Ecclesiastes 3:14
What does Ecclesiastes 3:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:14 means
The Preacher declares a profound theological truth: "whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it." This emphasizes the permanence, completeness, and unchangeable nature of God's works. His actions are not temporary or flawed but eternally perfect. The purpose behind this divine immutability is so "that men should fear before him." This instills a sense of reverence and awe, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and the ultimate futility of human attempts to alter His foundational decrees.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am certain that whatever God does will be for ever. No addition may be made to it, nothing may be taken from it; and God has done it so that man may be in fear before him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have known that all that God doth is to the age, to it nothing is to be added, and from it nothing is to be withdrawn; and God hath wrought that they do fear before Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I have learned that all the works which God hath made, continue for ever: we cannot add any thing, nor take away from those things which God hath made that he may be feared.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I know that whateverGod doeth, it shall be for ever; there is nothing to be added to it, nor anything to be taken from it; andGod doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.
Context
This statement serves as a powerful theological anchor, grounding the practical advice of verses 12 and 13 in a deeper understanding of God's character. After encouraging enjoyment of life's temporal gifts, the Preacher here pivots to the eternal nature of God's work. The unchangeableness of God's actions provides a stark contrast to human transience, setting the stage for reflections on history's cycles and human mortality in the verses that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:23
him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:
- Isaiah 59:18
According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, wrath to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense.
- Ecclesiastes 7:18
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth from them all.
- John 19:10
Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee?
- Acts 5:39
but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.
- Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.
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