Lexical Summary merots: race Original Word: מֵרוֹץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance race From ruwts; a run (the trial of speed) -- race. see HEBREW ruwts NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ruts Definition a running, a race NASB Translation race (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֵרוֺץ noun [masculine] running, race; — absolute Ecclesiastes 9:11. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range Mērôṣ conveys the idea of a swift, competitive race—an athletic contest in which speed is measured against others. In Scripture this lone occurrence points beyond mere physical activity to the unpredictable outcomes of life under God’s sovereign governance. Biblical Occurrence Ecclesiastes 9:11 records: “Again I saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the discerning, nor favor to the skillful; but time and chance overtake them all”. Here מֵרוֹץ illustrates Solomon’s observation that human ability, though real, is never ultimate. The text forces readers to recognize God’s providence over human endeavors. Theological Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Effort - Ecclesiastes 9:11 stresses that speed does not guarantee victory. This aligns with Proverbs 16:9, which teaches, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” - Scripture consistently reminds believers that personal skill is insufficient apart from the Lord (Psalm 33:16-17). Mērôṣ supports this theme by depicting a contest whose outcome God alone finally governs. - Although מֵרוֹץ itself is not reused, the New Testament develops the “race” image to depict the Christian life (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 3:12-14). Solomon’s observation therefore undergirds later apostolic calls to run with endurance and with eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. Historical Background Athletic contests were common throughout the Ancient Near East and later Greco-Roman world. Runners typically competed in city festivals or royal games. Solomon’s audience would have understood the futility of trusting mere speed; unpredictable hazards—uneven terrain, sudden injury—could nullify the runner’s advantage, illustrating life’s broader uncertainties. Ministry Application • Dependence on God: Teachers and leaders can use מֵרוֹץ to exhort congregations to rely on God rather than on personal gifting. Related Scriptures Psalm 147:10-11; Isaiah 40:31; Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 5:7; Hebrews 12:1-2. Christological Reflections Jesus Christ finished the ultimate race set before Him (John 19:30). His perfect reliance on the Father exemplifies the Ecclesiastes truth that victory belongs not to innate human power but to humble submission to God’s will. Summary Mērôṣ serves as a vivid reminder that life’s contests, however earnest, are governed by the Lord. While Christians are called to run with discipline, they rest in the assurance that the final outcome lies in the hands of the One who “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). Forms and Transliterations הַמֵּר֜וֹץ המרוץ ham·mê·rō·wṣ hammeRotz hammêrōwṣLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ecclesiastes 9:11 HEB: לֹא֩ לַקַּלִּ֨ים הַמֵּר֜וֹץ וְלֹ֧א לַגִּבּוֹרִ֣ים NAS: the sun that the race is not to the swift KJV: under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, INT: is not to the swift the race is not to the warriors 1 Occurrence |
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