The words
The phrase "The words" introduces the book as a collection of sayings or teachings. In Hebrew, the term used is "דִּבְרֵי" (divrei), which can mean words, sayings, or matters. This sets the tone for Ecclesiastes as a book of wisdom literature, similar to Proverbs, where the focus is on imparting knowledge and understanding. The emphasis on "words" highlights the importance of communication and the transmission of wisdom from one generation to another.

of the Teacher
The Hebrew word here is "קֹהֶלֶת" (Qoheleth), often translated as "Teacher" or "Preacher." This term is unique to Ecclesiastes and suggests someone who gathers an assembly, possibly for the purpose of teaching or sharing wisdom. The role of the Teacher is to explore life's meaning and to impart insights gained through experience and reflection. The Teacher's authority is derived not only from his wisdom but also from his position as a leader and guide.

son of David
This phrase identifies the Teacher as a descendant of King David, linking him to the Davidic line and the royal heritage of Israel. Historically, this connection is significant because it associates the Teacher with the wisdom and authority of Solomon, David's son, who is traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes. The Davidic lineage underscores the Teacher's legitimacy and the weight of his insights.

king in Jerusalem
The designation "king in Jerusalem" situates the Teacher within a specific historical and geographical context. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel and the center of Jewish worship, symbolizes both political power and spiritual significance. As king, the Teacher possesses not only authority but also the resources and experiences that come with ruling a nation. This position allows him to speak with authority on matters of life, governance, and spirituality, drawing from a wealth of personal and political experience.

(1) The words.--The Book of Nehemiah begins similarly; so do the prophecies of Jeremiah and Amos, and of Agur and Lemuel (Proverbs 30, 31)

The Preacher.--Rather, convener (see Introduction). This word (Koheleth) occurs in this book, Ecclesiastes 1:1-2; Ecclesiastes 1:12; Ecclesiastes 7:27, where, according to our present text, it is joined with a feminine, being elsewhere used with a masculine; and Ecclesiastes 12:8-10, having the article in the first of these passages, and there only, being elsewhere used as a proper name.

Verse 1. - The words of the Preacher, the son of David, King in Jerusalem; Septuagint, "King of Israel in Jerusalem" (comp. ver. 12). The word rendered "Preacher" is Koheleth, a feminine noun formed from a verb kalal, "to call" (see Introduction, § 1), and perhaps better rendered" Convener" or "Debater." It is found nowhere else but in this book, where it occurs three times in this chapter (vers. 1, 2, 12), three times in Ecclesiastes 12:8, 9, 10, and once in Ecclesiastes 7:27. In all but one instance (viz. Ecclesiastes 12:8) it is used without the article, as a proper name. Jerome, in his commentary, translates it, 'Continuator,' in his version 'Ecclesiastes.' It would seem to denote one who gathered around him a congregation in order to instruct them in Divine lore. The feminine form is explained in various ways. Either it is used abstractedly, as the designation of an office, which it seems not to be; or it is formed as some other words which are found with a feminine termination, though denoting the names of men, indicating, as Gesenius notes (§ 107, 3. 100.), a high degree of activity in the possessor of the particular quality signified by the stem; e.g. Alemeth, Azmaveth (1 Chronicles 8:36; 1 Chronicles 9:42), Pochereth (Ezra 2:57), Sophereth (Nehemiah 7:57); or, as is most probable, the writer desired to identify Koheleth with Wisdom, though it must be observed that the personality of the author often appears, as in Ecclesiastes 1:16-18; Ecclesiastes 7:23, etc.; the role of Wisdom being for the nonce forgotten. The word "king" in the title is shown by the accentuation to be in apposition to "Koheleth" not to "David;" and there can be no doubt that the description is intended to denote Solomon, though his name is nowhere actually given, as it is in the two other works ascribed to him (Proverbs 1:1; Song of Solomon 1:1). Other intimations of the assumption of Solomon's personality are found in Ecclesiastes 1:12, "I Koheleth was king," etc.; so in describing his consummate wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:13, 16; Ecclesiastes 2:15; comp. 1 Kings 3:12; 1 Kings 5:12), and in his being the author of many proverbs (Ecclesiastes 12:9; comp. 1 Kings 4:32) - accomplishments which are not noted in the case of any other of David's descendants. Also the picture of luxury and magnificence presented in Ecclesiastes 2. suits no Jewish monarch but Solomon. The origin of the name applied to him may probably be traced to the historical fact mentioned in 1 Kings 8:55, etc., where Solomon gathers all Israel together to the dedication of the temple, and utters the remarkable prayer which contained blessing and teaching and exhortation. As we have shown in the Introduction (§ 2), the assumption of the name is a mere literary device to give weight and importance to the treatise to which it appertains. The term, "King in Jerusalem," or, as in ver. 12, "King over Israel in Jerusalem," is unique, and occurs nowhere else in Scripture. David is said to have reigned in Jerusalem, when this seat of government is spoken of in contrast with that at Hebron (2 Samuel 5:5), and the same expression is used of Solomon, Rehoboam, and others (1 Kings 11:42; 1 Kings 14:21; 1 Kings 15:2, 10); and the phrase probably denotes a time when the government had become divided, and Israel had a different capital from Judah.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The words
דִּבְרֵי֙ (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the Teacher,
קֹהֶ֣לֶת (qō·he·leṯ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6953: Preacher -- 'a collector (of sentences)', 'a preacher', a son of David

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of David,
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

king
מֶ֖לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

in Jerusalem:
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:1 The words of the Preacher the son (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)