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1 | Reference | ID | Tags | SupportReference | Quote | Occurrence | Note |
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2 | 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 is “nothing new under the sun,” this means that every kind of thing has already happened before on the earth. While a particular event may not have specifically occurred before, something similar has already occurred.\n\n### How do I translate harsh or shocking passages?\n\nParts of the Book of Ecclesiastes can be shocking or surprising to read in Scripture. For example, “If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but if his heart is not satisfied with good and he is not buried with honor, then I say that a baby that is born dead is better off than he is” (6:3). The translator should allow these difficulties to remain and not try to make them less surprising.\n\n### How is life described in the Book of Ecclesiastes?\n\nThe author of Ecclesiastes concludes that everything in this life quickly passes away, like a vapor that disappears. A person’s circumstances or character and even all of the things of this world have little or no significance apart from God. That is because God gives meaning to everything.\n\nAt the end of their life, people often say that the years of their life seemed short. The author of Ecclesiastes used the metaphor of vapor or breath to describe how life ends while it seems to be just beginning. | |||
3 | 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## Translation Issues 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]]) | |||
4 | 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” | |
5 | 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.” | |
6 | 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” | |
7 | 1:4 | fj3a | 0 | # General Information:\n\nThe writer is presenting the natural order of life as he understands it. | |||
8 | 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” | |
9 | 1:8 | ax86 | Everything becomes wearisome | 0 | “Everything becomes tiring.” Since man is unable to explain these things, it becomes useless to try. | ||
10 | 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” | |
11 | 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” | |
12 | 1:9 | h89i | 0 | # General Information:\n\nThere is nothing new regarding man and his activities. | |||
13 | 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” | |
14 | 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” | |
15 | 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.’” | |
16 | 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” | |
17 | 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” | |
18 | 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” | |
19 | 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” | |
20 | 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. | |
21 | 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” | |
22 | 1:13 | a36k | children of mankind | 0 | Alternate translation: “human beings” | ||
23 | 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” | |
24 | 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” | |
25 | 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” | |
26 | 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. | |
27 | 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” | |
28 | 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” | |
29 | 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” | |
30 | 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” | |
31 | 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” | ||
32 | 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” | |
33 | 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. | |
34 | 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” | |
35 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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## Translation Issues 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]]) | |||
36 | 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” | |
37 | 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” | |
38 | 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” | |
39 | 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” | |
40 | 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” | |
41 | 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.” | |
42 | 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]]) | |
43 | 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” | |
44 | 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” | |
45 | 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” | |
46 | 2:3 | dp1p | during the days of their lives | 0 | Alternate translation: “during the time that they are alive” | ||
47 | 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” | |
48 | 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” | |
49 | 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. | |
50 | 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” | |
51 | 2:6 | f5w7 | to water a forest | 0 | Alternate translation: “to provide water for a forest” | ||
52 | 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” | |
53 | 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” | ||
54 | 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” | |
55 | 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” | |
56 | 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” | |
57 | 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” | |
58 | 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” | |
59 | 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” | |
60 | 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” | |
61 | 2:10 | v74v | I did not withhold from them | 0 | This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “I got for them” | ||
62 | 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]]) | |
63 | 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” | |
64 | 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” | |
65 | 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. | |
66 | 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” | |
67 | 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” | |
68 | 2:11 | ce6q | There was no profit under the sun in it | 0 | Alternate translation: “But it had no profit under the sun” | ||
69 | 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” | |
70 | 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). | |
71 | 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.” | |
72 | 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” | ||
73 | 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. | |
74 | 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” | |
75 | 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” | |
76 | 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” | |
77 | 2:14 | r1qq | the same event | 0 | death | ||
78 | 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” | |
79 | 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.” | |
80 | 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” | |
