog and to be alive than to be noble like a lion and to be dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 9 5 tg7a figs-nominaladj 0 the dead This refers to people who are dead. Alternate translation: “those who are dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
ECC 9 5 sb9p figs-activepassive 0 their memory is forgotten This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will forget them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 9 6 sd1b 0 Their love, hatred, and envy This refers to the love, hatred, and envy that the dead people showed others when they were alive.
ECC 9 6 h1ux figs-activepassive 0 anything done This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “anything that people do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 9 6 wdd9 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 7 r3f2 figs-parallelism 0 eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize the importance of enjoying the basic activities of life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 9 7 al9q figs-synecdoche 0 your bread This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “your food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 9 7 upb4 figs-metonymy 0 drink your wine with a happy heart Here the word “heart” refers to the emotions. Alternate translation: “drink your wine joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 9 8 zd1x translate-symaction 0 Let your clothes be always white and your head anointed with oil Wearing white clothes and anointing one’s head with oil were both signs of gladness and celebration. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
ECC 9 8 weg3 figs-activepassive 0 your head anointed with oil This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “anoint your head with oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 9 9 ack2 figs-explicit 0 Live happily with the wife whom you love One should love the wife he has. Alternate translation: “Since you have a wife whom you love, live happily with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 9 9 i7lk figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 9 b2jb 0 your days “your lifetime”
ECC 9 9 vd3d 0 That is your reward The word “that” refers to living happily with his wife.
ECC 9 10 dt8t figs-synecdoche 0 Whatever your hand finds to do Here a person is represented by his “hand” since a person often uses his hands to work. Alternate translation: “Whatever you are able to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 9 10 nrd5 figs-abstractnouns 0 there is no work or explanation or knowledge or wisdom The nouns “work, “explanation,” and “knowledge” can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “the dead do not work or explain or know or have wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 9 11 xi11 figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 11 k49c 0 The race does not belong to…The battle does not belong to “The race is not always won by…The battle is not always won by”
ECC 9 11 u2xl figs-metonymy 0 Bread Here “Bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “Food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 9 11 l8sx figs-idiom 0 time and chance affect them all This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “what happens and when it happens affect them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 11 dqc6 0 affect them all “affects all these things.” Here the words “them all” refer to race, battle, bread, riches, and favor.
ECC 9 12 ku8a figs-euphemism 0 when his time will come This refers to when a person dies. Alternate translation: “when he will die” or “when the time of his death will come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
ECC 9 12 u9td figs-simile 0 fish are caught…birds are caught…the children of human beings are ensnared This speaks of people dying when they do not expect it, in the same way that people catch animals and kill them when they do not expect it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 9 12 u32n figs-activepassive 0 the children of human beings are ensnared by evil times This can be stated in active form. Also, this speaks of people experiencing disaster and unfortunate times as if they were being imprisoned or trapped. Alternate translation: “evil times are coming upon the children of human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 9 12 k3ka figs-idiom 0 that suddenly fall upon them This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at times when they do not expect them to happen” or “that suddenly happen to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 13 us6g figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 14 m1e3 figs-synecdoche 0 a great king came against it Here the “king” represents himself and his whole army. Alternate translation: “a great king and his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 9 14 ax6u 0 great siege ramps This refers to dirt ramps the army built up against the city walk so that they could climb up and attack the city.
ECC 9 15 bx8x figs-activepassive 0 in the city was found a poor, wise man This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “in the city, people found a poor, wise man” or “a poor, wise man lived in the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 9 16 k3fl figs-activepassive 0 the poor man’s wisdom is despised This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people despise the poor man’s wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 9 16 i9hl figs-activepassive 0 his words are not heard this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they do not listen to what he says” or “they do not take his advice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 9 17 h8wq figs-activepassive 0 The words of wise people spoken quietly are heard better Here “heard” represents understanding. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It is easier to understands the words that wise people speak quietly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 10 intro awi8 0 # Ecclesiastes 10 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in all of chapter 10.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Advice
This chapter gives a series of disconnected pieces of advice. Translators should not try to smooth the transitions between these pieces of advice. The advice in these statements do not apply in every situation. Therefore, they should be seen as “good ideas.”
