front:intro d82s 0 # Introduction to Ecclesiastes\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Ecclesiastes\n\n1. The author questions the nature of life and the limits of human wisdom (1:1–6:12)\n1. The author teaches about making wise choices in how one lives (7:1–12:7)\n1. The conclusion and ending (12:8–14)\n\n### What is the Book of Ecclesiastes about?\n\nEcclesiastes 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.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThe 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.”\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes?\n\nThe author appears to be Solomon, “the Teacher, the descendant of David and king in Jerusalem.” This is consistent with what Solomon was known for:\n* his wisdom ([Ecclesiastes 1:16](../../ecc/01/16.md) and twenty-six other references to wisdom);\n* 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));\n* his large number of servants ([Ecclesiastes 2:7](../../ecc/02/07.md) and [Ecclesiastes 10:7](../../ecc/10/07.md));\n* 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\n* the wide range of his many building projects ([Ecclesiastes 2:4–6](../02/04.md)).\n\nSolomon 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.\n\n### Why are there so many apparent contradictions in the Book of Ecclesiastes?\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What does this book teach about how God repays people?\n\nIn 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])\n\n### What value did the Israelites place on the Book of Ecclesiastes?\n\nThe 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.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What is the meaning of “under the sun?”\n\n“Under the sun” here is another way of saying “on the earth.” When the author says that there
1:intro g7jr 0 # Ecclesiastes 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Tone\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:2 x2dt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Like a vapor of mist, like a breeze in the wind, everything vanishes 0 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”
1:3 bsv3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What profit does mankind gain … under the sun? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that man’s work is pointless and has no lasting benefit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Mankind gains no profit … under the sun.”
1:3 r9j3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: “on the earth”
1:5 n9ia rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification hurries back to the place 0 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”
1:8 y4ve rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche The eye is not satisfied by what it sees 0 Here the “eye” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “A person is not satisfied by what his eyes see”
1:8 n7hm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche nor is the ear fulfilled by what it hears 0 Here the “ear” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “nor is a person content by what his ears hear”
1:9 i85d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive whatever has been done is what will be done 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whatever has happened before is what will happen again”
1:9 sv37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
1:10 kws8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Is there anything about which it may be said, ‘Look, this is new’? 0 This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that man cannot say there is anything new. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing about which it may be said, ‘Look, this is new.’”
1:10 pdf8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive about which it may be said 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “about which someone may say”
1:11 h282 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis that will happen in the future 0 The understood subject may be supplied. Alternate translation: “the things that will happen in the future”
1:11 si4s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive will not likely be remembered either 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will not likely remember them either”
1:13 mk1h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I applied my mind 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “mind” to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: “I determined” or “I applied myself”
1:13 at9z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet to study and to search out 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how diligently he studied.
1:13 l4hf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit under heaven 0 This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: “on the earth”
1:14 d4rw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive all the deeds that are done 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everything that people do”
1:14 h2f6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
1:14 fw3m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom look 0 The author uses this word to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “indeed” or “really”
1:14 xq7t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism amount to vapor … chasing the wind 0 These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile.
1:14 jpp7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor amount to vapor 0 “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”
1:14 i9d5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor chasing the wind 0 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”
1:15 s638 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The twisted cannot be straightened! The missing cannot be counted 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People cannot straighten things that are twisted! They cannot count what is not there”
1:16 ql67 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I have spoken to my heart 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I have spoken to myself”
1:16 mnf4 My mind has seen 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “mind” to emphasize what he has learned. Alternate translation: “I have gained” or “I have learned”
1:17 ewq3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I applied my heart 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I determined” or “I applied myself”
1:17 bp2y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet madness and folly 0 The words “madness” and “folly” share similar meanings and refer to foolish thinking and behavior, respectively.
1:17 msw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 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”
2:intro cab9 0 # Ecclesiastes 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Pleasures\n\nWhen 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.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Assumed knowledge\n\nIt 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:1 dd5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I said in my heart 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself”
2:1 shl4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns I will test you with happiness 0 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”
2:1 c2cn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns So enjoy pleasure 0 The word “pleasure” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “So I will enjoy things that please me”
2:1 af7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor this also was just a temporary breeze 0 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”
2:2 v8jj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations I said about laughter, “It is crazy,” 0 The direct quotation can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I said that it is crazy to laugh at things”
2:2 s5xc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What use is it? 0 The author uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that pleasure is useless. Alternate translation: “It is useless.”
2:3 pim6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I explored in my heart 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:3 qyb2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns to gratify my desires with wine 0 The word “desires” may be expressed as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “to use wine to make myself happy”
2:3 ce8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification I let my mind guide me with wisdom 0 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”
2:3 t4xm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit under heaven 0 This refers to things that are done on earth. Alternate translation: “on the earth”
2:4 l8k8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I built houses for myself and planted vineyards 0 The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: “I had people build houses and plant vineyards for me”
2:5 b7j9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I built for myself gardens and parks; I planted 0 The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: “I had people build for me gardens and parks; I had them plant”
2:5 ju37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet gardens and parks 0 These two words share similar meanings and refer to beautiful orchards of fruit trees.
