OET interlinear ECC 6:9

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

וּ⁠רְע֥וּת רֽוּחַ

and,striving_of wind

Solomon is using pursuit of wind as a common expression of the culture to mean “a futile effort.” If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and a futile effort]

Note 2 topic: writing-proverbs

ט֛וֹב מַרְאֵ֥ה עֵינַ֖יִם מֵֽ⁠הֲלָךְ־נָ֑פֶשׁ

good what_~_see_of eyes more,than_going soul

Here Solomon uses a proverb in order to teach that it is better to enjoy what one presently has than to chase after unfulfilled desires. Translate this proverb in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: [Better is what the eyes see than what the soul craves]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

מַרְאֵ֥ה עֵינַ֖יִם

what_~_see_of eyes

Solomon is using the possessive form to describe a sight that is perceived by the eyes. If a speaker of your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: [is a sight seen with the eyes]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

מַרְאֵ֥ה עֵינַ֖יִם

what_~_see_of eyes

Here, a sight of the eyes represents “what a person can see and enjoy.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [is what a person can see and enjoy]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

מֵֽ⁠הֲלָךְ־נָ֑פֶשׁ

more,than_going soul

Solomon is using the possessive form to describe a walking that is done by the soul. If a speaker of your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: [where the soul wanders]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

מֵֽ⁠הֲלָךְ־נָ֑פֶשׁ

more,than_going soul

Solomon is speaking as if a person’s restless desire were a walking of the soul. He means the constant pursuit of what one does not have. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [one’s constant craving for what one does not have]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

הֶ֖בֶל

Abel

See how you translated the similar expression in 6:2.