81 | 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” | |
82 | 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” | |
83 | 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” | |
84 | 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” | |
85 | 2:17 | sek4 | was evil to me | 0 | Alternate translation: “troubled me” | ||
86 | 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. | |
87 | 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” | |
88 | 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” | |
89 | 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” | |
90 | 2:18 | cl3k | to the man who comes after me | 0 | Alternate translation: “to the man who inherits it after me” | ||
91 | 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.” | |
92 | 2:19 | je2l | he will be | 0 | The word “he” refers to the author’s heir. | ||
93 | 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” | |
94 | 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” | |
95 | 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” | |
96 | 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” | |
97 | 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” | ||
98 | 2:21 | y72q | who has not made any of it | 0 | Alternate translation: “who has not worked for any of it” | ||
99 | 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” | |
100 | 2:21 | j6ur | a great tragedy | 0 | Alternate translation: “a great disaster” | ||
101 | 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.” | |
102 | 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. | |
103 | 2:22 | t8lp | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom | tries in his heart | 0 | This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “tries anxiously” | |
104 | 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” | |
105 | 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. | |
106 | 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]]) | |
107 | 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” | |
108 | 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.” | |
109 | 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” | ||
110 | 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. | |
111 | 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” | |
112 | 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” | |
113 | 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## Translation Issues 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. | |||
114 | 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. | ||
115 | 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. | |
116 | 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” | |
117 | 3:2 | ga5b | a time to pull up plants | 0 | This could mean: (1) “a time to harvest” or (2) “a time to uproot.” | ||
118 | 3:5 | yg8l | embrace | 0 | to hold someone in your arms to show love or friendship | ||
119 | 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. | ||
120 | 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.” | |
121 | 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” | ||
122 | 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” | |
123 | 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. | |
124 | 3:13 | cyl8 | should understand how to enjoy | 0 | Alternate translation: “should learn how to enjoy” or “should enjoy” | ||
125 | 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” | |
126 | 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. | |
127 | 3:16 | i932 | in place of righteousness | 0 | Alternate translation: “where there should be righteousness” | ||
128 | 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” | |
129 | 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” | |
130 | 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” | |
131 | 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. | |
132 | 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” | |
133 | 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. | |
134 | 3:19 | az6d | is the same fate for them | 0 | Alternate translation: “is the same for both of them” or “is the same” | ||
135 | 3:19 | i4mv | The breath is the same for all of them | 0 | Alternate translation: “All of them breathe same” | ||
136 | 3:19 | y2nd | There is no advantage for mankind over the animals | 0 | Alternate translation: “Mankind is no better off than the animals” | ||
137 | 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]]) | |
138 | 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” | |
139 | 3:20 | d4km | dust | 0 | soil | ||
140 | 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.” | |
141 | 3:22 | h5jm | there is nothing better for anyone than to | 0 | See how you translated this phrase in [Ecclesiastes 3:12](../03/12.md). | ||
142 | 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.” | |
143 | 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## Translation Issues 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]]) | |||
144 | 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” | |
145 | 4:1 | ys32 | behold, the tears | 0 | Alternate translation: “I looked and I saw” | ||
146 | 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” | |
147 | 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” | |
148 | 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]]) | |
149 | 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” | ||
150 | 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” | |
151 | 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” | |
152 | 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” | |
153 | 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. | ||
154 | 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. | |
155 | 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” | |
156 | 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” | |
157 | 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]]) | |
158 | 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” | |
159 | 4:6 | n1d9 | a handful | 0 | Alternate translation: “a small amount” | ||
160 | 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” | |
161 | 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” | |
162 | 4:7 | civ1 | futility | 0 | being useless, without profit | ||
163 | 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” | |
164 | 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” | |
165 | 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” | |
166 | 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” | |
167 | 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” | |
168 | 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” | ||
169 | 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” | |
170 | 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” | |
171 | 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]]) | |
172 | 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” | |
173 | 4:12 | aq3c | but two | 0 | Alternate translation: “but two people” | ||
174 | 4:12 | r98s | withstand an attack | 0 | Alternate translation: “defend themselves against an attack” | ||
175 | 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” | |
