Ecclesiastes 3:21
What does Ecclesiastes 3:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:21 means
Following the assertion of common physical death, the Preacher poses a profound, rhetorical question: "Who knoweth the spirit of man, whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast, whether it goeth downward to the earth?" From an "under the sun" perspective, the ultimate destiny of the animating spirit after death remains a mystery. This question acknowledges a potential difference between human and animal spirits but, from the Preacher's limited earthly vantage point, leaves the definitive answer open. It highlights the enigma of the afterlife without the full revelation of the New Testament.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who knoweth the spirit of man, whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast, whether it goeth downward to the earth?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who knoweth the spirit of man, whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast, whether it goeth downward to the earth?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who is certain that the spirit of the sons of men goes up to heaven, or that the spirit of the beasts goes down to the earth?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who knoweth the spirit of the sons of man that is going up on high, and the spirit of the beast that is going down below to the earth?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who knoweth if the spirit of the children of Adam ascend upward, and if the spirit of the beasts descend downward?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who knoweth the spirit of the children of men? Doth it go upwards? and the spirit of the beasts, doth it go downwards to the earth?
Context
Posing a pivotal question, this verse immediately follows the declaration of universal return to dust (verse 20) and the shared mortality of humans and beasts. It introduces a crucial spiritual dimension that contrasts with the purely physical observations. This question prepares the reader for the Preacher's final conclusion in verse 22 regarding human action despite this mystery, turning back to the enjoyment of labor in the face of an uncertain spiritual future.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 16:22
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried.
- Acts 1:25
to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.
- Ecclesiastes 12:7
and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
- John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
- 2 Corinthians 5:8
we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.
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