Ecclesiastes 3:22
What does Ecclesiastes 3:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:22 means
In conclusion, the Preacher reiterates his advice: "Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him back to see what shall be after him?" Having explored life's cycles, human toil, divine mystery, and shared mortality, he circles back to the practical wisdom of enjoying one's labor. This joy is presented as humanity's proper "portion" or inheritance in this life. The final rhetorical question emphasizes the human inability to control or know the future, reinforcing the importance of finding contentment in the present God-given realities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him back to see what shall be after him?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him back to see what shall be after him?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So I saw that there is nothing better than for a man to have joy in his work--because that is his reward. Who will make him see what will come after him?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And I have seen that there is nothing better than that man rejoice in his works, for it <FI>is<Fi> his portion; for who doth bring him in to look on that which is after him?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I have found that nothing is better than for a man to rejoice in his work, and that this is his portion. For who shall bring him to know the things that shall be after him?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I have seen that there is nothing better than that man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion; for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Context
This verse serves as the Preacher's concluding thought for the chapter, drawing together the themes of divine timing, human toil, and mortality. It directly echoes and reinforces the counsel given in verses 12 and 13. Coming after the profound questions about the spirit after death (verse 21), it redirects the reader to a practical, earthly focus—finding joy in present work. This provides a strong concluding emphasis on life's practical enjoyment despite the uncertainties of the future.
v.21Who knoweth the spirit of man, whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast, whether it goeth downward to the earth?
v.22This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 26:10
And now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground, which thou, O Jehovah, hast given me. And thou shalt set it down before Jehovah thy God, and worship before Jehovah thy God:
- Ecclesiastes 6:12
For who knoweth what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
- Romans 12:11
in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- Daniel 12:13
But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest, and shalt stand in thy lot, at the end of the days.
- Ecclesiastes 10:14
A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?
- Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ecclesiastes 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ecclesiastes 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Reincarnation in the Bible
The Bible does not teach reincarnation, but instead emphasizes the uniqueness of each life and the certainty of death and judgment
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Community
The Bible emphasizes the importance of community as a reflection of God's design for humanity and a source of strength and growth
What the Bible says about…