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Ecclesiastes 3:20

Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 kjv — Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Wherefor…

King James Version

21

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

22

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

— Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953, King James Version

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Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • ASV

    “Who knoweth the spirit of man, whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast, whether it goeth downward to the earth? Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him back to see what shall be after him? ”

  • WEB

    “Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?" Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?”

  • NET

    “Who really knows if the human spirit ascends upward, and the animal’s spirit descends into the earth? So I perceived there is nothing better than for people to enjoy their work, because that is their reward; for who can show them what the future holds?”

  • DRB

    “Who knoweth if the spirit of the children of Adam ascend upward, and if the spirit of the beasts descend downward? And I have found that nothing is better than for a man to rejoice in his work, and that this is his portion. For who shall bring him to know the things that shall be after him? ”

  • BBE

    “Who is certain that the spirit of the sons of men goes up to heaven, or that the spirit of the beasts goes down to the earth? So I saw that there is nothing better than for a man to have joy in his work--because that is his reward. Who will make him see what will come after him?”

  • KJVA

    “Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? ”

Ecclesiastes 3 — Context

18

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

19

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.

20

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

21

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

22

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 say?
Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 in the King James Version reads: “Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? ”
Where is Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 21–1953.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 in?
Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953?
Ecclesiastes 3:21-1953 reads (KJV): “Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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