176 | 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” | |
177 | 4:13 | uhs1 | wise youth | 0 | Alternate translation: “wise young man” | ||
178 | 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” | |
179 | 4:14 | k5lm | from prison | 0 | Alternate translation: “after being in prison” | ||
180 | 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” | |
181 | 4:15 | l8cp | 0 | # General Information:\n\nInstead of choosing the wise youth, the people choose the king’s son, who may not be any wiser. | |||
182 | 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. | |
183 | 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” | |
184 | 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” | |
185 | 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. | |
186 | 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” | |
187 | 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” | |
188 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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. | |||
189 | 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” | |
190 | 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. | |
191 | 5:2 | s9ue | to speak with your mouth | 0 | Here the phrase “with your mouth” emphasizes and describes a person speaking. Alternate translation: “to speak” | ||
192 | 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” | |
193 | 5:2 | g7vv | let your words be few | 0 | Alternate translation: “do not say too much” | ||
194 | 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” | |
195 | 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]]) | |
196 | 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.” | |
197 | 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” | |
198 | 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” | |
199 | 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” | |
200 | 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” | |
201 | 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” | |
202 | 5:8 | d57b | do not be astonished as if no one knows, because there are people | 0 | “do not be surprised, for there are people” | ||
203 | 5:8 | kr4z | there are people in power | 0 | Alternate translation: “there are people with authority” | ||
204 | 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” | |
205 | 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” | |
206 | 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” | |
207 | 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” | |
208 | 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.” | ||
209 | 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” | |
210 | 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” | |
211 | 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” | |
212 | 5:12 | dr7p | whether he eats little or a lot | 0 | Alternate translation: “whether he eats a little bit of food or a lot of food” | ||
213 | 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” | |
214 | 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” | |
215 | 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” | |
216 | 5:14 | d5n4 | through bad luck | 0 | This could mean: (1) “through misfortune” or (2) “through a bad business deal.” | ||
217 | 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]]) | |
218 | 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” | |
219 | 5:15 | wl6z | comes from his mother’s womb | 0 | Alternate translation: “is born” | ||
220 | 5:15 | zl7h | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism | he will leave | 0 | This refers to dying. Alternate translation: “he will die” | |
221 | 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” | |
222 | 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]]) | |
223 | 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.” | |
224 | 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]]) | |
225 | 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” | |
226 | 5:17 | rys5 | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy | his days | 0 | Here a person’s “days” represent his life. Alternate translation: “his life” | |
227 | 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” | |
228 | 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” | |
229 | 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” | |
230 | 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” | |
231 | 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” | |
232 | 5:18 | ued7 | For this is man’s assignment | 0 | This could mean: (1) “For this is man’s reward” or (2) “For these are the things that he allows man to do” | ||
233 | 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. | |
234 | 5:19 | b3ld | to receive his share | 0 | Alternate translation: “to accept what he is given” | ||
235 | 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” | |
236 | 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” | |
237 | 5:20 | n32s | keep busy | 0 | Alternate translation: “stay busy” | ||
238 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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]]) | |||
239 | 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” | |
240 | 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. | |
241 | 6:2 | n75e | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives | he lacks nothing | 0 | This is a double negative. Alternate translation: “he has everything” | |
242 | 6:2 | rg6q | God gives him no ability | 0 | Alternate translation: “does not give him the ability” | ||
243 | 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” | |
244 | 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]]) | |
245 | 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” | |
246 | 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” | |
247 | 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]]) | |
248 | 6:4 | g8un | such a baby is born in futility | 0 | Alternate translation: “such a baby is born for nothing” | ||
249 | 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” | |
250 | 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” | |
251 | 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]]) | |
252 | 6:6 | sa97 | rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers | two thousand years | 0 | “2,000 years” | |
253 | 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” | |
254 | 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” | |
255 | 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” | |
256 | 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.” | |
257 | 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.” | |
258 | 6:8 | zy1l | how to act | 0 | Alternate translation: “how to conduct himself” | ||
259 | 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” | |
260 | 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” | |
261 | 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. | |
262 | 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” | |
263 | 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” | |
264 | 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” | |
