While Ecclesiastes seems to end, the bottom line is anything but clear instruction. Among the hints are the character’s late tendency to compromise (do a little of this and a little of that), and the ...

I have always wanted to see the look on Qoheleth’s face. An innovative thespian on a spiritual quest recently gave me that chance. A colleague from the theater department at my university had told me ...

“To the making of many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh” said Ecclesiastes [Kohelet in Hebrew], traditionally believed to be King Solomon, sometime before his death ...

In my first semester of college as a classics major, I translated from Latin the opening passage of the ancient book of Ecclesiastes. This wasn’t ever a book I came across in parochial school or ...

He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. Today’s readings, to me, ...

Traditionally, Ecclesiastes is understood to be authored by King Solomon (1010-931 BC). Taking 1:1 at face value, these are the words of the “Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Given the ...

Biblical Hebrew uses similar names for “vanity” and the slain brother. That’s no accident. For many, these words resound with a skeptical and, some may say, nihilistic tone. But must they? Russell L.

I recently listened to a podcast about Ecclesiastes — the most philosophical book in the Bible — and found myself thinking: This ancient teacher sounds like he has been reading Plato. A note on who we ...

More than any other biblical book, Ecclesiastes is associated with skepticism, cynicism, and pessimism, pointing to both the frailty and futility of life. Why are we here after all? To what purpose?

Your institution does not have access to this book on JSTOR. Try searching on JSTOR for other items related to this book. Ecclesiastes in Premodern Reading: Before 1500 C.E. Ecclesiastes in Premodern ...