Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
every work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
every work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 14
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים
For God
H430
הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים
For God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְמִשְׁפָּ֖ט
into judgment
H4941
בְמִשְׁפָּ֖ט
into judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
עַ֣ל
H5921
עַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נֶעְלָ֑ם
with every secret thing
H5956
נֶעְלָ֑ם
with every secret thing
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
10 of 14
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
11 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
ט֖וֹב
whether it be good
H2896
ט֖וֹב
whether it be good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
12 of 14
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.Matthew 12:36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Ecclesiastes 3:17I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.Ecclesiastes 11:9Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.Matthew 10:26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.John 5:29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.Psalms 96:13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Historical Context
The doctrine of final judgment permeates Scripture but evolved in clarity through progressive revelation. Old Testament saints had limited understanding of afterlife judgment (Sheol was shadowy), but texts like Daniel 12:2-3 anticipated resurrection and judgment. Ecclesiastes bridges practical wisdom literature and apocalyptic eschatology. Jesus taught extensively about final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), emphasizing that secret acts and inner motives matter eternally. Paul declared that 'we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:10), echoing Ecclesiastes. The Reformation emphasized that believers face judgment for rewards, not salvation (justified by faith alone), yet judgment remains comprehensive and real.
Questions for Reflection
- How does believing that all your secret thoughts, motives, and actions will be brought into judgment affect your daily choices?
- Does the doctrine of final judgment produce paralyzing fear or motivating reverence in your life, and what might that indicate about your understanding of God's character and grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Preacher's final statement grounds the previous verse's imperatives in eschatological reality: 'God shall bring every work into judgment' (Hebrew 'mishpat,' judgment/justice). The comprehensiveness is staggering—'every work... every secret thing... whether good or evil.' Nothing escapes divine scrutiny; all hidden deeds, thoughts, and motives will face evaluation. This isn't merely future speculation but present motivation: awareness of coming judgment should shape current behavior and priorities. The phrase 'secret thing' (Hebrew 'ne'elam,' hidden/concealed) indicates that human courts, which judge externals, are incomplete—only God's judgment penetrates to hidden realities. This sobering conclusion prevents the book's 'eat, drink, and be merry' passages from devolving into hedonism; enjoyment of God's gifts occurs within the framework of moral accountability.