Topical Encyclopedia
Koheleth is the Hebrew name for the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes, one of the wisdom books in the Old Testament. The term "Koheleth" is often translated as "Teacher" or "Preacher" and is derived from the Hebrew root "qahal," meaning "to assemble" or "to gather." This suggests that Koheleth is one who addresses an assembly, imparting wisdom and reflections on life.
Authorship and IdentityTraditionally, Koheleth has been identified with King Solomon, the son of David, who is renowned for his wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 1:1 introduces the book with, "The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem." This association with Solomon is further supported by the book's references to wealth, extensive building projects, and profound wisdom, all characteristics attributed to Solomon in other biblical texts (
1 Kings 3:12-13,
1 Kings 10:23).
However, some scholars debate this Solomonic authorship, suggesting that the language and style of Ecclesiastes reflect a later period. Despite these debates, the traditional view holds that Solomon, or a figure closely associated with his wisdom and experiences, is the author.
Themes and ContentEcclesiastes is known for its exploration of the meaning and purpose of life. Koheleth begins with the famous declaration, "Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity" (
Ecclesiastes 1:2). This sets the tone for the book's examination of the fleeting and often perplexing nature of human existence.
Koheleth reflects on various pursuits—wisdom, pleasure, work, and wealth—and concludes that these, in themselves, do not provide lasting fulfillment. He observes, "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief" (
Ecclesiastes 1:18). Despite the apparent futility of these endeavors, Koheleth encourages a balanced approach to life, advocating for the enjoyment of simple pleasures and the fear of God.
The Fear of GodA central theme in Ecclesiastes is the fear of God, which Koheleth presents as the foundation for a meaningful life. He writes, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" (
Ecclesiastes 12:13). This reverence for God provides a counterbalance to the book's exploration of life's vanities, suggesting that true purpose is found in a relationship with the Creator.
Literary StyleEcclesiastes is characterized by its poetic and philosophical style, employing a series of reflections, proverbs, and observations. The book's tone is contemplative and, at times, somber, as Koheleth grapples with the complexities of life. The use of rhetorical questions and paradoxes invites readers to ponder deeply the nature of existence and the divine order.
Canonical Status and InfluenceEcclesiastes holds a unique place in the biblical canon, offering a perspective that complements the more optimistic wisdom found in Proverbs. Its inclusion in the Scriptures underscores the breadth of human experience and the diverse ways in which God's truth is revealed.
Throughout history, Ecclesiastes has influenced both religious and secular thought, prompting reflection on the human condition and the search for meaning. Its themes resonate with readers across generations, offering timeless insights into the pursuit of wisdom and the importance of living in reverence to God.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KOHELETHko-hel'-eth (qoheleth).
SeeECCLESIASTES.
Strong's Hebrew
6953. Qoheleth -- "a collector (of sentences)," "a preacher," a...... preacher. Feminine of active participle from qahal; a (female) assembler (ie Lecturer):
abstractly, preaching (used as a "nom de plume",
Koheleth) -- preacher.
...Library
The Poetical Books.
... Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher, bears in the Hebrew collection the name, "Koheleth,"
which means the assembler of the people, and therefore, probably, the man...
Introduction.
... A similar impersonation is familiar to us in the Book of Ecclesiastes, whereKoheleth
utters his varied experiences through the mouth of Solomon, "son of David...
Chapter iii.
... Of course the religious salutation of the Hebrews (2 Samuel 6:14) is the thought
ofKoheleth, and figuratively it is here adopted for holy mirth.]....
Whether, Then, There are Cycles of Time, and Floods...
... 3726]. Footnotes: [3719] [Note this testimony to the authorship ofKoheleth,
and that it is Scripture.]. [3720] Cf. Ecclesiastes 1:9....
Moreover, it is Right that Thou Shouldest Fear God While Thou Art...
... [120] [The incomparable beauty of our English version of this twelfth chapter of
Koheleth is heightened not a little by comparison with this turgid metaphrase....
Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... untersucht (ZATW., 1894). ECCLESIASTES. Wright, The book ofKoheleth (1883). Gr??tz,
Koheleth (1884).... Dillmann, ?�ber die Gr. ??bersetzung desKoheleth (1892)....
The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... IV. ECCLESIASTES. 15. The Hebrew name of this book isKoheleth, respecting
the meaning of which there has been much discussion....
Thesaurus
Koheleth (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KOHELETH. ko-hel'-eth (qoheleth). See
ECCLESIASTES. Multi-Version Concordance
Koheleth (7 Occurrences).
...Kol
Ecclesiastes (1 Occurrence)
... The Greek rendering of the HebrewKoheleth, which means "Preacher." The old and
traditional view of the authorship of this book attributes it to Solomon....
Kohath's (3 Occurrences)
Delightful (11 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ecclesiastes 12:10Koheleth sought to find out words of delight, and
that which was written uprightly, even words of truth. (See NAS)....
Preacher (27 Occurrences)
... Other works are those of JF Genung, Ecclesiastes, and Omar Khayyam, 1901, Words
ofKoheleth, 1904, and The Hebrew Literature of Wisdom in the Light of Today...
Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... also the proverb of this type was by the term "of Solomon" differentiated from mashal
of other types, as for instance those of Balaam and Job andKoheleth. II....
Songs (100 Occurrences)
... 1857; H. Ewald, Dichter des Alten Bundes, III, 333-426, 1867; FC Cook, in Biblical
Commentary, 1874; Franz Delitzsch, Hoheslied u.Koheleth, 1875 (also...
Song (207 Occurrences)
... 1857; H. Ewald, Dichter des Alten Bundes, III, 333-426, 1867; FC Cook, in Biblical
Commentary, 1874; Franz Delitzsch, Hoheslied u.Koheleth, 1875 (also...
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