2:6 s54k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I created 0 The writer probably told people to do the work. Alternate translation: “I had them create”
2:6 yp4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive forest where trees were grown 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “forest where trees grew”
2:7 apg7 I had slaves born in my palace 0 Alternate translation: “I had slaves that were born in my palace” or “My slaves bore children and they also were my slaves”
2:7 ux74 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis much more than any king 0 The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “much more than any other king had”
2:8 n6xa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the treasures of kings and provinces 0 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”
2:8 z349 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy provinces 0 Here “provinces” represents the rulers of the provinces. Alternate translation: “the rulers of provinces”
2:8 sng5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the delights of the children of humanity—and many concubines 0 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”
2:9 v6ku rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit than all who were before me in Jerusalem 0 This refers to all the previous rulers of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “than all the kings who had ruled before me in Jerusalem”
2:9 hz3n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom my wisdom remained with me 0 This is an idiom. “I continued to act wisely” or “I continued to be wise”
2:10 ner1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Whatever my eyes desired … from them 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “eyes” to emphasize what he sees. Alternate translation: “Whatever I saw and desired … from myself”
2:10 vdf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:10 bsh6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche my heart rejoiced 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: “I rejoiced”
2:11 p9rs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche all the deeds that my hands had accomplished 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “hands.” Alternate translation: “all that I had accomplished”
2:11 s4rm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism vapor … an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile.
2:11 bmh2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 “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”
2:11 g17w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 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”
2:11 wz2f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
2:12 l7xp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet madness and folly 0 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).
2:12 u6br rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For what can the next king do who comes after the king, which has not already been done? 0 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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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.”
2:12 f76d the next king … who comes after the king 0 Alternate translation: “the king … who succeeds the current king” or “the next king … who comes after me”
2:13 p1yi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile wisdom has advantages over folly, just as light is better than darkness 0 This speaks of how wisdom is better than folly by comparing it to how light is better than darkness.
2:14 ml2f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The wise man uses his eyes in his head to see where he is going 0 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”
2:14 dub9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom uses his eyes in his head to see 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “pays attention and looks to see”
2:14 j96u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the fool walks in darkness 0 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”
2:15 fe31 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I said in my heart 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself”
2:15 ugh6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion So what difference does it make if I am very wise? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit to being wise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “So it makes no difference if I am very wise.”
2:15 l9yw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I concluded in my heart 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I concluded”
2:15 b6qt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor is only vapor 0 “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”
2:16 ybg8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive For the wise man, like the fool, is not remembered for very long 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People do not remember the wise man for very long, just as they do not remember the fool for very long”
2:16 h7gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive everything will have been long forgotten 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will have long forgotten everything”
2:17 few8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive all the work done 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the work that people do”
2:17 l4jf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism vapor … an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile.
2:17 a874 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 “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”
2:17 i7pa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 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”
2:17 y4bh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
2:19 gjx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? 0 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.”
2:19 eb64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
2:19 w9z7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy that my work and wisdom have built 0 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”
2:19 ud4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 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”
2:20 gs18 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche my heart began to despair 0 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”
2:21 j6ge who works with wisdom, with knowledge, and skill 0 Alternate translation: “who works wisely and skillfully, using the things that he has learned”
2:21 y72q who has not made any of it 0 Alternate translation: “who has not worked for any of it”
2:21 klw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 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”
2:22 k62m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For what profit does the person gain who works so hard and tries in his heart to complete his labors under the sun? 0 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.”
2:22 g69d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism works so hard and tries in his heart 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how strenuously the person works.
2:22 t8lp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom tries in his heart 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “tries anxiously”
2:22 v87n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
2:23 b5zv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet painful and stressful 0 These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how difficult the person’s work is.
2:23 f3zg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom his soul does not find rest 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:24 xa3q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy God’s hand 0 Here God is represented by his “hand” to emphasize how he provides for people. Alternate translation: “from God”
2:25 x4m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For who can eat or who can have any kind of pleasure apart from God? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no pleasure can be had without God’s provision. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “For no one can eat or have any kind of pleasure apart from God.”
2:26 s16q so that he may give it away to someone who pleases God 0 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”
2:26 fs9n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism vapor … an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile.
2:26 v8zn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 “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”
2:26 e7hm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 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”
3:intro a9c1 0 # Ecclesiastes 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Parallelism\n\nThe 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.
3:1 q8gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism 0 # General Information:\n\nThe writer uses merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other.
3:1 hn82 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism For everything there is an appointed time, and a season for every purpose 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
3:1 s8am rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under heaven 0 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”
3:8 f1fu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism 0 # General Information:\n\nThe writer concludes using merisms to describe various aspects of life from one extreme to the other.
3:9 q3gk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What profit does the worker gain in his labor? 0 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.”
3:11 z9kk God has made everything suitable for its own time 0 “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:
3:11 k5de rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy placed eternity in their hearts 0 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”
3:11 jac1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism from their beginning all the way to their end 0 This refers to the beginning and the end and all that is in between.
3:14 w9c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Nothing can be added to it or taken away 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one can add anything to or take anything away from it”
3:16 iyt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism I have seen the wickedness … wickedness was there 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how common wicked behavior is.
3:16 ib3m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
3:17 h7j6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I said in my heart 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself”
3:17 ar25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the righteous and the wicked 0 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”
3:17 s71g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet every matter and every deed 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to every action that people do.
3:18 tst7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I said in my heart 0 Here the author refers to himself by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “I said to myself”
3:18 uam6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile they are like animals 0 Here the author says that human beings are like animals. In the next verse the author explains clearly how humans are like animals.
