Ecclesiastes, Book of. OT book of wisdom literature. Ecclesiastes is philosophical in character, posing deep questions about the meaning and nature of human existence. “Ecclesiastes” is the Greek title for the book and has come into English from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT). In keeping with an early Jewish practice of adopting the first few words of a book as the title, the Hebrew title of Ecclesiastes is “The Words of Qoheleth, the Son of David, King in Jerusalem.” It is also known simply as “Qoheleth.”
The term “Qoheleth” is the author’s title for himself throughout the book (Ecc 1:1, 2, 12; 7:27; 12:8–10). It is the Hebrew participial form of a verb meaning “to assemble,” and thus it seems to designate one who speaks in an assembly. The word has often been translated “the preacher” in English. Because of the philosophical nature of the book, however, the title possibly indicates the author’s function or station as a leader in the community of wise men.1
Ecclesiastes 1:
All is pointless and vanity, even the pursuit of wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 2:
Self-indulgence, extravagance, and hard work are pointless and vain.
Ecclesiastes 3:
The purposes of timing, life, and works of the righteous as they are gifts from God.
Ecclesiastes 4:
The futility and vanity of human reason without Godly wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 5:
Wisdom by the fear of God is of far greater worth than wealth and honor.
Ecclesiastes 6:
Life and the ability to enjoy it is a gift from God.
Ecclesiastes 7:
Reject folly and evils of the world to consider the works of God and practice wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 8:
Those who do well, and fear God are those who abide by His commands.
Ecclesiastes 9:
Live well and in wisdom as life is short and everyone dies.
Ecclesiastes 10:
Principles of wisdom and folly.
Ecclesiastes 11:
Preparing for the future and old age.
Ecclesiastes 12:
Remember God, fear Him, and keep His commandments.
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1Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Ecclesiastes, Book Of,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 651.