265 | 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” | |
266 | 6:10 | uy4z | the one who is the mighty judge | 0 | Alternate translation: “God, who is the mighty judge” | ||
267 | 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” | |
268 | 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” | ||
269 | 6:11 | s51v | futility | 0 | being useless, without profit | ||
270 | 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.” | |
271 | 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.” | |
272 | 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” | |
273 | 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.” | |
274 | 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” | |
275 | 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” | |
276 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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.” | |||
277 | 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” | |
278 | 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” | |
279 | 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” | |
280 | 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” | |
281 | 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]]) | |
282 | 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]]) | |
283 | 7:4 | ux5g | the house of mourning … the house of feasting | 0 | These phrases refer to what happens in these places. | ||
284 | 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” | |
285 | 7:5 | lal6 | to listen to the song of fools | 0 | Alternate translation: “to listen to fools sing” | ||
286 | 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” | |
287 | 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” | |
288 | 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. | ||
289 | 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.” | ||
290 | 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” | |
291 | 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” | |
292 | 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” | |
293 | 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” | |
294 | 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.” | |
295 | 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” | |
296 | 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” | |
297 | 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.” | ||
298 | 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” | |
299 | 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.” | |
300 | 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” | |
301 | 7:14 | ab9b | live happily in that good | 0 | Alternate translation: “be happy about those good things” | ||
302 | 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” | |
303 | 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.” | ||
304 | 7:15 | q493 | in my meaningless days | 0 | Alternate translation: “in my meaningless life” | ||
305 | 7:15 | vy5k | in spite of their righteousness | 0 | Alternate translation: “even though they are righteous” | ||
306 | 7:15 | la4s | in spite of their evil | 0 | Alternate translation: “even though they are evil” | ||
307 | 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. | |
308 | 7:16 | p2av | Do not be self-righteous | 0 | Alternate translation: “Do not think that you are more righteous than you actually are” | ||
309 | 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” | |
310 | 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.” | |
311 | 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.” | |
312 | 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” | |
313 | 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” | |
314 | 7:18 | m73i | will meet all his obligations | 0 | Alternate translation: “will do everything that God expects of him” | ||
315 | 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” | ||
316 | 7:20 | uf5z | does good and never sins | 0 | Alternate translation: “does good things and does not sin” | ||
317 | 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” | |
318 | 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.” | |
319 | 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” | |
320 | 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” | |
321 | 7:23 | fw1m | it was more than I could be | 0 | Alternate translation: “it was beyond my ability to understand” or “but I was not able to do it” | ||
322 | 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” | |
323 | 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.” | |
324 | 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]]) | |
325 | 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” | |
326 | 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]]) | |
327 | 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. | |
328 | 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]]) | |
329 | 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” | |
330 | 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]]) | |
331 | 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” | |
332 | 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. | |
333 | 7:28 | xkw3 | a woman among all those | 0 | There were no righteous women found in a group of 1,000 people. | ||
334 | 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.” | ||
335 | 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. | |
336 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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]]) | |||
337 | 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. | ||
338 | 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” | |
339 | 8:1 | e5zq | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom | the hardness of his face | 0 | This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “his harsh appearance” | |
340 | 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” | |
341 | 8:2 | ig6x | God’s oath to protect him | 0 | Alternate translation: “the oath you made before God to protect him” | ||
342 | 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” | |
343 | 8:4 | mc7i | The king’s word rules | 0 | Alternate translation: “What the king says is the law” | ||
344 | 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” | |
345 | 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.” | |
346 | 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” | |
347 | 8:5 | qc3y | the proper course and time of action | 0 | Alternate translation: “the correct time to do things and the right way to do them” | ||
348 | 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.” | |
349 | 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. | |
350 | 8:8 | vd1v | No one is ruler | 0 | The word “ruler” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “No one has control” | ||
351 | 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” | |
352 | 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” | |
353 | 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” | |
354 | 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” | |
355 | 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” | |
356 | 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” | |
