Ecclesiastes 12:14
New International Version
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

New Living Translation
God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

English Standard Version
For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Berean Standard Bible
For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

King James Bible
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

New King James Version
For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

New American Standard Bible
For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

NASB 1995
For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

NASB 1977
For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Legacy Standard Bible
For God will bring every work to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Amplified Bible
For God will bring every act to judgment, every hidden and secret thing, whether it is good or evil.

Christian Standard Bible
For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

American Standard Version
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Contemporary English Version
God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.

English Revised Version
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God will certainly judge everything that is done. This includes every secret thing, whether it is good or bad.

Good News Translation
God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.

International Standard Version
For God will judge every deed, along with every secret, whether good or evil.

NET Bible
For God will evaluate every deed, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

New Heart English Bible
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

Webster's Bible Translation
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

World English Bible
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For every work God brings into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether good or bad.”

Young's Literal Translation
For every work doth God bring into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether good or bad.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every thing hidden, whether good, and whether evil.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And all things that are done, God will bring into judgment for every error, whether it be good or evil.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, for all that is done and for each error, God will bring judgment: whether it was good or evil.

New American Bible
because God will bring to judgment every work, with all its hidden qualities, whether good or bad.

New Revised Standard Version
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the LORD shall bring every work into judgment, concerning everything which is hidden and known, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because LORD JEHOVAH brings all works into judgment concerning everything that is hidden, and it is revealed whether it is good or evil
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For God shall bring every work into the judgment concerning every hidden thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For God will bring every work into judgment, with everything that has been overlooked, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Fear of God is Utmost
13When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Romans 2:16
on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.

Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Romans 14:12
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Acts 17:31
For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”

Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.

Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

Psalm 96:13
before the LORD, for He is coming—He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.

Psalm 98:9
before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.

Daniel 7:10
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

Job 34:11
For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.

Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?


Treasury of Scripture

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

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 thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

Psalm 96:13
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Matthew 12:36
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

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Ecclesiastes 12
1. the Creator is to be remembered in due time
8. The preacher's care to edify
13. the fear of God is the chief antidote for vanity














For God will bring every deed into judgment
This phrase emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment. In the biblical context, judgment is a recurring theme, seen in passages like Romans 14:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, which affirm that all individuals will stand before God's judgment seat. The concept of God as the ultimate judge is rooted in the Old Testament, where He is depicted as the righteous judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25). This reflects the belief in God's omniscience and justice, ensuring that every action is accounted for. Historically, the idea of divine judgment was a powerful motivator for ethical living among the Israelites, as seen in the wisdom literature and prophetic writings.

along with every hidden thing
This phrase highlights God's omniscience, indicating that nothing is concealed from Him. Hebrews 4:13 reinforces this by stating that everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of God. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed significant importance on external actions, but this phrase underscores the biblical teaching that God also judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This comprehensive judgment includes not only visible deeds but also secret sins and hidden righteousness, as seen in Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:4, 6, and 18.

whether good or evil
This final phrase underscores the impartiality of God's judgment. It aligns with the biblical principle that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34-35) and that He will reward or punish based on one's deeds (Romans 2:6-11). The duality of good and evil reflects the moral order established by God, as seen in the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28. This dichotomy is also evident in the teachings of Jesus, who spoke of the separation of the righteous and the wicked in parables like the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The ultimate fulfillment of this judgment is seen in the eschatological vision of Revelation 20:12, where the dead are judged according to their works.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is often seen as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment.

2. Israel
The nation to whom Solomon was king. The teachings in Ecclesiastes were directed towards the people of Israel, offering wisdom and guidance.

3. Judgment
The event referred to in Ecclesiastes 12:14, where God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of Judgment
Ecclesiastes 12:14 reminds us that God's judgment is certain and all-encompassing. Every action, whether public or private, will be evaluated by God.

The Omniscience of God
The verse underscores God's omniscience. He sees all things, even those hidden from human eyes, and will bring them to account.

Moral Accountability
Believers are called to live with an awareness of their moral accountability before God. This should influence daily decisions and actions.

The Importance of Integrity
Since God will judge every hidden thing, integrity in both public and private life is crucial for believers.

Eternal Perspective
Understanding that God will judge every deed encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what is pleasing to God over temporary gains.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 12:14?

2. How does Ecclesiastes 12:14 emphasize God's role in judging our actions?

3. What does "every hidden thing" in Ecclesiastes 12:14 reveal about God's omniscience?

4. How can Ecclesiastes 12:14 encourage us to live righteously daily?

5. Connect Ecclesiastes 12:14 with Matthew 12:36 on accountability for our words.

6. How does understanding Ecclesiastes 12:14 impact your personal decision-making process?

7. What does Ecclesiastes 12:14 mean by "every hidden thing" being judged by God?

8. How does Ecclesiastes 12:14 align with the concept of divine justice?

9. Why is the judgment of "every deed" significant in Ecclesiastes 12:14?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 12?