3:19 q66p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor is not everything just a breath? 0 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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Everything is just a breath.” or “Everything is as temporary as a breath.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
3:20 gi8h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Everything is going to the same place 0 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”
3:21 h8x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who knows whether the spirit … into the earth? 0 The author asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one truly knows what happens after people and animals die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows whether the spirit … into the earth.”
3:22 lqg2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who can bring him back to see what happens after him? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one will see what happens after he dies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one of us knows what happens to us after we die.”
4:intro ev1x 0 # Ecclesiastes 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Irony\n\nThe 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://*/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lament]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
4:1 cuy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
4:1 zp3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the tears of oppressed people 0 Here “tears” represent weeping. Alternate translation: “the oppressed people were weeping”
4:1 c1sv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Power was in the hand of their oppressors 0 This means that their oppressors were powerful. Here their “hand” represents what thet possess. Alternate translation: “Their oppressors were powerful”
4:2 g9pt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism the living, who are still alive 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4:3 ekt2 more fortunate than both of them is the one who has not yet lived 0 Alternate translation: “the one who has not yet been born is better off than both of them”
4:3 q72x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit both of them 0 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”
4:3 hua5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
4:4 y7i7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns became the envy of one’s neighbor 0 The word “envy” may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “made one’s neighbor envious”
4:4 u7wt the envy of one’s neighbor 0 This could mean: (1) The neighbor envies the object his neighbor made, or (2) the neighbor envies the skills his neighbor has.
4:4 e19x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism vapor … an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile.
4:4 u3t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 “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”
4:4 m36w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 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”
4:5 vfv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction The fool folds his hands and does not work 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
4:5 b92h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor so his food is his own flesh 0 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”
4:6 mw6l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis two handfuls 0 “a large amount.” It is understood that this refer to profit gained. Alternate translation: “two handfuls of profit” or “a large amount of profit”
4:6 se1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor that tries to shepherd the wind 0 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”
4:7 w5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor more vanishing vapor 0 “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”
4:7 w5st rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
4:7 x1r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 “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”
4:8 a3v5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit no son or brother 0 This person has no family. Alternate translation: “he has no family”
4:8 np2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche his eyes are not satisfied 0 Here the whole person is represented by his “eyes” to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: “he is not satisfied”
4:8 cx1e For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure 0 Alternate translation: “Will anyone benefit from me working hard and not enjoying myself”
4:10 r5m2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification sorrow follows the one who is alone when he falls 0 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”
4:11 b486 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit If two lie down together, they can be warm 0 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”
4:11 b6yw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion how can one be warm alone? 0 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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
4:12 cj73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive One man alone can be overpowered 0 This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone can overpower a person who is alone”
4:12 mg67 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor a three-strand rope 0 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”
4:12 iur4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive a three-strand rope is not quickly broken 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people cannot easily break a rope made with three strands”
4:13 uye4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy who no longer knows how 0 Here knowing represents willingness. Alternate translation: “who is no longer willing”
4:14 xu6r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit he was born poor in his kingdom 0 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”
4:15 pj25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism alive … walking around 0 The words “alive” and “walking around” mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize living people.
4:15 s7r7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
4:16 rru3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole There is no end to all the people 0 This is an exaggeration used to emphasize a large number of people. Alternate translation: “There are very many people”
4:16 xk33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism vapor … an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile.
4:16 xp58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 “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”
4:16 l1y1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 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”
5:intro p4zf 0 # Ecclesiastes 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Materialism\n\nThe 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.
5:1 h4uf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Guard your steps 0 Here “steps” are a metonym for a person’s conduct. Alternate translation: “Be careful how you conduct yourself”
5:2 k5is rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Do not be too quick … do not let your heart be too quick 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that you should think first before you speak to God about a matter.
5:2 ucz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche do not let your heart 0 Here a person is represented by his “heart” to emphasize his emotions and desires. Alternate translation: “do not”
5:4 isy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit do not delay to do it, for God has no pleasure in fools 0 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”
5:6 l6vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Do not allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
5:6 l7nd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why make God angry by vowing falsely, provoking God to destroy the work of your hands? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that it is foolish to make a vow that you will not keep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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.”
5:6 mi3z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche destroy the work of your hands 0 Here a person is represented by his “hands.” Alternate translation: “destroy everything you do”
5:7 r95z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor For in many dreams, as in many words, there is meaningless vapor 0 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”
5:8 jdl4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the poor being oppressed and robbed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people oppressing the poor and robbing them”
5:8 x1rp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the poor 0 This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “those who are poor” or “poor people”
5:8 h98m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet just and right treatment 0 The words “just” and “right” mean basically the same thing and refer to the kind of treatment that people deserve. Alternate translation: “fair treatment”
5:8 v44r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom even higher ones over them 0 There are other men who rule over the men in authority. Alternate translation: “men who have even more authority than they do”
5:9 uc5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns the produce of the land … produce from the fields 0 The word “produce” may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “the food that the land produces … crops from the fields”
5:10 kh3l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 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”
5:11 md9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns As prosperity increases 0 The word “prosperity” may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “As a person becomes more prosperous”
5:11 xh2w so also do the people who consume it 0 This could mean: (1) “so also the person spends more money” or (2) “so also there will be more people who use his wealth.”
