Ecclesiastes 12 2

Ecclesiastes 12:2 kjv

While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

Ecclesiastes 12:2 nkjv

While the sun and the light, The moon and the stars, Are not darkened, And the clouds do not return after the rain;

Ecclesiastes 12:2 niv

before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;

Ecclesiastes 12:2 esv

before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain,

Ecclesiastes 12:2 nlt

Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.

Ecclesiastes 12 verses

Ecclesiastes 12 2 Meaning

This verse speaks about remembering God during the prime of life, before the hardships of old age arrive and diminish one's capacity for joy and service. It emphasizes proactive devotion and engagement with God while strength and vitality are present. It serves as a strong encouragement to live a life dedicated to God early on, rather than waiting until circumstances force a change or capability fades.

Ecclesiastes 12 2 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 12 marks the concluding section of the book, providing a summary and final exhortation. The preceding verses have painted a vivid, allegorical picture of the decay and frailty associated with old age, illustrating the inevitable decline of the human body and the diminishment of life's joys. This verse, "Therefore, remember your Creator in the days of your youth..." serves as a direct response and practical instruction following this somber depiction of aging. The overall context of Ecclesiastes is a reflection on the vanity and transient nature of earthly pursuits, urging the reader to find true meaning and fulfillment in relationship with God. There are no direct polemics against specific contemporary beliefs evident here, rather a universal call to wisdom and faithfulness.

Ecclesiastes 12 2 Word Analysis

• "Therefore" (Hebrew: וּלְכֵ֗ן, wə·lə·ḵēn): Indicates a conclusion drawn from the preceding statements. It connects the imagery of old age's decline to the imperative that follows.
• "remember" (Hebrew: זְכֹר֙, zə·ḵōr): A verb in the imperative form, commanding an active remembrance. This is not mere recollection but an active calling to mind and dwelling upon God.
• "your Creator" (Hebrew: אֶת־בּוֹרְאֶ֙ךָ֙, ’eṯ-bō·w·rə·’ê·ḵā): Emphasizes God's role as the source of all existence and life. It signifies that the one to be remembered is the originator and sustainer of youth, strength, and life itself.
• "in the days" (Hebrew: בִּימֵ֣י, bî·mê): Refers to the time period, highlighting that this action of remembrance is to occur during specific seasons of life.
• "of your youth" (Hebrew: בְּצִילֵךְ֙, bə·ṣî·lə·ḵe·mî): Specifically designates the period of youth and vitality. This is the time of energy, potential, and vigor, before the onset of aged infirmities described in the prior verses.
• "before" (Hebrew: מִ — , mîl-, often implied before "the days," though not explicitly stated as a separate word for "before" in this structure; the grammatical structure conveys the sense of "before the coming of..."): Indicates a temporal priority, establishing a critical window for action.
• "the days of trouble come" (Hebrew: יָ֣מִים הָרָעִ֔ים, yā·mîm hā·rā·‘îm): The phrase "days of trouble" refers to the inevitable adversities and afflictions that accompany old age as depicted allegorically in the previous verses (e.g., trembling hands, dimmed sight, weakness).
• "and the years draw near," (Hebrew: וְשָׁנִ֣ים, wə·šā·nîm): Refers to the passage of time and the progression towards the state of old age.
• "when you will say," (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר֙, ’a·šer): Introduces the declaration or testimony that will be made during those difficult times.
• "I have no pleasure in them." (Hebrew: שֶֽׁ־אֵין־לִ֨י בָהֶ֜ם חֵפֶץ, šə-’êin-lî-bā·hêm ḥef·eṣ): This phrase conveys a loss of delight, interest, or satisfaction in life, directly linked to the infirmities and diminishment of old age. "Chepes" (חֵפֶץ) means desire, delight, or pleasure.

• Phrase Group Analysis - "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth": This core exhortation links God's identity as "Creator" with the active state of "youth." It implies that acknowledging the One who brought us into being while we possess the capacity for full engagement is the wisest course. The act of remembrance is thus positioned as a foundational act of worship and wisdom.
• Passage Group Analysis - "before the days of trouble come, and the years draw near, when you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them.'": This entire phrase functions as a powerful justification for the opening imperative. It underscores the urgency and the opportune timing for remembering God. It vividly portrays the inevitable onset of a life characterized by diminished capacity and lost enjoyment, making the call to early remembrance all the more poignant and practical.

Ecclesiastes 12 2 Bonus Section

The Hebrew word "bahar" (בָּהָר) used in verse 1 for "days of his youth" is quite significant. While "youth" can sometimes refer to the general early part of life, in contexts like this, it strongly connotes vigor and strength, contrasting with the weakness of old age. This verse encapsulates the biblical emphasis on offering God the "best" or "firstfruits" of one's life, not just material possessions, but also one's time, energy, and prime capabilities. The sentiment is echoed in how Solomon began his ministry at a young age and dedicated his early reign to seeking God's wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12), illustrating a life that sought to honor God from its inception.

Ecclesiastes 12 2 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 12:1 urges remembering God from youth before life's vibrancy fades into the struggles of old age. The aging process, as described allegorically in this chapter, brings with it physical deterioration and a decline in enjoyment. Therefore, the wisest approach is to engage with God wholeheartedly when one possesses strength, energy, and opportunity. This includes dedicating one's early life to worship, service, and obedience to God, recognizing Him as the Creator and sustainer. It's a call to proactive discipleship and a life lived in accordance with divine principles from the beginning, rather than a delayed or forced turn to God during weakened or debilitating years when spiritual engagement may be more difficult. This foresight ensures that one’s life is built on a firm foundation of faith and devotion, maximizing the ability to bring glory to God throughout the journey of life.