Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. New Living Translation For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! English Standard Version For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. Berean Standard Bible For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. King James Bible For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. New King James Version For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. New American Standard Bible For the fate of the sons of mankind and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath, and there is no advantage for mankind over animals, for all is futility. NASB 1995 For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity. NASB 1977 For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity. Legacy Standard Bible For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same fate for each of them. As one dies so dies the other, and they all have the same breath. So there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity. Amplified Bible For the [earthly] fate of the sons of men and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no preeminence or advantage for man [in and of himself] over an animal, for all is vanity. Christian Standard Bible For the fate of the children of Adam and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; they all have the same breath. People have no advantage over animals since everything is futile. Holman Christian Standard Bible For the fate of people and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; they all have the same breath. People have no advantage over animals since everything is futile. American Standard Version For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; and man hath no preeminence above the beasts: for all is vanity. Contemporary English Version Like animals we breathe and die, and we are no better off than they are. It just doesn't make sense. English Revised Version For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; and man hath no preeminence above the beasts: for all is vanity. GOD'S WORD® Translation Humans and animals have the same destiny. One dies just like the other. All of them have the same breath [of life]. Humans have no advantage over animals. All [of life] is pointless. Good News Translation After all, the same fate awaits human beings and animals alike. One dies just like the other. They are the same kind of creature. A human being is no better off than an animal, because life has no meaning for either. International Standard Version For what happens to people also happens to animals—a single event happens to them: just as someone dies, so does the other. In fact, they all breathe the same way, so that a human being has no superiority over an animal. All of this is pointless. Majority Standard Bible For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other?they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. NET Bible For the fate of humans and the fate of animals are the same: As one dies, so dies the other; both have the same breath. There is no advantage for humans over animals, for both are fleeting. New Heart English Bible For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity. Webster's Bible Translation For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yes, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no pre-eminence above a beast: for all is vanity. World English Bible For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals, for all is vanity. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor an event [is to] the sons of man, and an event [is to] the beasts, even one event [is] to them; as the death of this, so [is] the death of that; and one spirit [is] to all, and the advantage of man above the beast is nothing, for the whole [is] vanity. Young's Literal Translation For an event is to the sons of man, and an event is to the beasts, even one event is to them; as the death of this, so is the death of that; and one spirit is to all, and the advantage of man above the beast is nothing, for the whole is vanity. Smith's Literal Translation For the event of the sons of man, and the event of the cattle, one event to them: as this, so dies this; and the breath of one to all; and the preeminence of man not above the cattle: for all is vanity. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore the death of man, and of beasts is one, and the condition of them both is equal: as man dieth, so they also die: all things breathe alike, and man hath nothing more than beast: all things are subject to vanity. Catholic Public Domain Version For this reason, the passing away of man and of beasts is one, and the condition of both is equal. For as a man dies, so also do they die. All things breathe similarly, and man has nothing more than beast; for all these are subject to vanity. New American Bible For the lot of mortals and the lot of beasts is the same lot: The one dies as well as the other. Both have the same life breath. Human beings have no advantage over beasts, but all is vanity. New Revised Standard Version For the fate of humans and the fate of animals is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and humans have no advantage over the animals; for all is vanity. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the same misfortune which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even one misfortune befalls them: as the one dies, so dies the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that man has no preeminence over the beast; for all is vanity. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Mishap meets the children men and mishap of beasts; one mishap occurs to all; like the death of one, so dies also the other, and they all have the same Spirit, and there is no superiority of a son of man compared to beasts, for everything is futility OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them; as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that man hath no pre-eminence above a beast; for all is vanity. Brenton Septuagint Translation Also to them is the event of the sons of man, and the event of the brute; one event befalls them: as is the death of the one, so also the death of the other; and there is one breath to all: and what has the man more than the brute? nothing; for all is vanity. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context From Dust to Dust…18I said to myself, “As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts.” 19For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other— they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. 20All go to one place; all come from dust, and all return to dust.… Cross References Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Psalm 49:12 But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 49:20 A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 104:29 When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. Job 14:1-2 “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. Job 34:14-15 If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, / all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. Romans 8:20-22 For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Psalm 90:3 You return man to dust, saying, “Return, O sons of mortals.” Isaiah 40:6-8 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” James 4:14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Hebrews 9:27 Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, 1 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. Treasury of Scripture For that which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even one thing befalls them: as the one dies, so dies the other; yes, they have all one breath; so that a man has no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. that which Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. Psalm 49:12,20 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish… Psalm 92:6,7 A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this… as the 2 Samuel 14:14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. Job 14:10-12 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? … Psalm 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. for Ecclesiastes 2:20-23 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun… Psalm 39:5,6 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah… Psalm 89:47,48 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? … Jump to Previous Advantage Animals Beast Beasts Befalleth Breath Dies Dieth Happens Preeminence Pre-Eminence VanityJump to Next Advantage Animals Beast Beasts Befalleth Breath Dies Dieth Happens Preeminence Pre-Eminence VanityEcclesiastes 3 1. by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail11. is an excellence in God's works 16. as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: This phrase highlights the shared mortality of humans and animals. In the context of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (traditionally understood as Solomon) reflects on the apparent meaninglessness of life under the sun. The Hebrew word for "fates" can also be translated as "events" or "occurrences," emphasizing the inevitability of death for all living creatures. This echoes Genesis 3:19, where the consequence of sin is death, affecting all creation. Theologically, it underscores the fallen state of the world and the universality of death as a result of the Fall. As one dies, so dies the other— they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. He reflects on the nature of life and its apparent futility. 