5:11 ncz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor who consume it 0 This speaks of people spending wealth as if they were “eating” it. Alternate translation: “who use it”
5:11 c2dc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What advantage in wealth is there to the owner except to watch it with his eyes? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the wealthy do not benefit from their wealth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The only benefit that the owner has from wealth is that he can look at it”
5:12 d52v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The sleep of a working man is sweet 0 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”
5:12 u4e4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification but the wealth of a rich person does not allow him to sleep well 0 “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”
5:13 m4vd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
5:13 j6b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive riches hoarded by the owner 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “an owner hoards riches”
5:14 zb1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy his own son, one whom he has fathered, is left with nothing in his hands 0 Here the phrase “in his hands” represents ownership. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he leaves no possession for his own son” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:15 it6k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor As a man comes from his mother’s womb … he will leave naked 0 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”
5:15 zl7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism he will leave 0 This refers to dying. Alternate translation: “he will die”
5:15 fe51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy He can take none of the fruits of his labor in his hand 0 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”
5:16 qd7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit as a person comes, so he goes away 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
5:16 h3bb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion So what profit is there for him who works for the wind? 0 The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit in working for the wind. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one gets any profit in working for the wind.”
5:16 dl4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor works for the wind 0 This could mean: (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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
5:17 x449 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor During his days he eats with darkness 0 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”
5:17 rys5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy his days 0 Here a person’s “days” represent his life. Alternate translation: “his life”
5:17 zw6w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns is greatly distressed with sickness and anger 0 The words “sickness” and “anger” can be expressed as adjectives. Alternate translation: “suffers greatly, being sick and angry”
5:18 k7uq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Look 0 The author uses this word here to draw his reader’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”
5:18 qp65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet what I have seen to be good and suitable 0 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”
5:18 ue88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
5:18 m281 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom during the days of this life that God has given us 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “as long as God allows us to live”
5:19 n4ka rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet riches and wealth 0 These two words mean basically the same thing. They refer to money and the things that a person can buy with money.
5:20 iz9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom he does not call to mind 0 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”
5:20 qr1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the days of his life 0 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”
6:intro ar6e 0 # Ecclesiastes 6 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Satisfaction\n\nWhile 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
6:1 fyq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor it weighs heavy on men 0 Here evil is spoken of as something that is a heavy load to carry. Alternate translation: “it causes hardship for people”
6:2 jzl7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet riches, wealth 0 These two words mean basically the same thing. They refer to money and the things that a person can buy with money.
6:2 n75e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives he lacks nothing 0 This is a double negative. Alternate translation: “he has everything”
6:2 jr84 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 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”
6:3 qq8e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers fathers a hundred children 0 “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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
6:3 z9ls rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism lives many years, so that the days of his years are many 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “lives many years”
6:3 fun6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche his heart is not satisfied with good 0 This refers to a man by his “heart” to emphasize his feelings. Alternate translation: “he is not content with good things”
6:3 qmh2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive he is not buried 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) “no one buries him at all” or (2) he receives no honor, “no one buries him properly.” (See also: or [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
6:4 tr53 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom passes away in darkness 0 This speaks of the death of the baby being as unexplainable as “darkness.” Alternate translation: “dies unexplainably”
6:4 xfu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor its name remains hidden 0 This speaks of no one knowing the baby’s name as if it were a hidden object. Alternate translation: “no one knows its name”
6:6 iz6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo Even if a man should live for two thousand years 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
6:6 sa97 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers two thousand years 0 “2,000 years”
6:6 g8tb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit he goes to the same place as everyone else 0 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”
6:7 wf5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy is for his mouth 0 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”
6:7 lc2f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive his appetite is not satisfied 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he does not satisfy his appetite”
6:8 syz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion what advantage has the wise person over the fool? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a wise person does not have any more lasting benefits than a fool. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “it seems the wise person has no advantage over the fool.”
6:8 gse4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What advantage does the poor man have even if he knows how to act in front of other people? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a poor man does not have any more lasting benefits than someone else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The poor man has no advantage even if he knows how to act in front of other people.”
6:9 ays9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy what the eyes see 0 A person can see these things because he already has them. Alternate translation: “what a person has”
6:9 xhe8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy to desire what a wandering appetite craves 0 This refers to things that a person wants but does not have. Alternate translation: “to want what he does not have”
6:9 n6mw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism vapor … an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 These two phrases are both metaphors that emphasize the idea of things being useless and futile.
6:9 f92y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 “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”
6:9 qai8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor an attempt to shepherd the wind 0 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”
6:10 vs8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Whatever has existed has already been given its name 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People have already named everything that exists”
6:10 f9hg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive what mankind is like has already been known 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people already know what mankind is like”
6:11 l9d5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The more words that are spoken 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The more words that people speak”
6:11 pz7h the more futility increases 0 The more a person speaks, the more likely he will speak about meaningless things. Alternate translation: “the more meaningless those words are”
6:11 s51v futility 0 being useless, without profit
6:11 pq2r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion what advantage is that to a man? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no advantage for a man to talk a lot. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “that is no advantage to a man.”
6:12 cb4r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For who knows what is good for man … he passes like a shadow? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no person truly knows what is good for man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows what is good for man … he passes like a shadow.”
6:12 jj23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile in his life during his futile, numbered days through which he passes like a shadow 0 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”
6:12 ka2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who can tell a man … after he passes? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen after a person dies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can tell a man … after he passes.”
6:12 pjl3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom what will come under the sun 0 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”
6:12 k2ab rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism after he passes 0 This is a polite expression for death. Alternate translation: “after he dies”
7:intro fp2g 0 # Ecclesiastes 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Advice\n\nThis 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.”
