Ecclesiastes 1:1

KJV

¶ The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

The words {H1697} of the Preacher {H6953}, the son {H1121} of David {H1732}, king {H4428} in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The words of Kohelet the son of David, king in Yerushalayim:

Berean Standard Bible

These are the words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:

American Standard Version

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:1 serves as the foundational introduction to one of the Bible's most profound wisdom books, immediately identifying the authorial voice as "the Preacher," a figure of immense authority and experience, explicitly stated as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem." This concise verse establishes the persona from which the subsequent philosophical exploration of life's meaning, purpose, and ultimate value will emerge, setting the stage for a candid and often challenging inquiry into human existence "under the sun."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 1:1 functions as the superscription for the entire book, akin to a title page or authorial declaration. It immediately follows the historical books of the Old Testament and precedes the Song of Solomon within the Hebrew canon, placing it firmly within the collection of Ketuvim (Writings). As a wisdom book, it stands alongside Proverbs and Job, yet it distinguishes itself through its unique tone of skeptical inquiry and existential reflection. The immediate narrative flow begins with this verse establishing the speaker, followed by the iconic declaration of "vanity of vanities" in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Theme of Vanity"), which sets the dominant theme for the entire work. This opening verse is crucial for understanding the authority and perspective from which the Preacher's observations about life "under the sun" are delivered.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The identification of the author as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem" strongly points to King Solomon, who reigned over Israel from approximately 970-931 BC. Solomon was renowned for his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and extensive building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem ([1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple")). His reign was a period of peace and prosperity, allowing for intellectual and philosophical pursuits. Culturally, wisdom literature flourished in the ancient Near East, and Ecclesiastes participates in this tradition, though with a distinctively Israelite theological lens. The setting of Jerusalem, the political and spiritual capital, underscores the Preacher's position of power and access to all worldly experiences, making his conclusions about life's ultimate futility all the more striking.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse immediately introduces the central figure and the perspective from which the book's themes will be explored: the **Preacher** (Qoheleth). By identifying him as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem," the verse establishes themes of **authority**, **wisdom**, and **experience**. The Preacher's unique vantage point, having seemingly achieved everything the world could offer—wealth, wisdom, power, pleasure—lends significant weight to his subsequent critique of earthly pursuits. This sets up the overarching theme of **vanity** or **futility** (Hebrew: *hebel*), which is explicitly introduced in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"). The verse also subtly introduces the theme of the **human quest for meaning**, as it is from this position of ultimate worldly attainment that the Preacher embarks on his profound search for lasting significance beyond the transient nature of life "under the sun."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term signifies not merely spoken utterances but also "matters," "things," "affairs," or "concerns." In this context, "The words" implies a collected body of thought, a discourse, or a message rather than just casual speech. It suggests a weighty, authoritative pronouncement or a compilation of insights that the Preacher is about to deliver, encompassing his observations, reflections, and conclusions about life.
* **Preacher (Hebrew, _qôheleth'_):** From H6953, this unique Hebrew term is derived from a root meaning "to assemble" or "to gather." It can refer to one who gathers an assembly (a lecturer or speaker), or one who gathers wisdom, proverbs, or experiences. The feminine form, though referring to a male speaker, might suggest an abstract quality or a role, emphasizing the function of teaching or preaching. This title highlights the instructive, reflective, and even sermonic nature of the entire book, positioning the author as a sage delivering profound insights to an audience.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word denotes a literal son, but in a broader sense, it can also indicate a descendant, a subject, or one who belongs to a particular lineage or class. In the phrase "son of David," it clearly signifies direct lineage, reinforcing the traditional understanding that the authorial persona is King Solomon, a direct descendant of King David, thereby lending royal and historical authority to the Preacher's message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The words of the Preacher,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the nature of the text as a collection of teachings, pronouncements, or wisdom from a specific individual identified by his role. The term "Preacher" (Qoheleth) sets the tone for a didactic, reflective, and possibly sermonic discourse, inviting the reader to listen to the insights of a wise sage.
* **"the son of David,"**: This clause provides crucial genealogical information, linking the Preacher directly to the royal line of King David. This connection immediately evokes images of wisdom, kingship, and divine anointing associated with the Davidic dynasty, particularly Solomon, who was renowned for his unparalleled wisdom and vast kingdom. It establishes the speaker's authority and profound experience.
* **"king in Jerusalem."**: This final clause specifies the Preacher's political and geographical dominion, confirming his identity as a reigning monarch in the capital city of Israel. This detail underscores the speaker's position of ultimate power, wealth, and access to all worldly experiences, making his subsequent exploration of life's meaning all the more compelling and universally relevant, as he speaks from a position of having "seen it all."

