Ecclesiastes 3:20
Ecclesiastes 3:20 in Multiple Translations
All go to one place; all come from dust, and all return to dust.
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
All go to one place, all are of the dust, and all will be turned to dust again.
They all end up in the same place—they all came from dust, and they all return to dust.
All goe to one place, and all was of the dust, and all shall returne to the dust.
The whole are going unto one place, the whole have been from the dust, and the whole are turning back unto the dust.
All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.
All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
And all things go to one place: of earth they were made, and into earth they return together.
People and animals all die and are buried. We are all made of soil, and when we die, our corpses become soil again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 3:20
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 3:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/כֹּ֥ל
הוֹלֵ֖ךְ
אֶל
מָק֣וֹם
אֶחָ֑ד
הַ/כֹּל֙
הָיָ֣ה
מִן
הֶֽ/עָפָ֔ר
וְ/הַ/כֹּ֖ל
שָׁ֥ב
אֶל
הֶ/עָפָֽר
הַ/כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
Art | N-ms
הוֹלֵ֖ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מָק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
הַ/כֹּל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Art | N-ms
הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הֶֽ/עָפָ֔ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Art | N-ms
שָׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֶ/עָפָֽר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 3:20
הַ/כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Art | 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.
הוֹלֵ֖ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מָק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
הַ/כֹּל֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
Art | 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.
הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
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.
הֶֽ/עָפָ֔ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
Art | N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
וְ/הַ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Art | 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.
שָׁ֥ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֶ/עָפָֽר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
Art | N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 3:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 3:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:20
Context — From Dust to Dust
18I said to myself, “As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts.”
19For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile.
20All go to one place; all come from dust, and all return to dust.
21Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal descends into the earth? 22I 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?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 3:19 | By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 2 | Job 34:15 | all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 12:7 | before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it. |
| 4 | Psalms 104:29 | When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. |
| 5 | Job 10:9–10 | Please remember that You molded me like clay. Would You now return me to dust? Did You not pour me out like milk, and curdle me like cheese? |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 6:6 | even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place? |
| 7 | Numbers 27:13 | After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was; |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 3:21 | Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal descends into the earth? |
| 9 | Job 7:9 | As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
Ecclesiastes 3:20 Summary
This verse reminds us that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they have, will eventually die and return to the earth. It's a hard truth, but it's one that can help us focus on what's truly important in life, like our relationship with God (as seen in Psalm 90:12). By acknowledging our mortality, we can learn to appreciate the time we have and use it wisely, remembering that our bodies are temporary, but our spirits are eternal (as explained in 2 Corinthians 5:1-8). This perspective can help us live each day with purpose and gratitude, even in the face of uncertainty and futility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that all come from dust and return to dust?
This phrase is a reminder of our mortality and the fleeting nature of human life, as seen in Genesis 2:7 and Psalm 103:14, where it is written that God formed man from the dust of the ground.
Is the author of Ecclesiastes saying that life has no purpose?
While the author acknowledges the futility of life without God, he is highlighting the reality of our physical existence, which is also addressed in Romans 8:20-21, where creation is said to be subject to futility, but with the hope of redemption.
How does this verse relate to the concept of an afterlife?
This verse focuses on the physical body's return to dust, but it does not negate the possibility of an afterlife, as hinted at in Ecclesiastes 3:21 and more fully explained in other scriptures like 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, which describe the resurrection of believers.
What is the significance of 'all go to one place'?
This phrase emphasizes the common destiny of all living things, regardless of their status or position in life, as also seen in Hebrews 9:27, which reminds us that it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment.
Reflection Questions
- How does the reality of our mortality affect the way we live our daily lives?
- What are some ways we can 'enjoy our work' as mentioned in the following verse, Ecclesiastes 3:22, despite the futility of life without God?
- In what ways can we find hope and purpose in a seemingly futile world, as described in Ecclesiastes 3:20?
- How can we use the reminder that we come from and return to dust to cultivate humility and dependence on God, as encouraged in Psalm 51:5 and Job 42:6?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:20
All go unto one place,.... The earth (w) from whence they came; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again; Adam's body was made of the dust of the earth, and so all his posterity, all of them;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:20
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
All go unto one place; to the earth, as it is expressed, , out of which they were both taken. All turn to dust again; which is meant only of their bodies, as it is explained, .
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.Ver. 20. All are of the dust.]
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
Verse 20. All go unto one place] "Man was born To die, nor aught exceeds in this respect The vilest brute. Both transient, frail, and vain, Draw the same breath; alike grow old, decay, And then expire: both to one grave descend; There blended lie, to native dust return'd."-C.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:20
20. All go unto one place] The “place” thus spoken of is not the Sheol of the Hebrews or the Hades of the Greeks, which implied, however vaguely, some notion of a shadowy disembodied existence, for the souls of men as distinct from those of brutes, but simply the earth as at once the mother, the nourisher, and the sepulchre of every form of life. So Lucretius, as a disciple of Epicurus, speaks (De Rer. Nat. v. 259) of earth as being “Omniparens eadem rerum commune sepulcrum.”“The mother and the sepulchre of all.”all are of the dust] There is an obviously deliberate reference to the narrative of the Creation in Genesis 2:7. To those who did not see below the surface, it seemed to affirm, as it did to the Sadducee, the denial of a life to come. “Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return” was the sentence passed, they might say, as on the brute creation, so on man also (Genesis 3:19).
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:20
20. All are of the dust — “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” The perishing and dissolution of the bodies of men and beasts are visibly similar. There can be no doubt about that. And how of the spirit?
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 2:7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the similarities and differences between different types of automobiles, specifically Ford and Chevrolet. He uses this analogy to highlight th |
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Dirt, Handsomely Fashioned by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transient nature of human life, reminding us that our bodies, though beautifully made, are ultimately composed of dust and destined to return to it. He |
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Where Will All These Men Be Within a Hundred Years? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks reflects on the fleeting nature of life, using the example of Xerxes who wept at the thought of his vast army being reduced to graves within a century. He emphasizes |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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(Genesis) Genesis 2:15-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He emphasizes that God gave man dominion over nature and placed him in the garden to take c |
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(Genesis) Genesis 5:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 5, which focuses on the generations of Adam. The speaker highlights the significance of the two line |
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(Genesis #7) Enoch Walked With God by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of walking with God. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who was changed after spending just an hour with Jesus. The p |