Ecclesiastes 3:14

Ecclesiastes 3:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.

King James Version KJV

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

American Standard Version ASV

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I am certain that whatever God does will be for ever. No addition may be made to it, nothing may be taken from it; and God has done it so that man may be in fear before him.

Free Bible Version FBV

I also concluded that everything God does lasts forever: nothing can be added to it or taken away from it. God acts in this way so that people may stand in awe of him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I knowe that whatsoeuer God shall doe, it shalbe for euer: to it can no man adde, and from it can none diminish: for God hath done it, that they should feare before him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I have known that all that God doth is to the age, to it nothing is to be added, and from it nothing is to be withdrawn; and God hath wrought that they do fear before Him.

World English Bible WEB

I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I know that, whatever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be added to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it , that men should fear before him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I have learned that all the works which God hath made, continue for ever: we cannot add any thing, nor take away from those things which God hath made that he may be feared.

Translation for Translators T4T

I also know that what God does endures forever. No one can add to what God does, and no one can take away from the things that God does. God does those things in order that people would revere him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 3:14

BAB

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 3:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB יָדַ֗עְתִּי כִּ֠י כָּל אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ה֚וּא יִהְיֶ֣ה לְ/עוֹלָ֔ם עָלָי/ו֙ אֵ֣ין לְ/הוֹסִ֔יף וּ/מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ אֵ֣ין לִ/גְרֹ֑עַ וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִ֣ים עָשָׂ֔ה שֶׁ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ מִ/לְּ/פָנָֽי/ו

יָדַ֗עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

כִּ֠י kîy H3588 for Conj

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

ה֚וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יִהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever Prep | N-ms

עָלָי/ו֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

לְ/הוֹסִ֔יף yâçaph H3254 to add Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

וּ/מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ min H4480 from Conj | Prep | Suff

אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

לִ/גְרֹ֑עַ gâraʻ H1639 to dimish Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִ֣ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Conj | Art | N-mp

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

שֶׁ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ yârêʼ H3372 to fear Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

מִ/לְּ/פָנָֽי/ו pânîym H6440 face Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 3:14

יָדַ֗עְתִּי 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.

כִּ֠י 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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

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.

הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

ה֚וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

יִהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" Prep | N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.

עָלָי/ו֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֵ֣ין 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.

לְ/הוֹסִ֔יף yâçaph H3254 "to add" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.

Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.

וּ/מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Conj | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

אֵ֣ין 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

לִ/גְרֹ֑עַ gâraʻ H1639 "to dimish" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To diminish or reduce something means to make it smaller, like in the book of Genesis. This word can also mean to shave, remove, or withhold something. The KJV Bible translates it as diminish or restrain.

Definition: 1) to diminish, restrain, withdraw, abate, keep back, do away, take from, clip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be withdrawn 1b2) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to withdraw, draw up

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: abate, clip, (di-) minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small, withdraw. See also: Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 13:1; Isaiah 15:2.

וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִ֣ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Conj | Art | N-mp

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

שֶׁ/יִּֽרְא֖וּ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

מִ/לְּ/פָנָֽי/ו pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 3:14

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Context
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Ecclesiastes 3:14 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:14
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Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:14

Context — God’s Works Remain Forever

12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, 13and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

14I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.

15What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed. 16Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	James 1:17	Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
2	Psalms 33:11	The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.
3	Romans 11:36	For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
4	Acts 5:39	But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
5	Proverbs 30:6	Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.
6	Titus 1:2	in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.
7	Proverbs 21:30	There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
8	Proverbs 19:21	Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
9	Ecclesiastes 5:7	For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
10	John 19:10–11	So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Ecclesiastes 3:14 Summary

[This verse means that everything God does is perfect and will last forever, and we can't add to or take away from it. This should give us confidence and peace in our daily lives, knowing that God is in control. As it says in Psalm 103:19, God's throne is in heaven, and His sovereignty rules over all. By trusting in God's eternal plan, we can find hope and comfort, even in difficult times, and live a life that honors and fears Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that everything God does endures forever?