11. What does moral relativism mean?

12. Can they be forgiven for their ignorance?

13. How can a just God allow the innocent to suffer alongside the wicked, as implied in Job 35:14–16?

14. Proverbs 11:21 asserts the wicked will not go unpunished—what evidence shows consistent justice in history, given many evil rulers died peacefully?
What Does Ecclesiastes 12:14 Mean
For God

Ecclesiastes 12:14 begins, “For God…”. The Preacher ends his book by placing the focus squarely on the Lord Himself.

• God—not fate, chance, or human courts—is the ultimate Authority (Psalm 103:19).

• His character is holy and just; He “does no wrong” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Because of who He is, everything that follows in the verse is certain.


Will bring

“…will bring…” points to a day already fixed on God’s calendar.

Acts 17:31 reminds us He “has set a day when He will judge the world with justice.”

• The certainty of this future event calls believers to live expectantly (1 Peter 1:13).

God is not merely observing; He is moving history toward a definite appointment.


Every deed

“…every deed…” leaves nothing outside His scope.

2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body.”

Matthew 12:36 extends this even to “every careless word.”

No act is too small to matter, and none is too large to escape notice.


Into judgment

“…into judgment…” underscores accountability.

Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment.”

Revelation 20:12 portrays both great and small standing before the throne as “books were opened.”

Judgment is not random punishment but the measured evaluation of our lives against God’s righteous standard.


Along with every hidden thing

“…along with every hidden thing…” brings motives and secrets into view.

1 Corinthians 4:5 says the Lord “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.”

Proverbs 15:3 assures us “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, observing the evil and the good.”

What people conceal from others remains transparent to God.


Whether good or evil

“…whether good or evil.” The judgment is comprehensive and perfectly balanced.

Romans 2:6 promises He “will repay each one according to his deeds,” rewarding the righteous and dealing justly with the wicked.

Galatians 6:7–8 warns, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked.”

Believers find encouragement here: faithful obedience will never be overlooked (Hebrews 6:10). Unbelievers are urged to turn while mercy is available (John 3:18).


summary

Ecclesiastes 12:14 affirms that the righteous, all-seeing God has appointed a future day when every action—public or private, noble or sinful—will be evaluated by His flawless standard. No deed slips through the cracks, and no hidden motive stays buried. This certainty calls God’s people to live transparently and obediently, trusting that His judgment will be both just and merciful through Christ.

(14) Considering that the book is filled with complaints of the imperfection of earthly retribution, this announcement of a tribunal, at which "every work," "every secret thing," shall be brought into judgment, cannot be reasonably understood of anything but a judgment after this life; so that this book, after all its sceptical debatings, ends by enunciating, more distinctly than is done elsewhere in the Old Testament, the New Testament doctrine of a day when God shall judge the secrets of men (Romans 2:16), shall bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts (1Corinthians 4:5).

Verse 14. - The great duty just named is here grounded upon the solemn truth of a future judgment. For God shall bring every work into judgment. It will then be seen whether this obligation has been 'attended to or not. The judgment has already been mentioned (Ecclesiastes 11:9); it is here more emphatically set forth as a certain fact and a strong motive power. The old theory of earthly retribution had been shown to break down under the experience of practical life; the anomalies which perplexed men's minds could only be solved and remedied by a future judgment under the eye of the omniscient and unerring God. With every secret thing. The Syriac adds, "and manifest thing." The Septuagint renders, "with everything that has been overlooked" - a very terrible, but true, thought. The doctrine that the most secret things shall be revealed in the dies irae is often brought forward in the New Testament, which makes plain the personal nature of this final investigation, which the earlier Scriptures invest with a more general character (see Romans 2:16; Romans 14:12; 1 Corinthians 4:5). So this wonderful book closes with the enunciation of a truth found nowhere else so clearly defined in the Old Testament, and thus opens the way to the clearer light shed upon the awful future by the revelation of the gospel.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

God
הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

will bring
יָבִ֥א (yā·ḇi)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

deed
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה (ma·‘ă·śeh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

into judgment,
בְמִשְׁפָּ֖ט (ḇə·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

along with
עַ֣ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

every hidden
נֶעְלָ֑ם (ne‘·lām)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5956: To veil from sight, conceal

thing,
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

whether
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

good
ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

or
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

evil.
רָֽע׃ (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every work into (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
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