QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES

What does Ecclesiastes mean?

Ecclesiastes is from the Greek word that means “convener” of an assembly. The book is often referred to by its Hebrew name, qoheleth, which means “preacher.” The book of Ecclesiastes is an address or sermon by a speaker or preacher, that is, Solomon.

Who wrote Ecclesiastes?

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes as an elderly man, past age forty, after he had accumulated wives and drifted away from God. The book reflects his frustration, sin, and emptiness. It is even a pessimistic book: “‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher; ‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity’” (Eccl. 1:2).

What is the key word in Ecclesiastes?

The key word is vanity, reflecting how empty Solomon’s life had become because he didn’t make God his first priority. The word vanity appears thirty-seven times.

What is the key phrase in Ecclesiastes?

The key phrase is “life under the sun” which occurs twenty-nine times. It means life is filled with injustice, dangers, uncertainties, and “chance.”

What are the key verses in Ecclesiastes?

“And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Eccl. 1:13–14).

What is the theme of Ecclesiastes?

The theme is “All is vanity.” Vanity does not just mean selfish pride, as Americans use the word, but the emptiness of life apart from God.

What is the final admonition in Ecclesiastes?

“Fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13).

Elmer Towns, Bible Answers for Almost All Your Questions (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003).