This means that God's actions are permanent and unchanging, as seen in Psalm 119:89, which says that God's word is settled in heaven, and in Isaiah 40:8, which says that God's word stands forever.

Can we add to or take away from God's work?

No, according to Ecclesiastes 3:14, nothing can be added to or taken from God's work, emphasizing His sovereignty and perfection, much like Romans 11:33-36, which describes the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge.

Why does God want us to fear Him?

God wants us to fear Him so that we will have a deep respect and reverence for Him, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and in Deuteronomy 10:12, which says that we should fear God and walk in His ways.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

This verse reminds us that God is in control and that His plans are eternal, which should give us confidence and peace in our daily lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope for a future.

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that I am trying to control or change, and how can I surrender them to God's eternal plan?
How can I cultivate a deeper fear and respect for God in my daily life, and what are some practical ways to demonstrate this?
In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and perfection, even when I don't understand what is happening in my life?
How can I use the truth of God's eternal nature to bring comfort and hope to those around me who may be struggling?
What are some ways that I can 'do good' and 'rejoice' in the midst of life's challenges, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:14

I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever,.... Which some, as Jarchi, understand of the works of creation, the heavens and the earth, which are however of long standing and duration; and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:14

Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever; all God’ s counsels or decrees are eternal and unchangeable, and his providence works effectually, so as men cannot resist or hinder it. Nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it; men can neither do any thing besides or against God’ s counsel and providence, nor hinder any work or act of it. That men should fear before him; not that men should make this an occasion of despair, or idleness, or dissoluteness, as some abuse this doctrine, but that, by the consideration of his sovereign and irresistible power in the disposal of all persons and things as pleaseth him, men should learn to trust in him, to submit to him, to fear to offend or rebel against him, and more carefully and industriously to study to please him.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:14

Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.Ver. 14. I know that whatsoever God doeth it shall be for ever,] i.e., That his decree is unchangeable, that his "counsel shall stand," that the sun may sooner be stopped in his course than God hindered of his will or in his work, since his power and grace is irresistible. Nature, angels, devils, men, may all be resisted, and so miss their design. Not so God. For who hath resisted his will? Vain men, while (like proud and yet brittle clay) they will be knocking their sides against the solid and eternal decree of God, break themselves in pieces, as Adonijah did. And while, with Pompey, vanquished by Julius Caesar, they complain that there is a great mist upon the eye of Divine providence, they do but blame the sun, because of the soreness of their bleary eyes. Certain it is, and Solomon knows it - though the best of heathens doubted it when they saw good men suffer, bad men prosper - that every creature walks blindfold; only he that dwells in light sees whither they go; and that the chariots of all effects and actions come forth from between those "mountains of brass," God’ s provident decrees and counsels most firm and immutable. That men should fear before him.] And not lay the reins on the neck, casting away all care upon pretence of God’ s decree, as that French king did that thus desperately argued: Si salvabor, salvabor; si vero damnabor, damnabor: If I shall be saved, I shall be saved; and if I shall be damned, I shall be damned; therefore I will live as I wish. This was to suck poison out of a sweet flower, to dash against the rock of ages, to fall into the pit (like a profane beast) which was digged for better purpose; to "stumble at the word" (an ill sign, and yet an ordinary sin) "whereunto also they were appointed." A bridge is made to give men safe passage over a dangerous river; but he that stumbleth on the bridge is in danger to fall into the river. So here. Ludovicus II

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:14

(13, 14) Sir 11:17; Sir 18:6.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:14

