Ecclesiastes 3:18–21
I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
‖I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sonnes of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselues are beasts.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- ‖Alternative wordingOr, that they might deare God, and see, &c.
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
*For that which befalleth the sonnes of men, befalleth beastes, euen one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea they haue all one breath, so that a man hath no preheminence aboue a beast; for all is vanitie.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referencePsal.49.21. Chap. 2.16.
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
All goe vnto one place, all are of the dust, and all turne to dust againe.
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
††Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth vpward; and the spirit of the beast that goeth downeward to the earth?
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Hebrew wordingHeb. of the sons of man.
- †Hebrew wordingHeb. is ascending.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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20 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 18
- Psalms 73:22Rank 1 from verse 18
- Psalms 49:12Rank 2 from verse 18
- 2 Peter 2:12Rank 3 from verse 18
12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
12But these, as natural bruit beasts made to bee taken and destroyed speake euill of the things that they vnderstand not, and shall vtterly perish in their owne corruption,
- Genesis 3:17–19Rank 4 from verse 18
17And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
17And vnto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened vnto the voyce of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commaunded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eate of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake: in sorow shalt thou eate of it all the dayes of thy life.
18Thornes also and thistles shall it †bring forth to thee: and thou shalt eate the herbe of the field.
19In the sweate of thy face shalt thou eate bread, till thou returne vnto the ground: for out of it wast thou taken, for dust thou art, and vnto dust shalt thou returne.
- Hebrews 9:27Rank 5 from verse 18
- 1 Peter 1:24Rank 6 from verse 18
- Romans 9:23Rank 7 from verse 18
- Job 14:1–4Rank 8 from verse 18
1MAN that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
2He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
3And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?
4Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
1¶ Man that is borne of a woman, is †of few dayes, and full of trouble.
2*Hee commeth forth like a flower, and is cut downe: he fleeth also, as a shaddow and continueth not.
3And doest thou open thine eies vpon such an one, and bringest me into iudgment with thee?
4†Who *can bring a cleane thing out of an vncleane? not one.
- Psalms 49:14Rank 11 from verse 18
14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
14‖‖Like sheepe they are layd in the graue, death shall feede on them; and the vpright shall haue dominion ouer them in the morning, and their beauty shall consume in the graue, from their dwelling.
- Psalms 49:19–20Rank 12 from verse 18
19He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
20Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
19†Hee shall goe to the generation of his fathers, they shall neuer see light.
20Man that is in honour and vnderstandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
- Psalms 51:4Rank 13 from verse 18
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
4*Against thee, thee onely haue I sinned, and done this euill in thy sight: that thou mightest bee iustified when thou speakest, and be cleare when thou iudgest.
- Psalms 73:18–19Rank 14 from verse 18
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them downe into destruction.
19How are they brought into desolation as in a moment? they are vtterly consumed with terrours.
- Psalms 90:5–12Rank 15 from verse 18
5Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
6In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.
7For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.
8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
9For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
10The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
5‖Thou carriest them away as with a flood, they are as a sleepe: in the morning they are like grasse which groweth vp.
6In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth vp: in the euening it is cut downe, and withereth.
7For we are consumed by thine anger: and by thy wrath are we troubled.
8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee: our secret sinnes in the light of thy countenance.
9†‖For all our dayes are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our yeeres as a tale that is told.
10†The dayes of our yeres are threescore yeeres and ten, and if by reason of strength they be fourescore yeeres, yet is their strength labour and sorrow: for it is soone cut off, and we flie away.
11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? euen according to thy feare, so is thy wrath.
12†So teach vs to number our daies: that wee may apply our hearts vnto wisedome.
- Romans 3:4Rank 16 from verse 18
4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but euery man a lier, as it is written, *That thou mightest be iustified in thy sayings, and mightest ouercome when thou art iudged.
From verse 19
- Psalms 49:12Rank 1 from verse 19
- Psalms 49:20Rank 2 from verse 19
- Job 14:10–12Rank 3 from verse 19
10But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?
11As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:
12So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
10But man dyeth, and †wasteth away; yea, man giueth vp the ghost, and where is hee?
11 As the waters faile from the sea, and the floud decayeth and dryeth vp:
12So man lyeth downe, and riseth not, till the heauens be no more, they shall not awake; nor bee raised out of their sleepe.
- Ecclesiastes 2:14Rank 4 from verse 19
- Ecclesiastes 2:20–23Rank 5 from verse 19
20Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
21For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
22For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
20Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despaire of all the labour which I tooke vnder the Sunne.
21†For there is a man whose labour is in wisedome and in knowledge, and in equitie: yet to a man that hath not laboured therein, shall hee leaue it for his portion; This also is vanitie, and a great euill.
22*For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart wherein hee hath laboured vnder the Sunne?
23*For all his dayes are sorrowes, and his traueile, griefe; yea his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanitie.
- Psalms 39:5–6Rank 6 from verse 19
5Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
5†*Behold, thou hast made my dayes as an hand breadth, and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily euery man at his best state is altogether vanitie. Selah.
6†Surely euery man walketh in a vaine shew: surely they are disquieted in vaine: he heapeth vp riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
- Psalms 89:47–48Rank 7 from verse 19
47Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
48What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
47Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vaine?
48What man is he that liueth, and shall not see death? shall he deliuer his soule from the hand of the graue? Selah.
- 2 Samuel 14:14Rank 8 from verse 19
14For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.
