Ecclesiastes
in International Critical Commentary
Ecclesiastes 1–5
Pages
736
Publisher
T&T Clark
Published
3/19/2020
ISBN-13
9780567031136
Ecclesiastes 5–12
Pages
752
Publisher
T&T Clark
Published
12/16/2021
ISBN-13
9780567666543
These two volumes by Stuart Weeks comprise his extensive work for the ICC on the book of Ecclesiastes, also known as Qoheleth. Weeks draws together all the relevant tools for understanding this complex wisdom book in the Old Testament. As is the hallmark of the ICC, no stone is left unturned as Weeks considers the full range of linguistic, textual, archaeological, literary and theological interpretations of the text.Stuart Weeks incorporates new evidence available in the field, surveys the wealth of secondary literature and provides an extensive introduction to Ecclesiastes as a whole. Weeks incorporates recent interpretation alongside the history of research to examine the text of Ecclesiastes 6-12 in the closest possible, offering a reading of what may have been the original writer's linguistic and theological intent.
Reviews
DavidH
August 7, 2026
August 7, 2026
Weeks has produced what is probably the finest technical commentary on Ecclesiastes currently available. The two-volume ICC treatment is exceptionally strong on textual criticism, Hebrew philology, grammar, lexicography, and the history of interpretation, and Weeks is particularly good at distinguishing what the text can actually support from interpretations that have become established through repetition. His nuanced treatment of hebel is especially valuable: rather than forcing every occurrence into a single definition, he sees a recurring mismatch between human expectations or perceptions and reality. Weeks describes the work as in part a “commentary for commentators,” and that is exactly where it excels. The technical detail can be daunting and it is less immediately theological or homiletical than some alternatives, but for serious exegetical work—especially when confronted with a difficult Hebrew phrase or disputed interpretation—it is indispensable.