Ecclesiastes
[ ih-klee-zee-as-teez ]
/ ɪˌkli ziˈæs tiz /
noun
a book of the Bible. Abbreviation: Eccl., Eccles.
British Dictionary definitions for eccles. (1 of 2)
Eccles.
Eccl.
/ Bible /
abbreviation for
Ecclesiastes
British Dictionary definitions for eccles. (2 of 2)
Ecclesiastes
/ (ɪˌkliːzɪˈæstiːz) /
noun
(functioning as singular)
a book of the Old Testament, probably written about 250 bc
Word Origin for Ecclesiastes
via Late Latin, from Greek
ekklēsiastēs member of the assembly; see
ecclesia
Cultural definitions for eccles.
Ecclesiastes
[ (i-klee-zee-as-teez) ]
A book in the Old Testament containing the reflections of a philosopher known as “the Preacher.” “Vanity of vanity saith the Preacher, ... all is vanity,” where the word “vanity” indicates that striving is in vain, because death comes to all, and “there is no new thing under the sun.” He believes that our character and achievements do not affect our fate. “The race is not to the swift nor to the strong.” He concludes that one should enjoy the good things found in life until death brings oblivion. The argument and tone of this book are very unlike those of the other books of the Bible (see also Bible). (See nothing new under the sun, A time to be born and a time to die, and Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.)