14For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot bee gathered vp againe: ‖neither doeth God respect any person, yet doeth he deuise meanes, that his banished bee not expelled from him.
- Ecclesiastes 2:16Rank 9 from verse 19
16For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
16For there is no remembrance of the wise, more then of the foole for euer; seeing that which now is, in the dayes to come shall be forgotten; and how dieth the wise man? as the foole.
- Psalms 104:29Rank 10 from verse 19
- Psalms 92:6–7Rank 11 from verse 19
6A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
7When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
6A brutish man knoweth not: neither doeth a foole vnderstand this.
7When the wicked spring as the grasse, and when all the workers of iniquitie doe flourish: it is that they shall be destroyed for euer.
From verse 20
- Genesis 3:19Rank 1 from verse 20
19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
19In the sweate of thy face shalt thou eate bread, till thou returne vnto the ground: for out of it wast thou taken, for dust thou art, and vnto dust shalt thou returne.
- Ecclesiastes 12:7Rank 3 from verse 20
- Ecclesiastes 3:21Rank 4 from verse 20
- Ecclesiastes 6:6Rank 5 from verse 20
- Ecclesiastes 9:10Rank 6 from verse 20
10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
10Whatsoeuer thy hand findeth to doe, doe it with thy might: for there is no worke, nor deuice, nor knowledge, nor wisedome in the graue, whither thou goest.
- Job 10:9–10Rank 7 from verse 20
9Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?
10Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese?
9Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay, and wilt thou bring me into dust againe?
10*Hast thou not powred me out as milke, and cruddled me like cheese?
- Numbers 27:13Rank 9 from verse 20
- Psalms 104:29Rank 10 from verse 20
- Daniel 12:2Rank 11 from verse 20
- Genesis 25:17Rank 12 from verse 20
17And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.
17And these are the yeeres of the life of Ishmael; an hundred and thirty and seuen yeeres: and he gaue vp the ghost and died, and was gathered vnto his people.
- Genesis 25:8Rank 13 from verse 20
- Psalms 49:14Rank 15 from verse 20
14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
14‖‖Like sheepe they are layd in the graue, death shall feede on them; and the vpright shall haue dominion ouer them in the morning, and their beauty shall consume in the graue, from their dwelling.
From verse 21
- Ecclesiastes 12:7Rank 1 from verse 21
- 2 Corinthians 5:1Rank 2 from verse 21
1FOR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
1¶ For we know, that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolued, wee haue a building of God, an house not made with hand, eternall in the heauens.
- Luke 16:22–23Rank 4 from verse 21
22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
22And it came to passe that the begger died, and was caried by the Angels into Abrahams bosome: the rich man also died, and was buried.
23And in hell he lift vp his eyes being in torments, and seeth Abraham afarre off, and Lazarus in his bosome:
- Philippians 1:23Rank 5 from verse 21
- 2 Corinthians 5:8Rank 6 from verse 21
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
Open a word for its full definition and concordance.
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:18
Spoke, declared, reported, commanded, or expressed in words.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
concerning
Regarding, relating to, or about.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A person’s or group’s state, condition, standing, rank, position, office, appointed sphere, or course. Sense 2: A body or order of persons and the place occupied by a successor.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Power or strength. Sense 2: An auxiliary expressing possibility or permission.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Plain, evident, open, visible, revealed, or clearly shown. 2. To make known, reveal, or show plainly.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828
Sense 1: To perceive or behold with the eyes or in a vision. Sense 2: To observe, examine, discover, ascertain, consider, understand, know, or recognize. Sense 3: To visit, meet, converse with, or be in the presence of. Sense 4: To experience, undergo, endure, or enjoy. Sense 5: To attend to, take care, ensure, or beware.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:19
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Indeed, marking confirmation, emphasis, addition, continuation, or heightening of what is said; it may also emphasize a question. 2. Yes, expressing an affirmative answer or declaration.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Air drawn in or breathed out. Sense 2: The breath by which bodily life is sustained; by extension, bodily life.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
preeminence
The first, highest, chief, or surpassing place, rank, authority, honour, or advantage above others.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Emptiness, futility, worthlessness, falsehood, unreliability, or transience.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:20
Sense 1: A physical location or room. Sense 2: A position or office. Sense 3: An occasion, circumstance, or passage. Sense 4: To set, fix, locate, or establish.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Fine, loose earth or powder; the ground.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To change direction, position, condition, purpose, or allegiance; to cause such a change. Sense 2: One’s time or occasion in an order or succession.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Another time; once more; back to a former place or condition; or in return.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:21
Sense 1: An immaterial living or personal being distinct from a body. Sense 2: The inward life, disposition, mind, or courage of a person. Sense 3: The Holy Spirit, the divine Spirit of God.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Toward a lower place, position, or direction.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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17I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
17†I said in mine heart, God shall iudge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there, for euery purpose and for euery worke.
18I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
18‖I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sonnes of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselues are beasts.
Selected passage19For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
19*For that which befalleth the sonnes of men, befalleth beastes, euen one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea they haue all one breath, so that a man hath no preheminence aboue a beast; for all is vanitie.
Selected passage20All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
20All goe vnto one place, all are of the dust, and all turne to dust againe.
Selected passage21Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
21††Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth vpward; and the spirit of the beast that goeth downeward to the earth?
Selected passage22Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
22*Wherefore I perceiue that there is nothing better, then that a man should reioyce in his owne workes: for that is his portion; for who shall bring him to see what shalbe after him?