RT Article
T1 A new approach to Qohelet 11:1
JF Old Testament essays
VO 22
IS 3
SP 618
OP 645
A1 Pinker, Aron
LA English
YR 2009
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1931425507
AB Determination of the meaning of Qoh 11:1 has been, and continues to be, one of the many problems that we face in the interpretation of the Book of Qohelet. None of the interpretations that have been discussed can circumvent the fact that the figure presented in the MT is unrealistic and untenable. Clearly, any approach to the resolution of the textual difficulties has to be anchored in text, context, and structure. The author provides an overview of a representative sample of interpretations for Qoh 11:1. His analysis shows that the various interpretations are not solidly anchored in the text. The text per se does not exhibit a compelling preference for any particular interpretation of those that have been discussed. Moreover, each of the interpretations has a number of serious deficiencies. Facing such inadequacies it seems reasonable to reconsider the premise at the basis of the standard approaches to Qoh 11:1, namely, that Qoh 11:1 begins a new unit. The author considers Qoh 11:1 to continue the warnings against unguarded talk which Qohelet started to present in 10:20.