2. Men and Beasts - The verse compares humans and animals, emphasizing their shared mortality and the breath of life that animates both. 3. The Breath of Life - This refers to the life force or spirit that God gives to all living creatures, highlighting the shared essence of life between humans and animals. 4. Futility (Hebrew: "hebel") - A key theme in Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness," it underscores the transient and elusive nature of worldly pursuits. 5. Death - The inevitable end for both humans and animals, serving as a great equalizer in the human experience. Teaching Points The Universality of DeathRecognize that death is a common destiny for all living beings, prompting us to live with humility and awareness of our mortality. The Breath of Life Understand that the breath of life is a gift from God, shared by all creatures, which should lead us to value life and treat all living beings with respect. The Futility of Earthly Pursuits Reflect on the temporary nature of worldly achievements and possessions, encouraging a focus on eternal values and spiritual growth. Humanity's Unique Responsibility While humans share mortality with animals, we are called to a higher purpose and responsibility, as stewards of God's creation. Hope Beyond Futility In Christ, believers find hope beyond the apparent futility of life, as He offers eternal life and purpose beyond the grave.(19) That which befalleth.--The word translated "event" in Ecclesiastes 2:13 (where see Note). Breath.--The same word as "spirit" (Ecclesiastes 3:21; Genesis 7:15; Psalm 104:30). Verses 19-21 are best regarded as a parenthesis explanatory of vers. 16-18, elucidating man's impotence in the presence of the anomalies of life. The conclusion in ver. 22 is connected with vers. 16-18. We must acknowledge that there are disorders in the world which we cannot remedy, and which God allows in order to demonstrate our powerlessness; therefore the wisest course is to make the best of present cir-circumstances. Verse 19. - For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; literally, chance are the sons of men, and chance are beasts (see on Ecclesiastes 2:14); Septuagint, "Yea, and to them cometh the event (συνάντηημα) of the sons of men, and the event of the beast." Koheleth explains in what respect man is on a level with the brute creation. Neither are able to rise superior to the law that controls their natural life. So Solon says to Croesus (Herod., 1:32), Πᾶν ἐστι ἄνθρωπος συμφορή, "Man is naught but chance;" and Artabanns reminds Xerxes that chances rule men, not men chances (ibid., 7:49). Even one thing befalleth them. A third time is the ominous word repeated, "One chance is to both of them." Free-thinkers perverted this dictum into the materialistic language quoted in the Book of Wisdom (2. 2): "We are born at haphazard, by chance (αὐτοσχεδιως´); etc. But Koheleth's contention is, not that there is no law or order in what happens to man, but that neither man nor beast can dispose events at their own will and pleasure; they are conditioned by a force superior to them, which dominates their actions, sufferings, and circumstances of life. As the one dieth, so dieth the other. In the matter of succumbing to the law of death man has no superiority over other creatures. This is an inference drawn from common observation of exterior facts, and touches not any higher question (comp. Ecclesiastes 2:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 9:2, 3). Something similar is found in Psalm 49:20, "Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish." Yea, they have all one breath (ruach). This is the word used in ver. 23 for the vital principle, "the breath of life," as it is called in Genesis 6:17, where the same word is found. In the earlier record (Genesis 2:7) the term is nishma. Life in all animals is regarded as the gift of God. Says the psalmist, "Thou sendest forth thy spirit (ruach), they are created" (Psalm 104:30). This lower principle presents the same phenomena in men and in brutes. Man hath no pre-eminence above a beast; i.e. in regard to suffering and death. This is not bare materialism, or a gloomy deduction from Greek teaching, but must be explained from the writer's standpoint, which is to emphasize the impotence of man to effect his own happiness. Taking only a limited and phenomenal view of man's circumstances and destiny, he speaks a general truth which all must acknowledge. Septuagint, "And what hath the man more than the beast? Nothing." For all is vanity. The distinction between man and beast is annulled by death; the former's boasted superiority, his power of conceiving and planning, his greatness, skill, strength. cunning, all come under the category of vanity, as they cannot ward off the inevitable blow.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּי֩ (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the fates מִקְרֶ֨ה (miq·reh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4745: Something met with, an accident, fortune of [both] men הָאָדָ֜ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being [and] וּמִקְרֶ֣ה (ū·miq·reh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4745: Something met with, an accident, fortune beasts הַבְּהֵמָ֗ה (hab·bə·hê·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal are the same: אֶחָד֙ (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first As one זֶה֙ (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that dies, כְּמ֥וֹת (kə·mō·wṯ) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin so כֵּ֣ן (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus dies מ֣וֹת (mō·wṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin the other— זֶ֔ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that they all לַכֹּ֑ל (lak·kōl) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every have the same אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first breath. וְר֥וּחַ (wə·rū·aḥ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit Man הָאָדָ֤ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being has no אָ֔יִן (’ā·yin) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle advantage וּמוֹתַ֨ר (ū·mō·w·ṯar) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4195: Abundance, preeminence over מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the animals, הַבְּהֵמָה֙ (hab·bə·hê·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal since כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction everything הַכֹּ֖ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every is futile. הָֽבֶל׃ (hā·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory Links Ecclesiastes 3:19 NIVEcclesiastes 3:19 NLT Ecclesiastes 3:19 ESV Ecclesiastes 3:19 NASB Ecclesiastes 3:19 KJV Ecclesiastes 3:19 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 3:19 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 3:19 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 3:19 French Bible Ecclesiastes 3:19 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:19 For that which happens to the sons (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
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