Two are better than one: The conceptual and thematic use of numbers in ecclesiastes

This article explores Qoheleth’s idiosyncratic use of numbers employed within different patterns of sayings and analyses their thematic context(s). A more extensive use of numbers in a wide variety of stylistic patterns is revealed than previous scholarship has asserted. Using a detailed analysis of the salient texts, and focusing on chapter 4, the first section examines Qoheleth’s use of the low numbers, one, two and three, and seven/eight, including numerical sequences and comparative “better than” sayings. The second section looks at the distinctive numbers 10, 100 and 1,000 – multiples of ten – most examples of which are in chapters 6 and 7. This brings up the question of what the author’s purpose might have been in using numbers in innovative ways. While scholarship has tended to link this numerical language to a social context in the commercial world, with economic concerns at the forefront, it is argued here that a balance between existential issues and practical concerns is more likely the case. Qoheleth’s use of quantitative language is primarily inspired by conceptual and thematic, rather than professional, concerns; his ultimate concern is with profit and loss in life as a whole.