357 | 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” | ||
358 | 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” | |
359 | 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” | |
360 | 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” | |
361 | 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” | |
362 | 8:12 | ty8m | rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers | a hundred times | 0 | “100 times” | |
363 | 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” | |
364 | 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. | |
365 | 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” | |
366 | 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” | |
367 | 8:13 | e7yl | His days are | 0 | Alternate translation: “His life is” | ||
368 | 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” | |
369 | 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” | |
370 | 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” | |
371 | 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” | |
372 | 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” | |
373 | 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” | |
374 | 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” | |
375 | 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.” | |
376 | 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” | |
377 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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]]) | |||
378 | 9:1 | hpl4 | I thought about all this in my mind | 0 | Alternate translation: “I thought very deeply about all this” | ||
379 | 9:1 | dt8e | They are all in God’s hands | 0 | Here the word “they” refers to “the righteous and wise people” as well as “their deeds.” | ||
380 | 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” | |
381 | 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” | |
382 | 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. | |
383 | 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” | |
384 | 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. | |
385 | 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. | |
386 | 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. | |
387 | 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. | |
388 | 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. | |
389 | 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” | |
390 | 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. | |
391 | 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” | |
392 | 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” | |
393 | 9:3 | ex39 | the same event | 0 | death | ||
394 | 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” | |
395 | 9:3 | zyc7 | madness | 0 | Alternate translation: “folly” | ||
396 | 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]]) | |
397 | 9:4 | a4uf | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj | the living | 0 | This refers to people who are alive. Alternate translation: “who are alive” | |
398 | 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” | |
399 | 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” | |
400 | 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” | |
401 | 9:6 | sd1b | Their love, hatred, and envy | 0 | This refers to the love, hatred, and envy that the dead people showed others when they were alive. | ||
402 | 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” | |
403 | 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” | |
404 | 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. | |
405 | 9:7 | al9q | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche | your bread | 0 | This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “your food” | |
406 | 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” | |
407 | 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. | |
408 | 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” | |
409 | 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” | |
410 | 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” | |
411 | 9:9 | b2jb | your days | 0 | Alternate translation: “your lifetime” | ||
412 | 9:9 | vd3d | That is your reward | 0 | The word “that” refers to living happily with his wife. | ||
413 | 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” | |
414 | 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” | |
415 | 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” | |
416 | 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” | ||
417 | 9:11 | u2xl | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy | Bread | 0 | Here “Bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “Food” | |
418 | 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” | |
419 | 9:11 | dqc6 | affect them all | 0 | “affects all these things.” Here the words “them all” refer to race, battle, bread, riches, and favor. | ||
420 | 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” | |
421 | 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. | |
422 | 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]]) | |
423 | 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” | |
424 | 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” | |
425 | 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” | |
426 | 9:14 | ax6u | great siege ramps | 0 | This refers to dirt ramps the army built up against the city walk so that they could climb up and attack the city. | ||
427 | 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]]) | |
428 | 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” | |
429 | 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” | |
430 | 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” | |
431 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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.” | |||
432 | 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. | |
433 | 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” | |
434 | 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” | |
435 | 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” | |
436 | 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” | |
437 | 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” | |
438 | 10:4 | vup7 | Calm can quiet down great outrage | 0 | Alternate translation: “By remaining calm you may cause an outraged person to become quiet” | ||
439 | 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” | |
440 | 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” | |
441 | 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” | |
442 | 10:6 | af2e | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom | low positions | 0 | This is an idiom. “unimportant positions” | |
443 | 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. | |
444 | 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. | |
445 | 10:9 | t2ui | cuts out stones | 0 | This refers working in a quarry and cutting larger stones. | ||
446 | 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” | |
447 | 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” | |
