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Ecclesiastes 3:12

Ecclesiastes 3:12 in Multiple Translations

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.

I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to be glad, and to do good while life is in him.

I concluded that there's nothing better than being happy and looking for the good in life.

I know that there is nothing good in them, but to reioyce, and to doe good in his life.

I have known that there is no good for them except to rejoice and to do good during their life,

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

And I have known that there was no better thing than to rejoice, and to do well in this life.

I know that the best [LIT] thing for us people to do is to rejoice and to do good things all during the time that we are alive.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 3:12

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּ֛י אֵ֥ין ט֖וֹב בָּ֑/ם כִּ֣י אִם לִ/שְׂמ֔וֹחַ וְ/לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת ט֖וֹב בְּ/חַיָּֽי/ו
יָדַ֕עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part
ט֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj
בָּ֑/ם Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
לִ/שְׂמ֔וֹחַ sâmach H8055 to rejoice Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
ט֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj
בְּ/חַיָּֽי/ו chay H2416 alive Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 3:12

יָדַ֕עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
ט֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
בָּ֑/ם "" Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לִ/שְׂמ֔וֹחַ sâmach H8055 "to rejoice" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
וְ/לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
ט֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
בְּ/חַיָּֽי/ו chay H2416 "alive" Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 3:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
2 Ecclesiastes 3:22 I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him?
3 1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
4 1 Thessalonians 5:15–16 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice at all times.
5 Philippians 4:4–9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
6 Isaiah 64:5 You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?
7 Deuteronomy 28:63 Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and multiply, so also it will please Him to annihilate you and destroy you. And you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.
8 Luke 11:41 But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you.
9 Acts 20:35 In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
10 Ecclesiastes 9:7–9 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 Summary

This verse, Ecclesiastes 3:12, tells us that the best way to live is to be happy and do good things while we are alive. It's about finding joy in the everyday moments and using our lives to help others, which is a gift from God, as also mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:13. By focusing on rejoicing and doing good, we can live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Colossians 1:10, and trust in His goodness, even when life gets tough. This mindset helps us appreciate the beauty in life and live with purpose, knowing that our actions have eternal value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'rejoice and do good' in Ecclesiastes 3:12?

This means to find joy and contentment in living a virtuous life, as seen in Psalm 37:3, and to trust in God's goodness, as expressed in Psalm 100:5.

How can we balance the idea of rejoicing with the reality of suffering in life?

The Bible acknowledges that life has its difficulties, but as Romans 8:28 reminds us, God works all things together for good, and we can rejoice in His sovereignty, even in hard times.

Is the idea of 'doing good' in this verse limited to specific actions or is it a broader concept?

Doing good encompasses a wide range of actions, from caring for the poor and needy, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, to living a life of integrity and righteousness, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16.

How does the concept of eternity, mentioned in the preceding verse, influence our understanding of rejoicing and doing good?

Recognizing that God has set eternity in our hearts, as stated in Ecclesiastes 3:11, helps us understand that our actions have eternal significance, and thus, we should strive to live in a way that honors God, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 suggests.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some specific ways you can 'rejoice and do good' in your daily life, and how can you prioritize these actions?
  2. How does your understanding of God's sovereignty and goodness impact your ability to rejoice, even in difficult circumstances?
  3. In what ways can you cultivate a sense of contentment and joy in your life, despite the challenges you may face?
  4. How can you use your talents, resources, and time to 'do good' and make a positive impact in the world around you?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that [there is] no good in them,.... In these things; as the Arabic version; in the creatures, as Jarchi; in all sublunary enjoyments; in everything the wise man had made a trial of before, as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. I know that (there is) no good in them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know, by clear reason, and my own long and certain experience, that there is no good, no other satisfaction or felicity which a man can enjoy, in them, in creatures or worldly enjoyments. To do good; either, 1. To himself, as it is fully expressed, . Or, 2. To others; to employ them in acts of charity and liberality towards others. Or, 3. Towards God; to use them, and to live in the fear of God, which is necessary to the happiness of this as well as of the other life.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12

Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.Ver. 12. I know that there is no good in them,] i.e., No other good, but for a man to rejoice and do good in his life - i.e., Frui praesentibus et facere quod infuturo prosit, to enjoy things present, and to do that which may do him good a thousand years hence; to expend what he hath upon himself, and to extend it unto others that are in necessity, this is to "lay up in store for himself a good foundation against the time to come"; this is to "lay hold upon eternal life." Glossa Minor.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12

(12) I know.—Literally, I knew: i.e., I came to know. The writer is relating the conclusions at which he successively arrived. To do good.—This phrase is always used elsewhere in a moral sense: “to act rightly.” When enjoyment is meant, the phrase used is, as in the next verse, “to see good;” but the context seems to require that this sense should be given to the phrase in this verse also.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12

Verse 12. I know that there is no good in them, but, c.] Since God has so disposed the affairs of this world, that the great events of providence cannot be accelerated or retarded by human cares and anxieties, submit to God make a proper use of what he has given: do thyself no harm, and endeavour as much as possible to do others good. Enjoy, and bless thyself; let others share The transient blessing: 'tis the gift of God.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:12

12. for a man to rejoice, and to do good] There is no instance in O. T. language of the phrase “do good” being used, like the Greek εὖπράττειν, in the sense of “prospering,” or “enjoying one’s self,” and in ch. Ecclesiastes 7:20 it can only have its full ethical meaning, such as it has in Psalms 34:14; Psalms 37:3; Isaiah 38:3. On the whole, therefore, we are led to assign that meaning to it here. Over and above the life of honest labour and simple joys which had been recognised as good before, the seeker has learnt that “honesty is the best policy,” that “doing good” (the term is more comprehensive in its range than our “beneficence”) is in some sense the best way of getting good. It is not the highest ethical view of the end of life, but it was an advance on his previous conclusion.

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 3:12

In them - i. e., in the sons of men. To do good - In a moral sense. Physical enjoyment is referred to in Ecclesiastes 3:13.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12

12. I know — Hebrew, I came to know. Koheleth continues to state the result of his inspection. In them should be for “them,” as occurs in other places in this book; that is, for the children of men.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:12

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith A Time for Everything Part 2 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 3, verse 12. He begins by acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the e
J.R. Miller Amusements by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of amusement in the Christian life, arguing against the notion that all forms of pleasure are sinful. He highlights that true Christian joy re
W.J. Erdman Vain Worship. 5:1-20 by W.J. Erdman In the sermon 'The Seeker,' W.J. Erdman reflects on the emptiness of worldly pursuits and the superficiality of human worship, urging worshippers to approach God with reverence and
J.R. Miller Making a Living and Making a Life by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller emphasizes the distinction between making a living and making a life, urging that while earning a living is essential, it should not overshadow the importance of buildi
Bill McLeod Commit by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of committal and trusting in God's plan. He uses the example of Paul and the sailors in the book of Acts who were caught in a viol
David Wilkerson The Consequences of Not Trusting God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson This sermon focuses on Abraham's journey of faith, highlighting the challenges and crises he faced as he learned to fully trust God with his life and future. Despite encountering s
K.P. Yohannan The Story of My Vw Bug by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan This sermon shares a touching story of a man purchasing a 1962 Volkswagen Bug from a young girl who was going to serve as a missionary in the Philippines. It emphasizes the importa

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