¶ The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
The words {H1697} of the Preacher {H6953}, the son {H1121} of David {H1732}, king {H4428} in Jerusalem {H3389}.
The words of Kohelet the son of David, king in Yerushalayim:
These are the words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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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.
Context
Ecclesiastes 1:1 serves as the concise and powerful introduction to one of the most unique books in the Old Testament. The phrase "the son of David, king in Jerusalem" strongly identifies the author, or at least the persona adopted by the author, as King Solomon. Solomon, renowned for his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and vast kingdom, is the ideal voice to explore the profound questions about life's meaning and purpose. This opening verse immediately establishes the authority and experience from which the book's deep philosophical reflections emerge. Ecclesiastes is considered a foundational text within biblical wisdom literature, alongside books like Proverbs and Job.
Key Themes
This verse introduces the central figure: the Preacher. His identity as a highly privileged and experienced king in Jerusalem lends significant weight to his subsequent observations and conclusions about life "under the sun." While the famous declaration of "vanity of vanities" appears in the very next verse, this opening sets the stage by highlighting the source of the wisdom—a person who seemingly had everything the world could offer, yet embarked on a quest for ultimate meaning beyond material possessions and worldly achievements. The verse subtly prepares the reader for a candid and sometimes unsettling examination of human existence.
Linguistic Insights
The pivotal term in this verse is "Preacher," which is a translation of the Hebrew word Qoheleth (קֹהֶלֶת). The exact meaning of Qoheleth is debated but generally understood as "one who assembles" or "one who gathers." This could refer to someone who gathers an assembly to teach, or someone who gathers wisdom and sayings. Therefore, "Preacher" or "Teacher" aptly describes the role of the author as one who delivers a profound discourse. This unique title emphasizes the instructive, reflective, and even sermonic nature of the entire book, inviting the reader to listen to and ponder the collected insights of a wise sage.
Practical Application
Ecclesiastes 1:1 invites us to approach the book with serious intent, recognizing that the wisdom shared comes from an individual who experienced life's extremes. For contemporary readers, this introduction encourages us to consider the source of our own understanding of purpose and satisfaction. If a king of Solomon's stature, with all his wisdom and resources, still felt compelled to search for ultimate meaning, it underscores the universal human quest for significance beyond temporary pursuits. This verse sets the tone for a journey into profound questions about human existence, urging us to seek wisdom that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly life, a theme beautifully summarized at the book's conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13.