ECC 10 1 m6u5 figs-simile 0 As dead flies…so a little folly Just as flies can ruin perfume, so folly can ruin a person’s reputation for wisdom and honor. This speaks of how a little folly can ruin a person’s reputation in the same way that a few dead flies ruin perfume. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 10 1 u5bv figs-personification 0 a little folly can overpower wisdom and honor This speaks of how a person acting foolishly can ruin his reputation as if his “folly” and “wisdom and honor” were people and that his folly overpowered his wisdom and honor. Alternate translation: “committing a little folly can ruin a person’s wisdom and honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 10 2 rs5s figs-metonymy 0 The heart of a wise person…the heart of a fool Here the word “heart” refers to the mind or will. Alternate translation: “The way a wise person thinks…the way a fool thinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 10 2 h1fr figs-idiom 0 tends to the right…tends to the left Here the words “right” and “left” refer to what is right and wrong. Alternate translation: “tends to doing what is right…tends to doing what is wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 10 3 fe16 figs-explicit 0 his thinking is deficient This refers to the way that he acts. Alternate translation: “he is stupid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 10 4 r1x8 figs-metonymy 0 If the emotions of a ruler rise up against you Here a ruler is represented by his “emotions” Alternate translation: “If a ruler becomes angry with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 10 4 vup7 0 Calm can quiet down great outrage “By remaining calm you may cause an outraged person to become quiet”
ECC 10 5 ua6a figs-idiom 0 under the sun This refers to things that are done on earth. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 10 6 tiw2 figs-activepassive 0 Fools are given leadership positions This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Rulers give positions of leadership to fools” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 10 6 jq78 figs-activepassive 0 successful men are given low positions This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they give low positions to successful men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 10 6 af2e figs-idiom 0 low positions This is an idiom. AT” “unimportant positions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 10 7 fkc8 figs-simile 0 successful men walking like slaves on the ground This speaks of successful men walking like slaves walk, because slaves were usually forced to walk and were not permitted to ride. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 10 8 b8rc figs-explicit 0 a snake can bite him This refers to a snake that was hiding inside the wall. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 10 9 t2ui 0 cuts out stones This refers working in a quarry and cutting larger stones.
ECC 10 9 pe5j figs-activepassive 0 can be hurt by them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those stones can hurt him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 10 9 up7b figs-activepassive 0 is endangered by it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the wood may injure him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 10 10 wjy9 0 wisdom provides an advantage for success A wise person would have sharpened his blade and would not have had to work so hard.
ECC 10 11 mr9r figs-activepassive 0 before it is charmed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “before the snake charmer charms it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 10 12 f4t6 figs-metonymy 0 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious Here the wise man’s speech is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “The things that a wise man says are gracious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 10 12 hcw8 figs-metonymy 0 the lips of a fool consume him Here the fool’s speech is represented by his “lips.” This speaks of the fool destroying himself by his speech as if it were eating him. Alternate translation: “The things that a foolish man says destroy him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 10 13 z31v figs-metonymy 0 As words begin to flow from a fool’s mouth A fool’s speech is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “As a fool begins to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 10 13 z9w4 figs-metonymy 0 at the end his mouth flows with wicked madness A fool’s speech is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “as he finishes talking, he speaks wicked madness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 10 14 q1x3 figs-idiom 0 multiplies words This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “keeps on talking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 10 14 m6dn 0 what is coming “what will happen in the future”
ECC 10 14 y3nu figs-rquestion 0 Who knows what is coming after him? The writer asks this question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen in the future after one’s death. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows what is coming after him.” or “No one knows what will happen after he dies.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
ECC 10 15 r99g figs-activepassive 0 wearies them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Fools become weary by their toil” or “Fools feel tired by the work that they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 10 15 d4gn 0 so that they do not even know the road to town Possible meanings are (1) “so much that he is unable to find the road to town.” That the foolish person becomes so tired from working too hard that he is unable to find his way anywhere, or (2) “because he does not even know the way to town.” That the foolish person becomes tired from working too hard because he does not know enough to go home.
ECC 10 16 uz4d figs-apostrophe 0 Woe to you, land The writer is speaking to the people of the nation as if they were the land itself, and he is speaking to the land as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 10 16 l356 0 if your king is a young boy This means that the king is inexperienced or immature.
ECC 10 16 yph2 figs-explicit 0 begin feasting in the morning This implies that the leaders are more concerned with having a good time than with leading the nation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 10 17 sy4w figs-apostrophe 0 blessed are you, land The writer is speaking to the people of the nation as if they were the land itself, and he is speaking to the land as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
ECC 10 17 w79h figs-explicit 0 king is the son of nobles This implies that the son has been trained by his elders in the customs of being a good king. Alternate translation: “king has trained by nobles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 10 17 r77c 0 for strength, and not for drunkenness This explains why the blessed leaders eat.