7:1 fq9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy A good name 0 Here a person’s “name” is used to represent their reputation. Alternate translation: “A good reputation”
7:2 y1yx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom must take this to heart 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “must think seriously about this”
7:3 g9c7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom sadness of face 0 This refers to being sad. Alternate translation: “an experience that makes a person sad”
7:3 rsl9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy gladness of heart 0 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”
7:4 pli9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:4 lly7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche but the heart of fools is in the house of feasting 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:5 wm3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns to the rebuke of the wise 0 The word “rebuke” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “when wise people rebuke you”
7:6 bh8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile For like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so also is the laughter of fools 0 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”
7:6 im4x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor vapor 0 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”
7:7 be8y Extortion 0 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.
7:7 dt3e makes a wise man foolish 0 This could mean: (1) “turns the wise man into a foolish man” or (2) “makes the advice of the wise man appear to be foolish advice.”
7:7 n3hs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy corrupts the heart 0 Here the word “heart” refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “ruins a person’s ability to think and judge rightly”
7:8 bw3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the people patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit 0 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”
7:9 lb8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Do not be quick to anger in your spirit 0 Here the word “spirit” refers to a person’s attitude. Alternate translation: “Do not become angry quickly” or “Do not have a bad temper”
7:9 fx66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor anger resides in the hearts of fools 0 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”
7:10 mu3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why were the days of old better than these? 0 The person asks this rhetorical question in order to complain about the present time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Things were better in the past than they are now.”
7:10 r6bl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony it is not because of wisdom that you ask this question 0 Here the author uses irony to rebuke the person’s question. Alternate translation: “if you were wise you would not ask this question”
7:11 w53h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom those who see the sun 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “those who are alive”
7:12 wt8d the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom gives life 0 This could mean: (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.”
7:12 erb5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification gives life to whoever has it 0 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”
7:13 x6a8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who can straighten out anything he has made crooked? 0 The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can change something that God has done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can straighten out anything he has made crooked.”
7:14 iig7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom When times are good … when times are bad 0 The word “times” is an idiom for “things happening.” Alternate translation: “When good things happen … when bad things happen”
7:14 c4j4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom both to exist side by side 0 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”
7:14 ey3r anything that is coming after him 0 This could mean: (1) “anything that happens in the future” or (2) “anything that happens to him after he dies.”
7:15 q493 in my meaningless days 0 Alternate translation: “in my meaningless life”
7:15 vy5k in spite of their righteousness 0 Alternate translation: “even though they are righteous”
7:15 la4s in spite of their evil 0 Alternate translation: “even though they are evil”
7:16 ux2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism self-righteous, wise in your own eyes 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
7:16 n342 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor wise in your own eyes 0 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”
7:16 tc29 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should you destroy yourself? 0 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.”
7:17 s5mm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should you die before your time? 0 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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to die sooner than you should.”
7:18 u3fa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor take hold of this wisdom 0 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”
7:18 p1xy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor you should not let go of righteousness 0 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”
7:18 m73i will meet all his obligations 0 Alternate translation: “will do everything that God expects of him”
7:19 ugu9 Wisdom is powerful in the wise man, more than ten rulers in a city 0 Alternate translation: “Wisdom makes a man powerful; it makes him more powerful than ten rulers in a city”
7:20 uf5z does good and never sins 0 Alternate translation: “does good things and does not sin”
7:21 q4dk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive every word that is spoken 0 This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “everything that people say”
7:22 wq73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns you know yourself 0 “you yourself know.” Here “yourself” is used to emphasize the phrase “you know.”
7:22 t45l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in your own heart 0 Here a person’s thoughts are represented by their “heart.” Alternate translation: “in your own thoughts”
7:23 ix7d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit All this have I proven 0 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”
7:24 y2i9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom far off and very deep 0 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”
7:24 p3a6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who can find it? 0 The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize the difficulty in understanding wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can understand it.”
7:25 l5xj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I turned my heart 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
7:25 p2l6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns the explanations of reality 0 “the reason for things.” This word “explanations” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “how to explain various things in life”
7:26 p367 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor any woman whose heart is full of snares and nets, and whose hands are chains 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
7:26 lxk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet snares and nets 0 These two words both refer to ways in which people trap animals to emphasize how the woman traps men.
7:26 kh37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor whose hands are chains 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
7:26 h6z9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the sinner will be taken by her 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she will capture the sinner”
7:27 vsz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns adding one discovery to another 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
7:27 k9h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns in order to find an explanation of reality 0 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”
7:28 twu8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers one righteous man among a thousand 0 “1 righteous man among 1,000.” Only one righteous man was found in a group of 1,000 people.
7:28 xkw3 a woman among all those 0 There were no righteous women found in a group of 1,000 people.
7:29 dra3 they have gone away looking for many difficulties 0 This could mean: (1) “they have made many sinful plans” or (2) “they have made their own lives difficult.”
7:29 e78n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they have gone away 0 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.
8:intro g2ul 0 # Ecclesiastes 8 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Wisdom\n\nSolomon, 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]])
8:1 sfc8 Who is a wise man? Who knows what the events in life mean? 0 The writer asks these as leading questions to provide the answer in what he says next.