448 | 10:10 | wjy9 | wisdom provides an advantage for success | 0 | A wise person would have sharpened his blade and would not have had to work so hard. | ||
449 | 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” | |
450 | 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” | |
451 | 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]]) | |
452 | 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” | |
453 | 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” | |
454 | 10:14 | q1x3 | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom | multiplies words | 0 | This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “keeps on talking” | |
455 | 10:14 | m6dn | what is coming | 0 | Alternate translation: “what will happen in the future” | ||
456 | 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.” | |
457 | 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” | |
458 | 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. | ||
459 | 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]]) | |
460 | 10:16 | l356 | if your king is a young boy | 0 | This means that the king is inexperienced or immature. | ||
461 | 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. | |
462 | 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]]) | |
463 | 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” | |
464 | 10:17 | r77c | for strength, and not for drunkenness | 0 | This explains why the blessed leaders eat. | ||
465 | 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” | |
466 | 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” | |
467 | 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” | |
468 | 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” | |
469 | 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” | |
470 | 10:19 | fsx4 | money fills the need for everything | 0 | This could mean: (1) “money provides for every need” or (2) “money provides for both food and wine” | ||
471 | 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” | |
472 | 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. | ||
473 | 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]]) | |
474 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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.” | |||
475 | 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. | |
476 | 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. | ||
477 | 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]]) | |
478 | 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]]) | |
479 | 11:3 | k3vi | the clouds are full of rain | 0 | Alternate translation: “the clouds are dark with rain” | ||
480 | 11:3 | jz5x | empty themselves on the earth | 0 | Alternate translation: “empty themselves on the ground” | ||
481 | 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” | |
482 | 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” | ||
483 | 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” | ||
484 | 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” | |
485 | 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” | |
486 | 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” | |
487 | 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]]) | |
488 | 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]]) | |
489 | 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]]) | |
490 | 11:8 | eh9q | happy in all of them | 0 | Here the word “them” refers to the years that a person is alive. | ||
491 | 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]]) | |
492 | 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” | ||
493 | 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” | |
494 | 11:8 | fi8k | Everything to come | 0 | This could mean: (1) “Everything that happens after death” or (2) “Everything that happens in the future” | ||
495 | 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. | |
496 | 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” | |
497 | 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” | |
498 | 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” | |
499 | 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” | |
500 | 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]]) | |
501 | 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” | |
502 | 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## Religious and Cultural 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]]) | |||
503 | 12:1 | jq6t | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom | call to mind | 0 | This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” | |
504 | 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” | |
505 | 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,’” | |
506 | 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” | |
507 | 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. | ||
508 | 12:3 | kzg1 | strong men are bent over | 0 | Alternate translation: “strong men become weak” | ||
509 | 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” | ||
510 | 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” | |
511 | 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]]) | |
512 | 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” | |
513 | 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. | |
514 | 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. | |
515 | 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” | |
516 | 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” | |
517 | 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. | ||
518 | 12:6 | buj9 | rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom | Call to mind | 0 | This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” | |
519 | 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. | |
520 | 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” | |
521 | 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” | |
522 | 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” | |
523 | 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” | |
524 | 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. | |
525 | 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” | |
526 | 12:8 | tnp3 | the Teacher | 0 | See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:1](../01/01.md). | ||
527 | 12:9 | i4bz | contemplated and set in order | 0 | Alternate translation: “thought much about and arranged” or “thought much about and wrote down” | ||
528 | 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. | ||
529 | 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. | |
530 | 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” | |
531 | 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” | |
532 | 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” | ||
533 | 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” | |
534 | 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” | ||
535 | 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” | |
536 | 12:13 | xk42 | The end of the matter | 0 | Alternate translation: “The final conclusion on the matter” | ||
537 | 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” | |
538 | 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” |