ECC 10 18 hr8g figs-explicit 0 Because of laziness the roof sinks in A lazy person does not keep up on the regular house maintenance. Alternate translation: “Because a lazy person does not repair his house, the roof sinks in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 10 18 w4li figs-synecdoche 0 because of idle hands Here a person is represented by his “hands” Alternate translation: “because of an idle person” or “because the person is idle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 10 18 y794 figs-synecdoche 0 the house leaks Here the roof is represented by the whole house. Alternate translation: “the roof leaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 10 19 e3wh figs-abstractnouns 0 People prepare food for laughter The word “laughter” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “People prepare food in order to laugh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 10 19 jw2q figs-abstractnouns 0 wine brings enjoyment to life The word “enjoyment” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “wine helps people to enjoy life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 10 19 fsx4 0 money fills the need for everything Possible meanings are (1) “money provides for every need” or (2) “money provides for both food and wine”
ECC 10 20 yf3x figs-metonymy 0 not even in your mind A person’s thoughts are represented by the person’s “mind.” Alternate translation: “not even in your thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 10 20 qbv8 0 rich people in your bedroom “rich people when you are in your bedroom.” This means that you should not curse rich people even when you are in a private place where no one else will hear.
ECC 10 20 ba7r figs-parallelism 0 For a bird of the sky…can spread the matter These two lines mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. This speaks of people finding out what you have said as if a small bird would hear what you say and tell other people. Alternate translation: “For a bird may hear what you say and tell the matter to other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 11 intro byx8 0 # Ecclesiastes 11 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in all of chapter 11.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Advice
This chapter gives a series of disconnected pieces of advice. Translators should not try to smooth the transitions between these pieces of advice. The advice in these statements do not apply in every situation. Therefore, they should be seen as “good ideas.”
ECC 11 1 iuj7 figs-metaphor 0 Send out your bread on the waters, for you will find it again after many days Possible meanings are (1) this is a metaphor that means a person should be generous with his possessions and will then receive generously from others , or (2) that a person should invest his resources overseas and will make a profit from it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 11 2 gt4a 0 Share it with seven, even eight people Possible meanings are (1) to share your possessions with many people, or (2) to invest your resources in multiple places.
ECC 11 2 qri5 translate-numbers 0 seven, even eight people “7, even 8 people.” This is an idiom that means “numerous” people. Alternate translation: “numerous people” or “multiple people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 11 2 v5ph figs-metaphor 0 what disasters are coming on the earth Disasters happening is spoken of as if disasters were something that come to a place. Here “on the earth” may imply that these disasters happen to the person who is commanded to share. Alternate translation: “what disasters may happen in the world” or “what bad things may happen to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 11 3 k3vi 0 the clouds are full of rain “the clouds are dark with rain”
ECC 11 3 jz5x 0 empty themselves on the earth “empty themselves on the ground”
ECC 11 3 g5bd figs-merism 0 toward the south or toward the north Here “south” and “north” represent any direction. Alternate translation: “in any direction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
ECC 11 4 g5q9 0 Anyone who watches the wind might not plant Possible meanings are (1) “Any farmer who pays attention to the wind will not plant when the wind is blowing in the wrong direction” or (2) “Any farmer who pays too much attention to the wind will never plant”
ECC 11 4 mym3 0 anyone who watches the clouds might not harvest Possible meanings are (1) “Any farmer who pays attention to the clouds will not harvest when it is about to rain” or (2) “Any farmer who pays too much attention to the clouds will never harvest”
ECC 11 5 xta9 figs-metaphor 0 As you do not know the path of the wind This speaks of wind blowing as if wind traveled on a path. Alternate translation: “As you do not know where the wind comes from or where it goes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 11 5 gd8z figs-synecdoche 0 how a baby’s bones grow Possible meanings are (1) Here “bones” is a synecdoche representing the baby as a whole. Alternate translation: “how a baby grows” or (2) literally, “how the bones of a baby grow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 11 6 ncp6 figs-synecdoche 0 work with your hands Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “keep on working” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 11 6 xq2h figs-doublet 0 whether morning or evening, or this or that These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the person’s work may prosper, no matter what time he has done it. Alternate translation: “whether the seed that you planted in the morning or the seed that you planted in the evening” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
ECC 11 7 n46l figs-metonymy 0 light is sweet Here the word “light” refers to being able to see the sun and therefore being alive. And, this speaks of the joy of being alive as if the light had a sweet taste. Alternate translation: “it is a joy to be able to see the sun” or “being alive is delightful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 11 7 lv5e figs-synecdoche 0 for the eyes to see the sun The “eyes” represent the whole person. This phrase means basically the same thing as the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “for a person to see the sun” or “to be alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 11 8 eh9q 0 happy in all of them Here the word “them” refers to the years that a person is alive.
