Ecclesiastes 9:3 This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.

Bible > Ecclesiastes > Chapter 9 > Verse 3

◄ Ecclesiastes 9:3 ►

New International Version
This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.

New Living Translation
It seems so wrong that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. Already twisted by evil, people choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.

English Standard Version
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Berean Standard Bible
This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.

King James Bible
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

New King James Version
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

New American Standard Bible
This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of mankind are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterward they go to the dead.

NASB 1995
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.

NASB 1977
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.

Legacy Standard Bible
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.

Amplified Bible
This evil is in all that is done under the sun, that one fate comes to all. Also, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and afterwards they go to the dead.

Christian Standard Bible
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: there is one fate for everyone. In addition, the hearts of people are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live; after that they go to the dead.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: there is one fate for everyone. In addition, the hearts of people are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live—after that they go to the dead.

American Standard Version
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Contemporary English Version
It's terribly unfair for the same thing to happen to each of us. We are mean and foolish while we live, and then we die.

English Revised Version
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is the tragedy of everything that happens under the sun: Everyone shares the same destiny. Moreover, the hearts of mortals are full of evil. Madness is in their hearts while they are still alive. After that, they join the dead.

Good News Translation
One fate comes to all alike, and this is as wrong as anything that happens in this world. As long as people live, their minds are full of evil and madness, and suddenly they die.

International Standard Version
There is a tragedy that infects everything that happens on earth: a common event happens to everyone. In fact, the hearts of human beings are full of evil. Madness remains in their hearts while they live, and afterwards they join the dead.

Majority Standard Bible
This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.

NET Bible
This is the unfortunate fact about everything that happens on earth: the same fate awaits everyone. In addition to this, the hearts of all people are full of evil, and there is folly in their hearts during their lives--then they die.

New Heart English Bible
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Webster's Bible Translation
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

World English Bible
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all. Yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
This [is] an evil among all that has been done under the sun, that one event [is] to all, and also the heart of the sons of man is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart during their life, and after it—to the dead.

Young's Literal Translation
This is an evil among all that hath been done under the sun, that one event is to all, and also the heart of the sons of man is full of evil, and madness is in their heart during their life, and after it -- unto the dead.

Smith's Literal Translation
This an evil in all being done under the sun, thus one event is to all: and also the heart of the sons of man being full of evil, and folly in their heart in their living, and after it to their deaths.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
This is a very great evil among all things that are done under the sun, that the same things happen to all men: whereby also the hearts of the children of men are filled with evil, and with contempt while they live, and afterwards they shall be brought down to hell.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This is a very great burden among all things that are done under the sun: that the same things happen to everyone. And when the hearts of the sons of men are filled with malice and contempt in their lives, afterwards they shall be dragged down to hell.

New American Bible
Among all the things that are done under the sun, this is the worst, that there is one lot for all. Hence the hearts of human beings are filled with evil, and madness is in their hearts during life; and afterward—to the dead!

New Revised Standard Version
This is an evil in all that happens under the sun, that the same fate comes to everyone. Moreover, the hearts of all are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, for there is one chance to all; yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and grievous error is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
This evil is in all whatever is done under the sun, because one thing happens to them all, and also the heart of man is full of evil and the evil wandering in their heart, and in their lives, and their end is with the dead

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all; yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
There is this evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yea, the heart of the sons of men is filled with evil, and madness is in their heart during their life, and after that they go to the dead.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Death Comes to Good and Bad
…2It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow. 3This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead. 4There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Genesis 6:5
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.

Romans 3:10-12
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Psalm 14:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. / The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Mark 7:21-23
For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”

Romans 1:28-32
Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ...

Genesis 8:21
When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done.

Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 7:18
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

Psalm 51:5
Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

John 3:19-20
And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Treasury of Scripture

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

also

Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Genesis 6:5
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 8:21
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

and madness

Ecclesiastes 1:17
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 7:25
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

Luke 6:11
And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

after

Ecclesiastes 12:7
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

Acts 12:23
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Jump to Previous

Dead Event Evil Fate Full Furthermore Heart Hearts Live Madness Sun Throughout

Jump to Next

Dead Event Evil Fate Full Furthermore Heart Hearts Live Madness Sun Throughout

Ecclesiastes 9

1. like things happen to good and bad
4. there is a necessity of death unto men
7. Comfort is all their portion in this life
11. God's providence rules over all
13. wisdom is better than strength

Berean Study Bible

This is an evil
The Hebrew word for "evil" here is "ra," which can mean bad, disagreeable, or malignant. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it often refers to the frustrating and perplexing aspects of life that seem unjust or inexplicable. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, is expressing a deep-seated observation about the human condition. From a conservative Christian perspective, this acknowledgment of evil underscores the fallen nature of the world post-Genesis 3, where sin entered and corrupted God's perfect creation.

in everything that is done under the sun
The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, referring to the earthly, temporal realm as opposed to the eternal, divine perspective. It emphasizes the limitations of human understanding and the futility of life when viewed solely from a worldly standpoint. The Preacher is highlighting the pervasive nature of this "evil" in all human endeavors, suggesting that without a divine perspective, life can seem meaningless and unjust.

that the same fate awaits them all
The "same fate" refers to death, which is the great equalizer among humans. The Hebrew word "miqreh" is used here, meaning occurrence or event, emphasizing the inevitability and universality of death. This reflects the biblical teaching that death is a consequence of sin (Romans 6:23) and affects all, regardless of their righteousness or wickedness. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this serves as a reminder of the need for salvation through Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life.

Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil
The "hearts of men" in Hebrew is "lev ha'adam," which refers to the inner being or the seat of emotions and will. The assertion that they are "full of evil" aligns with the doctrine of original sin, which teaches that humanity is inherently sinful due to the Fall. This phrase underscores the biblical view of human depravity and the need for divine intervention and redemption.

and madness is in their hearts while they live
The term "madness" here is "holelut" in Hebrew, which can mean folly or senselessness. It suggests a lack of wisdom and understanding, a theme prevalent in wisdom literature. This madness is not just a temporary state but a condition that persists "while they live," indicating the pervasive nature of sin and folly in human life. From a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the need for the wisdom that comes from God, as found in His Word.

and afterward they join the dead
The inevitability of death is again emphasized with the phrase "join the dead." The Hebrew word "muth" for "dead" is a stark reminder of the finality of physical death. However, for Christians, this is not the end. The New Testament reveals the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of mortality but also points to the hope found in the gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) We have again the sentiments expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:14-16; Ecclesiastes 3:19; Ecclesiastes 5:15; Ecclesiastes 6:12.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun. The "evil" is explained in the following words, which speak of the common fate. The Vulgate (followed by Ginsburg and others) lakes the first words as equivalent to a superlative: Hoc est pessimum inter omnia, "This is the greatest evil of all that is done under the sun." But the article would have been used in this case; nor would this accurately express Koheleth's sentiments. He looks upon death only as one of the evils appertaining to men's career on earth - one of the phases of that identity of treatment so certain and so inexplicable, which leads to disastrous results (Ecclesiastes 8:11). That there is one event unto all. The "one event," as the end of the verse shows, is death. We have here the old strain repeated which is found in Ecclesiastes 2:14-16; Ecclesiastes 3:19; Ecclesiastes 5:15; Ecclesiastes 6:12; "Omnes eodem cogimur" (Horace, 'Carm.,' 2:3. 25). Yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil. In consequence of this indiscriminating destiny men sin recklessly, are encouraged in their wickedness. Madness is in their heart while they live. The "madness" is conduct opposed to the dictates of wisdom and reason, as Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:2, 12. All their life long men follow their own lusts and passions, and care little for God's will and law, or their own best interests. This is well called "want of reason (περιφέρεια, Septuagint). And after that they go to the dead. The verb is omitted in the Hebrew, being implied by the preposition XXX, "to;" the omission is very forcible. Delitzsch, Wright, and others render, "after him," i.e. after man's life is ended, which seems rather to say, "after they die, they die." The idea, however, appears to be, both good and evil go to the same place, pass away into nothingness, are known no more in this world. Here at present Koheleth leaves the question of the future life, having already intimated his belief in Ecclesiastes 3. and Ecclesiastes 8:11, etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

This
זֶ֣ה ׀ (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

is an evil
רָ֗ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

in everything
בְּכֹ֤ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶֽׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is done
נַעֲשָׂה֙ (na·‘ă·śāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

under
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

the sun:
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement

There is one
אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

fate
מִקְרֶ֥ה (miq·reh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4745: Something met with, an accident, fortune

for everyone.
לַכֹּ֑ל (lak·kōl)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Furthermore,
וְגַ֣ם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

the hearts
לֵ֣ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

of men
בְּֽנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

are full of
מָלֵא־ (mā·lê-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

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

and madness
וְהוֹלֵל֤וֹת (wə·hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1947: Madness

while they are alive,
בְּחַיֵּיהֶ֔ם (bə·ḥay·yê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

and afterward
וְאַחֲרָ֖יו (wə·’a·ḥă·rāw)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

they [join]
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the dead.
הַמֵּתִֽים׃ (ham·mê·ṯîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

Links

Ecclesiastes 9:3 NIV
Ecclesiastes 9:3 NLT
Ecclesiastes 9:3 ESV
Ecclesiastes 9:3 NASB
Ecclesiastes 9:3 KJV

Ecclesiastes 9:3 BibleApps.com
Ecclesiastes 9:3 Biblia Paralela
Ecclesiastes 9:3 Chinese Bible
Ecclesiastes 9:3 French Bible
Ecclesiastes 9:3 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:3 This is an evil in all that (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)