Quotation על קהלת 9:4

Note that the word “yevuhar” is read as “yebuhar“. The first would mean the one who chooses life entirely; the second means who is joined to life entirely. Both meanings work in this context. Some might suggest that the source of value in the world is life itself. However, Kohelet hints that if life is all that counts, then is this value superior to the value of nobility, beauty, integrity or self sacrifice? Surely the security which is afforded by the simple view that life is to be preferred above all is an illusion. Even people who believe this certainly die, and focusing on preserving life only, they are likely to forego their opportunity to be remembered for the noble traits which they could have cultivated. Alternatively, the translation could be rendered, “The dog has a good life because of the lion that died.” In other words, the lion is the dead lion provides opportunity for the living dog, and the wellbeing of the dog is due to the efforts and understanding of the dead lion rather than his own achievement. This interpretation is parallel to the sense of 2:18,19 where the one who rules over all of my achievements and accomplishments may well be a fool. Even if I am a great lion, my inheritor may be a living dog.