ECC 11 8 w1un figs-metaphor 0 the coming days of darkness Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming” And, here the word “darkness” refers to death. Alternate translation: “how many days that he will be dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
ECC 11 8 y8hl 0 for they will be many Here the word “they” refers to the “days of darkness” Alternate translation: “for he will be dead for many more days than he is alive” or “for he will be dead forever”
ECC 11 8 yk5j figs-metaphor 0 Everything to come is vanishing vapor Here “vanishing vapor” is a metaphor. Possible meanings are (1) Alternate translation: “No one knows what will happen after he dies” or (2) Alternate translation: “Everything to come is meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 11 8 fi8k 0 Everything to come Possible meanings are (1) “Everything that happens after death” or (2) “Everything that happens in the future”
ECC 11 9 kq46 figs-parallelism 0 Take joy, young man, in your youth, and let your heart be joyful in the days of your youth These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that the man should be happy while he is young. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
ECC 11 9 h2ec figs-metonymy 0 let your heart be joyful Here the word “heart” represents the emotions. Alternate translation: “be joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 11 9 vv5u figs-metonymy 0 Pursue the good desires of your heart Here the word “heart” may represent the mind or emotions. Alternate translation: “Pursue the good things that you desire” or “Pursue the good things that you have determined to pursue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 11 9 si2a figs-synecdoche 0 whatever is within the sight of your eyes Here “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “whatever you see that you desire” or “whatever you see to be best” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 11 9 u7ek figs-abstractnouns 0 God will bring you into judgment for all these things The abstract noun “judgment” can be stated as “judge” or “make you account” Alternate translation: “God will judge you for all these things” or “God will make you account for all of your actions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 11 10 tu41 figs-metaphor 0 Drive anger away from your heart Refusing to be angry is spoken of as if anger were something that can be forced away. Also, “heart” represents a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “Refuse to be angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 11 10 y37w figs-metaphor 0 because youth and its strength are vapor The authors speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were “vapor” Just as vapor disappears and does not last, the author speaks of things having no lasting value. See how you translated “vapor” in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “because youth and its strength will not last forever” or “because you will not be young and strong forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 intro qx5w 0 # Ecclesiastes 12 General Notes
## Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:1-7 and 12:13-14.
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Advice
This chapter gives a series of disconnected pieces of advice. Translators should not try to smooth the transitions between these pieces of advice. The advice in these statements do not apply in every situation. Therefore, they should be seen as “good ideas.”
