Purpose

The Hebrew term often translated as “delight” or “matter” (חֶפֶץ, chephets) in Ecclesiastes nearly always means “purpose.” The phrase “time (עֵת, eth) for every purpose (חֶפֶץ, chephets)” in 3:1 (NKJV), which denotes “the appropriate timing of God’s purposes,” is transparently echoed in 3:17 and 8:6. Thus, Ecclesiastes 8:1–6 portrays wise accountability in accomplishing these purposes: Just as the king does “whatever he pleases (חַפֶץ, chaphets)” (8:3 ESV), and the wise are aware of their “judgment” (מִשְפָּט, mishpat) for timely (עֵת, eth) submission to his “command” (מִצְוָה, mitswah; 8:2, 5), so also there is a “proper time” (עֵת, eth) and “judgment” (מִשְפָּט, mishpat) for accountable stewardship of every “purpose” (חֶפֶץ, chephets) of God (8:6). The same sense for the term “purpose” (חֶפֶץ, chephets) carries over to 12:1, 10, where it is contextually linked with “command” (מִצְוָה, mitswah; 12:13) and “judgment” (מִשְפָּט, mishpat; 11:9; 12:14) to exhort opportune stewardship: “remember your Creator” and fulfill your purpose (not “delight”) before “time runs out.”