Ecclesiastes Translation Series (10): “your creator” (Eccl 12:1)
In Hebrew, “your creator” in Eccl 12:1 is written in the plural form, not singular. What does that mean? Let’s take a look at the details.
Ecclesiastes Translation Series (9): Qohelet’s Gender (Eccl 7:27)
In Hebrew the verb’s gender should agree with its subject and number. The word “Qohelet” is a feminine singular participle functioning as a noun. So the word requires feminine singular forms of verbs. However, because Qohelet is introduced as a “son” of David, almost all verbs for Qohelet is masculine singular except for Eccl 7:27, which seems quite intentional and worth giving your attention.
ECCLESIASTES TRANSLATION SERIES (6): “to put the world in their heart” (Eccl 3:11)
Eccl 3:11 says God set “the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh.” This sentence is enigmatic not just because of the ambiguity of the sentence but also of the translation.
ECCLESIASTES TRANSLATION SERIES (2): Vanity of vanities
This featured phrase “vanity of vanities” (הבל הבלים habel habalim) that Qohelet repeatedly cries out is considered to be a Hebrew expression of the superlative. But the expression normally comes with the definite article on the second word unlike the case in Ecclesiastes. So is it really superlative?
Ecclesiastes Translation Series (1): The Preacher, Ecclesiastes
The main character of the book of Ecclesiastes is known as “the preacher.” But the contents of the book does not correspond to what an ordinary preacher of a local church would say. The book is rather progressive and extreme than conservative.