### Yahweh
At the end of a very impressive life, Solomon looks back and sees that the only real lasting thing in this world is Yahweh. The purpose of his life was to honor Yahweh, something he should have done far more throughout his life. Therefore, he felt that his life was wasted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
ECC 12 1 jq6t figs-idiom 0 call to mind This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 12 1 r69h figs-metaphor 0 before the days of difficulty come Future time is spoken of as if the “days are coming” Alternate translation: “before you experience difficult times” or “before bad things happen to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 1 f747 figs-metaphor 0 before the years arrive when you say, “I have no pleasure in them,” Future time is spoken of as if “years arrive” Alternate translation: “before you become old when you say, ‘I no longer enjoy being alive,’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 2 n1tx figs-metaphor 0 do this before the light of the sun…after the rain Growing old and dying is spoken of as if the sun and moon go dark and dark clouds return. Alternate translation: “do this before it seems to you that the light of the sun…after the rain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 3 ric4 figs-metaphor 0 General Information: The writer describes a house in which various activities stop. This appears to be a metaphor for the human body as it becomes old. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 3 kzg1 0 strong men are bent over “strong men become weak”
ECC 12 3 qs1x 0 the women who grind cease because they are few “the women who grind grain stop grinding grain because there are few of them”
ECC 12 4 p13x figs-metaphor 0 General Information: The writer continues his metaphor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 4 e4kd figs-activepassive 0 the doors are shut in the street This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people shut the doors that lead to the street” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 4 egr6 figs-explicit 0 when men are startled at the voice of a bird It is implied that the voice of the birds startle the men awake. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the voice of a bird startles men awake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 4 hg6p figs-metaphor 0 the singing of girls’ voices fades away Here “girls” may be a metaphor for the birds. Alternate translation: “the songs of the birds fade away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 5 q9vk figs-metaphor 0 General Information: The writer continues his metaphor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 5 jib4 translate-unknown 0 when the almond tree blossoms The “almond tree” is a tree that blossoms in the winter with white flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
ECC 12 5 p5ym translate-unknown 0 when grasshoppers drag themselves along A grasshopper is a large, straight-winged insect with long, jointed back legs that give it the ability to jump a long way. Here it can only drag itself because it has gotten old and weak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
ECC 12 5 zjw9 figs-abstractnouns 0 when natural desires fail The abstract noun “desires” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “when people no longer desire what they once did naturally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
ECC 12 5 tea9 figs-euphemism 0 Then man goes to his eternal home This refers to death. Alternate translation: “Then man goes to the place of the dead forever” or “Then a person dies and never returns to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
ECC 12 5 m24n 0 the mourners go down the streets Possible meanings are (1) that mourners go down the streets to attend a funeral, or (2) that mourners go down the streets to the house of the person who is about to die.
ECC 12 6 buj9 figs-idiom 0 Call to mind This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
ECC 12 6 tl6u figs-metaphor 0 before the silver cord is cut…or the water wheel is broken at the well The writer speaks of dying as if it were one of these various broken items. Death will break the body just as suddenly as people accidentally break these items while they are using them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 6 e18g figs-activepassive 0 the silver cord is cut This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone cuts the silver cord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 6 n7k8 figs-activepassive 0 the golden bowl is crushed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone crushes the golden bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 6 ghm8 figs-activepassive 0 the pitcher is shattered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone shatters the pitcher” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 6 h9gc figs-activepassive 0 the water wheel is broken This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone breaks the water wheel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 7 hd1s figs-metonymy 0 dust returns to the earth Here the word “dust” refers to the human body that has decomposed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
ECC 12 8 rep2 figs-metaphor 0 A mist of vapor…everything is vanishing vapor The Teacher speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were “vapor.” Just as vapor disappears and does not last, the author speaks of things having no lasting value. See how you translated “vapor” in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “Temporary and useless…everything is temporary and useless” or “Meaningless…everything is meaningless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 8 tnp3 0 the Teacher See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:1](../01/01.md).
ECC 12 9 i4bz 0 contemplated and set in order “thought much about and arranged” or “thought much about and wrote down”
ECC 12 10 a9qt 0 using vivid…words The Teacher wanted the words to be pleasurable to the listener. They bring pleasure because they are well written, not because they are comforting.
ECC 12 11 k55m figs-metaphor 0 The words of wise people…taught by one shepherd The writer speaks of the teacher who uses his words to instruct people as if the teacher were a shepherd who uses his tools to lead his flock. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
ECC 12 11 klc6 figs-simile 0 The words of wise people are like goads This is a simile. Alternate translation: “Wise people encourage people to act, like a sharp stick encourages an animal to move” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 12 11 f4e5 figs-simile 0 Like nails driven deeply are the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs This is a simile. Alternate translation: “Like you can depend on a nail that a person drives firmly into a piece of wood, so you can depend on the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
ECC 12 11 l699 0 the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs “the wise words collected in their proverbs” or “the sayings of the wise”
ECC 12 11 as9u figs-activepassive 0 which are taught by one shepherd This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which one shepherd teaches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 12 r12d 0 the making of many books, which has no end The noun phrase “the making” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “people will never stop making many books”
ECC 12 12 w94l figs-synecdoche 0 brings weariness to the body Here “body” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “makes the person tired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
ECC 12 13 xk42 0 The end of the matter “The final conclusion on the matter”
ECC 12 13 nr9n figs-activepassive 0 after everything has been heard This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after you have heard everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
ECC 12 14 ele3 figs-metaphor 0 along with every hidden thing Things done in secret is spoken of as if they were an object that was hidden. Alternate translation: “along with everything that people do in secret” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])