8:1 v1sf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom causes his face to shine 0 This means that the person’s face will show that he has wisdom. Alternate translation: “shows on his face”
8:1 e5zq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the hardness of his face 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “his harsh appearance”
8:1 beu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive is changed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “changes”
8:3 jz73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Do not hurry out of his presence 0 This could mean: (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”
8:4 k14s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion who will say to him 0 This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one will ask the king the following question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one can say to him”
8:4 fn4s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What are you doing? 0 This rhetorical question is a rebuke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be doing what you are doing.”
8:5 v9wu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche A wise man’s heart recognizes 0 Here a man is represented by his “heart” to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: “A wise man recognizes”
8:7 l5bd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who can tell him what is coming? 0 This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one knows what will happen in the future. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can tell him what is coming.”
8:8 md5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile No one is ruler over his breath so as to stop the breath … no one has power over the day of his death 0 Just as no one has the ability to stop himself from breathing, no one can continue living when it is time to die.
8:8 np67 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the day of his death 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when he will die”
8:8 blf2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive No one is discharged from the army 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “No army discharges anyone” or “No army allows soldiers to leave”
8:8 tfi8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification wickedness will not rescue those who are its slaves 0 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”
8:9 m5md rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I have applied my heart 0 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”
8:9 k1ch rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive every kind of work that is done 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “every kind of work that people do”
8:9 jnb1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
8:9 d2gx There is a time when a person oppresses another person to that person’s hurt 0 Alternate translation: “Sometimes one person will oppress another, causing that person to be hurt”
8:10 a8np rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the wicked buried publicly 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Evil people that died were given honorable burials. Alternate translation: “people bury the wicked publicly”
8:10 gw4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive They were taken from the holy area and buried and were praised by people 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People took them from the holy area and buried them and praised them”
8:11 fl29 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive When a sentence against an evil crime is not executed quickly 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When people in authority do not quickly execute a sentence against an evil crime”
8:11 k6a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche entices the hearts of human beings 0 Here people are represented by their “hearts” to emphasize their will and desires. Alternate translation: “entices human beings”
8:12 ty8m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers a hundred times 0 “100 times”
8:12 mh1j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom it will be better for those who respect God 0 The phrase “it will be better” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “life will be better for those who respect God”
8:12 x5tl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism who respect God … who stand before him and show him respect 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize people respecting God.
8:13 y6mk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive his life will not be prolonged 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will not prolong his life”
8:13 jsa6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile His days are like a fleeting shadow 0 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”
8:14 e2e2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive something else that is done on the earth 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “something else that people do on the earth”
8:14 vn88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor this also is useless vapor 0 “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”
8:15 e8jj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
8:15 n76x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom for all the days of his life that God has given him 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “for as long as God allows him to live”
8:16 q9us rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I applied my heart 0 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”
8:16 d9sa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the work that is done on the earth 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the work that people do on the earth”
8:16 ct32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche without sleep for the eyes 0 Here a person is represented by his “eyes.” Alternate translation: “without sleeping”
8:17 vk1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the work that is done under the sun 0 This could mean: (1) “the work that God does under the sun” or (2) “the work that God allows people to do under the sun.”
8:17 gl2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
9:intro j3kr 0 # Ecclesiastes 9 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Judgment\n\nThis chapter explains that there is one thing that awaits all people: judgment. When people die, they will all face Yahweh’s judgment. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])
9:1 l7sr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in God’s hands 0 Here the word “hands” refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: “under God’s control”
9:1 ubx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification whether love or hate will come to someone 0 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”
9:2 j1u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism righteous people and wicked 0 This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of righteous and wicked people.
9:2 pff6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj wicked … the good … the clean and the unclean 0 All of these phrases refer to people. Alternate translation: “wicked people … good people … clean people and unclean people”
9:2 y27f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism the clean and the unclean 0 This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of clean and unclean people.
9:2 yje9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the clean 0 A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
9:2 k7ls rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the unclean 0 A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
9:2 vsk6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism the one who sacrifices and the one who does not sacrifice 0 This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of those who sacrifice and those who do not.
9:2 lu29 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism As good people … so also will the sinner 0 This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of good people and sinners.
9:2 d65f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis will the sinner … will the man who fears to make an oath 0 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”
9:2 v2sh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism the one who swears … so also will the man who fears to make an oath 0 This refers to all people, emphasizing the two opposites of those who swear oaths and those who do not.
9:3 f3q9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive everything that is done 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everything that happens”
9:3 cz36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
9:3 vf5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The hearts of human beings are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts 0 Here the word “hearts” refers to the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “Human beings are full of evil, and their thoughts are of madness”
9:3 ha8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj they go to the dead 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
9:4 a4uf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the living 0 This refers to people who are alive. Alternate translation: “who are alive”
9:4 s9jy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile just as a living dog is better than a dead lion 0 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”
9:5 tg7a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the dead 0 This refers to people who are dead. Alternate translation: “those who are dead”
9:5 sb9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive their memory is forgotten 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will forget them”
9:6 h1ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive anything done 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anything that people do”
9:6 wdd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
9:7 r3f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart 0 These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize the importance of enjoying the basic activities of life.
9:7 al9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche your bread 0 This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “your food”
9:7 upb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy drink your wine with a happy heart 0 Here the word “heart” refers to the emotions. Alternate translation: “drink your wine joyfully”
9:8 zd1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction Let your clothes be always white and your head anointed with oil 0 Wearing white clothes and anointing one’s head with oil were both signs of gladness and celebration.
