Ecclesiastes 3:12
What does Ecclesiastes 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:12 means
In light of humanity's inability to fully grasp God's eternal plan, the Preacher draws a practical conclusion: "I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live." Faced with the mystery of God's work and the transient nature of life, the most beneficial response for humanity is to embrace joy and to live righteously. This suggests that contentment and morally upright living are not just fleeting pleasures but are the most enduring and valuable pursuits available to individuals during their finite existence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to be glad, and to do good while life is in him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have known that there is no good for them except to rejoice and to do good during their life,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I have known that there was no better thing than to rejoice, and to do well in this life.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I know that there is nothing good for them but to rejoice and to do well in their life;
Context
Building on the theological insight of verse 11 about God's hidden plan, this verse offers a direct, practical application for human conduct. It provides a positive direction for living in the face of limited understanding. This conclusion serves as a precursor to verse 13, which further elaborates on how these good things, like eating and drinking, are intertwined with God's gifts and human labor, connecting joy to daily existence.
v.11He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end.
v.12This passage
v.13And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
- Luke 11:41
But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you.
- Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.
- 1 Timothy 6:18
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
- Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
- Isaiah 64:5
Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou wast wroth, and we sinned: in them have we been of long time; and shall we be saved?
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