### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **cheshbôwn**, represented by `{{H2808}}`, relates to concepts of contrivance, intelligence, and reason. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, signifying its specific application in scripture. Its meaning encompasses the ideas of an account, a device, or the reason behind things.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{H2808}}` are found in the book of Ecclesiastes, spoken by the preacher `{{H6953}}`. The term is used to describe a mental or logical construct. It is sought after as the **reason** of things, in an effort to understand wickedness and folly [[Ecclesiastes 7:25]]. It is also used as an **account**, the result of a methodical investigation of life [[Ecclesiastes 7:27]]. Finally, it is listed as one of the human faculties, like work `{{H4639}}` and wisdom `{{H2451}}`, that cease in the grave `{{H7585}}`, where there is no **device** or planning [[Ecclesiastes 9:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the intellectual and philosophical context of **cheshbôwn**:
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): This word for wisdom appears alongside `{{H2808}}` as something to be sought [[Ecclesiastes 7:25]] and as a faculty that ends with death [[Ecclesiastes 9:10]].
* `{{H1245}}` **bâqash** (to search out): This verb describes the Preacher's active effort to "seek out" the **reason** `{{H2808}}` of things, highlighting the striving for understanding [[Ecclesiastes 7:25]].
* `{{H1847}}` **daʻath** (knowledge): Paired with `{{H2808}}`, this term for knowledge is presented as a human capacity that has no place in the grave [[Ecclesiastes 9:10]].
* `{{H4639}}` **maʻăseh** (an action): This term for work or deeds is listed with **device** `{{H2808}}`, contrasting physical activity with mental contrivance, both of which cease at death [[Ecclesiastes 9:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2808}}` is concentrated within the Preacher's search for meaning in Ecclesiastes.
* **The Pursuit of Understanding:** **Cheshbôwn** is at the heart of the human attempt to find a logical **account** or **reason** for the state of the world. The Preacher applied his heart `{{H3820}}` to this task, seeking to comprehend the nature of wisdom and folly ([[Ecclesiastes 7:25]], [[Ecclesiastes 7:27]]).
* **The Finality of Death:** The word underscores the limitations of human intellect and planning. The Preacher concludes that in the grave `{{H7585}}`, there is no **device** `{{H2808}}`, knowledge `{{H1847}}`, or wisdom `{{H2451}}`, rendering all earthly contrivances finite [[Ecclesiastes 9:10]].
* **An Urgency for the Present:** This understanding of life's limits leads to a practical conclusion. Because human reasoning and devices cease at death, the Preacher urges that whatever one's hand `{{H3027}}` finds to do, it should be done with all one's might `{{H3581}}` in the here and now [[Ecclesiastes 9:10]].
### Summary
In summary, **cheshbôwn** `{{H2808}}` is a specific term used exclusively in Ecclesiastes to denote a **reason**, **account**, or **device**. It encapsulates the intellectual pursuit of understanding life's complexities and contradictions. The Preacher's quest to find the "account" of things ultimately leads him to the conclusion that all human contrivance and wisdom cease in the grave. This finite nature of human reason serves not as a point of despair, but as a powerful motivation for diligent action in the present life.
TRV