9:8 weg3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive your head anointed with oil 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anoint your head with oil”
9:9 ack2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Live happily with the wife whom you love 0 One should love the wife he has. Alternate translation: “Since you have a wife whom you love, live happily with her”
9:9 i7lk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
9:10 dt8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Whatever your hand finds to do 0 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”
9:10 nrd5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns there is no work or explanation or knowledge or wisdom 0 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”
9:11 xi11 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
9:11 k49c The race does not belong to … The battle does not belong to 0 Alternate translation: “The race is not always won by … The battle is not always won by”
9:11 u2xl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Bread 0 Here “Bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “Food”
9:11 l8sx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom time and chance affect them all 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “what happens and when it happens affect them all”
9:12 ku8a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism when his time will come 0 This refers to when a person dies. Alternate translation: “when he will die” or “when the time of his death will come”
9:12 u9td rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile fish are caught … birds are caught … the children of human beings are ensnared 0 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.
9:12 u32n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the children of human beings are ensnared by evil times 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
9:12 k3ka rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom that suddenly fall upon them 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at times when they do not expect them to happen” or “that suddenly happen to them”
9:13 us6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
9:14 m1e3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche a great king came against it 0 Here the “king” represents himself and his whole army. Alternate translation: “a great king and his army”
9:15 bx8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive in the city was found a poor, wise man 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in the city, people found a poor, wise man” or “a poor, wise man lived in the city” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
9:16 k3fl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the poor man’s wisdom is despised 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people despise the poor man’s wisdom”
9:16 i9hl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive his words are not heard 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they do not listen to what he says” or “they do not take his advice”
9:17 h8wq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The words of wise people spoken quietly are heard better 0 Here “heard” represents understanding. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It is easier to understands the words that wise people speak quietly”
10:intro awi8 0 # Ecclesiastes 10 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Advice\n\nThis 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.”
10:1 m6u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile As dead flies … so a little folly 0 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.
10:1 u5bv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification a little folly can overpower wisdom and honor 0 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”
10:2 rs5s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The heart of a wise person … the heart of a fool 0 Here the word “heart” refers to the mind or will. Alternate translation: “The way a wise person thinks … the way a fool thinks”
10:2 h1fr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom tends to the right … tends to the left 0 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”
10:3 fe16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit his thinking is deficient 0 This refers to the way that he acts. Alternate translation: “he is stupid”
10:4 r1x8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy If the emotions of a ruler rise up against you 0 Here a ruler is represented by his “emotions” Alternate translation: “If a ruler becomes angry with you”
10:5 ua6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom under the sun 0 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”
10:6 tiw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Fools are given leadership positions 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Rulers give positions of leadership to fools”
10:6 jq78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive successful men are given low positions 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they give low positions to successful men”
10:6 af2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom low positions 0 This is an idiom. AT” “unimportant positions”
10:7 fkc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile successful men walking like slaves on the ground 0 This speaks of successful men walking like slaves walk, because slaves were usually forced to walk and were not permitted to ride.
10:8 b8rc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit a snake can bite him 0 This refers to a snake that was hiding inside the wall.
10:9 pe5j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive can be hurt by them 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those stones can hurt him”
10:9 up7b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive is endangered by it 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the wood may injure him”
10:11 mr9r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive before it is charmed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “before the snake charmer charms it”
10:12 f4t6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious 0 Here the wise man’s speech is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “The things that a wise man says are gracious”
10:12 hcw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the lips of a fool consume him 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
10:13 z31v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy As words begin to flow from a fool’s mouth 0 A fool’s speech is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “As a fool begins to speak”
10:13 z9w4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy at the end his mouth flows with wicked madness 0 A fool’s speech is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “as he finishes talking, he speaks wicked madness”
10:14 q1x3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom multiplies words 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “keeps on talking”
10:14 y3nu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who knows what is coming after him? 0 The writer asks this question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen in the future after one’s death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one knows what is coming after him.” or “No one knows what will happen after he dies.”
10:15 r99g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive wearies them 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Fools become weary by their toil” or “Fools feel tired by the work that they do”
10:15 d4gn so that they do not even know the road to town 0 This could mean: (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.
10:16 uz4d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Woe to you, land 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
10:16 yph2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit begin feasting in the morning 0 This implies that the leaders are more concerned with having a good time than with leading the nation.
10:17 sy4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe blessed are you, land 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
10:17 w79h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit king is the son of nobles 0 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”
10:18 hr8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Because of laziness the roof sinks in 0 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”
10:18 w4li rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche because of idle hands 0 Here a person is represented by his “hands” Alternate translation: “because of an idle person” or “because the person is idle”
10:18 y794 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the house leaks 0 Here the roof is represented by the whole house. Alternate translation: “the roof leaks”
10:19 e3wh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns People prepare food for laughter 0 The word “laughter” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “People prepare food in order to laugh”
10:19 jw2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns wine brings enjoyment to life 0 The word “enjoyment” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “wine helps people to enjoy life”
10:20 yf3x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy not even in your mind 0 A person’s thoughts are represented by the person’s “mind.” Alternate translation: “not even in your thoughts”
10:20 qbv8 rich people in your bedroom 0 “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.
10:20 ba7r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism For a bird of the sky … can spread the matter 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:intro byx8 0 # Ecclesiastes 11 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Advice\n\nThis 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.”