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:1 primarily employs **Superscription** and **Persona**. The entire verse functions as a superscription, serving as a formal heading or title that introduces the author and the content of the book. This device immediately establishes the context and authority of the ensuing discourse. The identification of the author as "the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem" is a powerful use of **Persona**. While traditionally attributed to Solomon, the text presents a specific literary persona—Qoheleth—who embodies wisdom, experience, and authority. This persona allows the author to explore profound philosophical questions from a uniquely privileged and comprehensive perspective, lending credibility and weight to the observations about life's futility and ultimate meaning. The use of a specific, identifiable, and authoritative speaker prepares the reader for a deep and searching inquiry into the human condition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:1, by introducing "the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem," immediately grounds the book's profound philosophical inquiry in a context of divinely appointed authority and unparalleled human experience. The theological significance lies in the fact that this quest for meaning is undertaken not by an ordinary person, but by one who possessed the pinnacle of worldly wisdom, wealth, and power, yet still grappled with the ephemeral nature of existence. This sets up the theological tension between human striving and divine sovereignty, suggesting that true meaning cannot be found solely "under the sun" but must ultimately reside in God. The book's journey, therefore, becomes a theological argument for seeking ultimate truth and purpose beyond the transient pursuits of this world, culminating in the call to fear God and keep His commandments.

* [Proverbs 1:1](/proverbs/1-1 "Proverbs 1:1 - The Proverbs of Solomon")
* [1 Kings 4:29-30](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-30 - God Gave Solomon Wisdom")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 1:1 invites us to approach the book with a deep sense of intentionality, recognizing that the wisdom shared comes from an individual who experienced the full spectrum of life's extremes—from immense pleasure and wealth to the depths of intellectual and spiritual searching. For contemporary readers, this introduction serves as a powerful reminder that external achievements, material possessions, or even vast knowledge, while potentially fulfilling in the short term, do not inherently provide ultimate meaning or lasting satisfaction. If a figure of Solomon's stature, with all his wisdom and resources, still felt compelled to embark on such a profound quest for ultimate meaning, it underscores the universal human longing for significance that transcends temporary pursuits. This verse sets the stage for a journey into profound questions about human existence, urging us to consider the true source of our purpose and satisfaction and to seek wisdom that endures beyond the fleeting nature of earthly life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What expectations or assumptions do I bring to a book introduced by "the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem"?**
* **How does the identity of the author (or persona) influence the credibility and weight of the message that follows?**
* **If someone with ultimate worldly power and wisdom still searches for meaning, what does that imply about my own pursuits and where I seek lasting satisfaction?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the Preacher" mentioned in Ecclesiastes 1:1?**

Answer: "The Preacher" is the English translation of the Hebrew word *Qoheleth* (H6953). While the exact meaning is debated, it generally refers to "one who assembles" or "one who gathers," implying someone who gathers an assembly to teach, or one who gathers wisdom and sayings. The verse further identifies this Preacher as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem," which has traditionally and widely been understood to refer to King Solomon, the son of King David, who reigned in Jerusalem and was renowned for his wisdom ([1 Kings 4:29-30](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-30 - Solomon's Wisdom")). Thus, *Qoheleth* is the literary persona adopted by the author, embodying a wise, experienced, and authoritative teacher.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:1, by introducing a "son of David, king in Jerusalem" who embarks on a quest for meaning, subtly foreshadows the ultimate "Son of David" who would truly bring lasting meaning and fulfillment. While the Preacher (Solomon) searches for purpose "under the sun" and ultimately concludes that all is *hebel* (vanity or futility) apart from God, Jesus Christ is the true and perfect [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") who reigns as King, not merely in an earthly Jerusalem, but over all creation. The Preacher's wisdom, though vast, could not fully resolve the existential dilemma of human life; it pointed to the need for something beyond human attainment. Jesus, however, is the [wisdom of God incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Hidden Treasures of Wisdom")). Unlike the Preacher's temporary reign and ultimately unsatisfying search, Christ offers eternal life and true purpose, declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). The Preacher's journey highlights the human longing for significance; Christ provides the divine answer, fulfilling the deepest yearnings of the human heart that no worldly wisdom or kingly power could ever satisfy.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 12:8

¶ Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all [is] vanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:10

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth.

Ecclesiastes 1:12

¶ I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

Ecclesiastes 7:27

Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, [counting] one by one, to find out the account:

1 Kings 11:42

And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel [was] forty years.

1 Kings 11:43

And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 9:30

And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.