Verse 14. I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever] לעולם leolam, for eternity; in reference to that grand consummation of men and things intimated in Ecclesiastes 3:11. God has produced no being that he intends ultimately to destroy. He made every thing in reference to eternity; and, however matter may be changed and refined, animal and intellectual beings shall not be deprived of their existence. The brute creation shall be restored, and all human spirits shall live for ever; the pure in a state of supreme and endless blessedness, the impure in a state of indestructible misery. Nothing can be put to it] No new order of beings, whether animate or inanimate, can be produced. God will not create more; man cannot add. Nor any thing taken from it] Nothing can be annihilated; no power but that which can create can destroy. And whatever he has done, he intended to be a means of impressing a just sense of his being, providence, mercy, and judgments, upon the souls of men. A proper consideration of God's works has a tendency to make man a religious creature; that is, to impress his mind with a sense of the existence of the Supreme Being, and the reverence that is due to him. In this sense the fear of God is frequently taken in Scripture. The Hebrew of this clause is strongly emphatic: והאלהים עשה שייראו מלפניו vehaelohim asah sheiyireu millephanaiv; "And the gods he hath done, that they might fear from before his faces." Even the doctrine of the eternal Trinity in Unity may be collected from numberless appearances in nature. A consideration of the herb trefoil is said to have been the means of fully convincing the learned Erasmus of the truth of the assertion, These Three are One: and yet three distinct. He saw the same root, the same fibres, the same pulpy substance, the same membraneous covering, the same colour, the same taste, the same smell, in every part; and yet the three leaves distinct: but each and all a continuation of the stem, and proceeding from the same root. Such a fact as this may at least illustrate the doctrine. An intelligent shepherd, whom he met upon the mountains, is said to have exhibited the herb, and the illustration while discoursing on certain difficulties in the Christian faith. When a child, I heard a learned man relate this fact.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:14

14. I know that, whatsoever God doeth] We ask once again whether we are brought face to face with the thought of an iron destiny immutably fixing even the seeming accidents of life, and excluding man’s volition from any share in them, or whether the writer speaks of an order which men may, in the exercise of their freedom, transgress. And the answer, as before, is that the Debater, while he recognises man’s freedom, has come to see a purpose and an order even in those accidents. So Epicurus himself taught that it was better to hold even the popular belief as to the Gods than to be in bondage to the dogma of a destiny (Diog. Laert. x. 1, § 134). The Eternal Law fulfils itself “whether men will hear or whether they will forbear.” They cannot add to it or take from it, but they retain the power of obeying or resisting it. It partakes so far of the character which was afterwards ascribed to a special revelation (Revelation 22:18-19). God doeth it, that men should fear before him] There is a profound psychological truth in the thought thus expressed. Men may dream that they can propitiate or change an arbitrary will, but no reverential awe, no fear of God, is so deep as that which rises from the contemplation of a Righteousness that does not change. So, in like manner, the unchangeableness of the Divine Will is made a ground of confidence and hope in the midst of perturbations (Malachi 3:6).

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 3:14

The last clause of this verse goes beyond a declaration of the fact of God’s government of the world Ecclesiastes 2:26 by adding the moral effect which that fact is calculated to produce on those who see it.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:14

14. It shall be for ever — The order of nature and the scope of human life and destiny are alluded to as remaining uniform to the latest generation of men.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:14

	Sermon	Description
	Power in Prevailing Prayer by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness of God and how he humbles himself to even look at the things happening on earth. He compares the activities of humans on earth
	Life & Times of Jesus #03 by Jack Hibbs	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of Jesus coming into the world as the perfect sacrifice for humanity. He explains that the law hangs over us, intimidating and
	The Mind of Christ by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following Christ rather than Satan. He encourages the audience to be willing to be thought of as nothing so that Christ can
	Clean Up the Place for God by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing true love, which is exemplified by God's love for us. He highlights how often we love for se
	Filled With the Lord of Christ by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of forgiveness and the importance of forgiving others. He uses the analogy of a drop of water in a bucket to illustrate how insi
	All Things New by Don Currin	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Zacchaeus and how his encounter with Jesus led to a transformation in his life. Zacchaeus, a deceitful tax collector, climbed a
	The New Quest and Law of Life. 7:1-29 by W.J. Erdman	In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher embarks on a new quest to discover 'the Good' in a high law for life under the sun, possibly found in the fear of God. He seeks wisdom a