Ecclesiastes 1:1
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ecclesiastes 1:1
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Hebrew word for "Preacher" is quite unique, hinting at someone who gathers or convenes an assembly, not just one who speaks to them. This suggests the author, Solomon, isn't just delivering a sermon, but is bringing people together to wrestle with profound questions about life's meaning, perhaps even reflecting his own journey of gathering wisdom after a life of great experience.
This opening verse introduces the author, identified as "the Preacher," son of David, and king in Jerusalem. The rest of chapter 1 begins to unpack the Preacher's profound, and often unsettling, reflections on life, declaring that "all is vanity" as he observes the repetitive cycles of nature and human endeavor. These initial verses set the stage for a deeply introspective exploration of meaning and purpose from the perspective of someone who has experienced the pinnacle of worldly success and pleasure.
The very first word used to describe the author of Ecclesiastes is unique. What does 'Preacher' (or 'Koheleth') truly mean, and why is it so significant?
The Hebrew word translated as 'Preacher' is Koheleth. It's a fascinating word, derived from a root meaning 'to gather' or 'to assemble.'
Who is Koheleth?
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This title sets the stage: the author isn't just sharing personal opinions, but is gathering insights and presenting them to an audience, much like someone teaching in a public forum.
This author is identified as 'the son of David, king in Jerusalem.' How does this royal status shape his perspective as a 'Preacher'?
The author isn't an ordinary citizen; he's Solomon, the son of David, a king renowned for his wisdom and his vast kingdom.
The King's Experience:
Understand the original words
Qoheleth · Hebrew Noun
The title for the author/speaker of the book, often identified as Solomon. It denotes one who gathers an assembly to address them with wisdom, functioning as a teacher or philosopher.
This passage describes Wisdom herself calling out in public places, which parallels the role of 'Koheleth' (the Preacher) gathering and instructing an assembly.
Matthew 23:37Jesus uses a similar image of wanting to gather people together like a hen gathers her chicks, reflecting the 'convener' aspect of the Preacher's role and the desire to protect and instruct.
1 Kings 4:32This verse highlights Solomon's immense wisdom and the fact that he composed many proverbs, directly linking him to the authoritative voice introducing this book of wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 12:9This verse explicitly states that 'Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge,' reinforcing the author's role as an instructor and wise teacher, just as Ecclesiastes 1:1 introduces him.
pooleEcclesiastes 1:1: "The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem."
All is vanity; our labour great and unprofitable, Ecc 1:1-3 . The whole course of things is always going and returning, Ecc 1:4-7 . Nothing in nature is satisfied, Ecc 1:8 . Nothing new; old things are forgot, Ecc 1:9-11 . The search after wisdom is itself a vain labour; cannot supply our natural wants, nor satisfy our desires; but increaseth sorrow: all this the Preacher found out by experience, Ecc 1:12-18 . T…
clarkeEcclesiastes 1:1: "The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem."
The words of the Preacher - Literally, "The words of Choheleth, son of David, king of Jerusalem." But the Targum explains it thus: "The words of the prophecy, which Choheleth prophesied; the same is Solomon, son of David the king, who was in Jerusalem. For when Solomon, king of Israel, saw by the spirit of prophecy that the kingdom of Rehoboam his son was about to be divided with Jeroboam, the son of Nebat; and…
The Hebrew word for "Preacher" is quite unique, hinting at someone who gathers or convenes an assembly, not just one who speaks to them. This suggests the author, Solomon, isn't just delivering a sermon, but is bringing people together to wrestle with profound questions about life's meaning, perhaps even reflecting his own journey of gathering wisdom after a life of great experience.
This opening verse introduces the author, identified as "the Preacher," son of David, and king in Jerusalem. The rest of chapter 1 begins to unpack the Preacher's profound, and often unsettling, reflections on life, declaring that "all is vanity" as he observes the repetitive cycles of nature and human endeavor. These initial verses set the stage for a deeply introspective exploration of meaning and purpose from the perspective of someone who has experienced the pinnacle of worldly success and pleasure.
This opening verse introduces the author, identified as "the Preacher," son of David, and king in Jerusalem. The rest of chapter 1 begins to unpack the Preacher's profound, and often unsettling, reflections on life, declaring that "all is vanity" as he observes the repetitive cycles of nature and human endeavor. These initial verses set the stage for a deeply introspective exploration of meaning and purpose from the perspective of someone who has experienced the pinnacle of worldly success and pleasure.
"The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem." — The Hebrew word for "Preacher" is quite unique, hinting at someone who gathers or convenes an assembly, not just one who speaks to them. This suggests the author, Solomon, isn't just delivering a…
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