11:1 iuj7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Send out your bread on the waters, for you will find it again after many days 0 This could mean: (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.
11:2 gt4a Share it with seven, even eight people 0 This could mean: (1) to share your possessions with many people, or (2) to invest your resources in multiple places.
11:2 qri5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers seven, even eight people 0 “7, even 8 people.” This is an idiom that means “numerous” people. Alternate translation: “numerous people” or “multiple people” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
11:2 v5ph rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor what disasters are coming on the earth 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
11:3 g5bd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism toward the south or toward the north 0 Here “south” and “north” represent any direction. Alternate translation: “in any direction”
11:4 g5q9 Anyone who watches the wind might not plant 0 This could mean: (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”
11:4 mym3 anyone who watches the clouds might not harvest 0 This could mean: (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”
11:5 xta9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor As you do not know the path of the wind 0 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”
11:5 gd8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche how a baby’s bones grow 0 This could mean: (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”
11:6 ncp6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche work with your hands 0 Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “keep on working”
11:6 xq2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet whether morning or evening, or this or that 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
11:7 n46l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy light is sweet 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:7 lv5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche for the eyes to see the sun 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
11:8 w1un rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the coming days of darkness 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
11:8 y8hl for they will be many 0 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”
11:8 yk5j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Everything to come is vanishing vapor 0 Here “vanishing vapor” is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “No one knows what will happen after he dies” or (2) Alternate translation: “Everything to come is meaningless”
11:9 kq46 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Take joy, young man, in your youth, and let your heart be joyful in the days of your youth 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that the man should be happy while he is young.
11:9 h2ec rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy let your heart be joyful 0 Here the word “heart” represents the emotions. Alternate translation: “be joyful”
11:9 vv5u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Pursue the good desires of your heart 0 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”
11:9 si2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche whatever is within the sight of your eyes 0 Here “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “whatever you see that you desire” or “whatever you see to be best”
11:9 u7ek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns God will bring you into judgment for all these things 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **judgment**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such 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”
11:10 tu41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Drive anger away from your heart 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11:10 y37w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor because youth and its strength are vapor 0 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”
12:intro qx5w 0 # Ecclesiastes 12 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Advice\n\nThis 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.”\n\n### Yahweh\n\nAt 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
12:1 jq6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom call to mind 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember”
12:1 r69h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor before the days of difficulty come 0 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”
12:1 f747 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor before the years arrive when you say, “I have no pleasure in them,” 0 Future time is spoken of as if “years arrive” Alternate translation: “before you become old when you say, ‘I no longer enjoy being alive,’”
12:2 n1tx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor do this before the light of the sun … after the rain 0 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”
12:3 ric4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor 0 # General Information:\n\nThe writer describes a house in which various activities stop. This appears to be a metaphor for the human body as it becomes old.
12:3 kzg1 strong men are bent over 0 Alternate translation: “strong men become weak”
12:3 qs1x the women who grind cease because they are few 0 Alternate translation: “the women who grind grain stop grinding grain because there are few of them”
12:4 e4kd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the doors are shut in the street 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people shut the doors that lead to the street”
12:4 egr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit when men are startled at the voice of a bird 0 It is implied that the voice of the birds startle the men awake. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the voice of a bird startles men awake” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
12:4 hg6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the singing of girls’ voices fades away 0 Here “girls” may be a metaphor for the birds. Alternate translation: “the songs of the birds fade away”
12:5 jib4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown when the almond tree blossoms 0 The “almond tree” is a tree that blossoms in the winter with white flowers.
12:5 p5ym rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown when grasshoppers drag themselves along 0 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.
12:5 zjw9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns when natural desires fail 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **desires**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “when people no longer desire what they once did naturally”
12:5 tea9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism Then man goes to his eternal home 0 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”
12:5 m24n the mourners go down the streets 0 This could mean: (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.
12:6 buj9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Call to mind 0 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember”
12:6 tl6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor before the silver cord is cut … or the water wheel is broken at the well 0 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.
12:6 e18g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the silver cord is cut 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone cuts the silver cord”
12:6 n7k8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the golden bowl is crushed 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone crushes the golden bowl”
12:6 ghm8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the pitcher is shattered 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone shatters the pitcher”
12:6 h9gc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the water wheel is broken 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone breaks the water wheel”
12:7 hd1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy dust returns to the earth 0 Here the word “dust” refers to the human body that has decomposed.
12:8 rep2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor A mist of vapor … everything is vanishing vapor 0 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”
12:10 a9qt using vivid … words 0 The Teacher wanted the words to be pleasurable to the listener. They bring pleasure because they are well written, not because they are comforting.
12:11 k55m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The words of wise people … taught by one shepherd 0 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.
12:11 klc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile The words of wise people are like goads 0 This is a simile. Alternate translation: “Wise people encourage people to act, like a sharp stick encourages an animal to move”
12:11 f4e5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Like nails driven deeply are the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs 0 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”
12:11 l699 the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs 0 Alternate translation: “the wise words collected in their proverbs” or “the sayings of the wise”
12:11 as9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive which are taught by one shepherd 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which one shepherd teaches”
12:12 r12d the making of many books, which has no end 0 The noun phrase “the making” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “people will never stop making many books”
12:12 w94l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche brings weariness to the body 0 Here “body” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “makes the person tired”
12:13 nr9n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive after everything has been heard 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after you have heard everything”
12:14 ele3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor along with every hidden thing 0 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 in Reader
