A Commentary on the Beginning of Ecclesiastes

Dionysius of Alexandria (190–264)

I.-A Commentary on the Beginning of Ecclesiastes.

Chapter I.

Ver. I. " The words of the son of David, king of Israel in Jerusalem."

In like manner also Matthew calls the Lord the son of David.

3. "What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? "

For what man is there who, although he may have become rich by toiling after the objects of this earth, has been able to make himself three cubits in stature, if he is naturally only of two cubits in stature? Or who, if blind, has by these means recovered his sight? Therefore we ought to direct our toils to a goal beyond the sun: for thither, too, do the exertions of the virtues reach.

4. "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever" (unto the age).

Yes, unto the age, but not unto the ages.

16. "I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

17. I knew parables and science: that this indeed is also the spirit's choice.

See also

• More works by Dionysius of Alexandria

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