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.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 3:12
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Ecclesiastes 3:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 3:12
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 3:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:12
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (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
- What are some specific ways you can 'rejoice and do good' in your daily life, and how can you prioritize these actions?
- How does your understanding of God's sovereignty and goodness impact your ability to rejoice, even in difficult circumstances?
- In what ways can you cultivate a sense of contentment and joy in your life, despite the challenges you may face?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:12
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |






