Ecclesiastes 3:14

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

יָדַ֗עְתִּי I know H3045
יָדַ֗עְתִּי I know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֠י H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֔ה doeth H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה doeth
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 5 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים from it and God H430
וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים from it and God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 19
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
ה֚וּא H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 7 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִהְיֶ֣ה H1961
יִהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 8 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְעוֹלָ֔ם it shall be for ever H5769
לְעוֹלָ֔ם it shall be for ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 9 of 19
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
עָלָיו֙ H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 10 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֵ֣ין nothing H369
אֵ֣ין nothing
Strong's: H369
Word #: 11 of 19
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
לְהוֹסִ֔יף can be put H3254
לְהוֹסִ֔יף can be put
Strong's: H3254
Word #: 12 of 19
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
וּמִמֶּ֖נּוּ H4480
וּמִמֶּ֖נּוּ
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 13 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אֵ֣ין nothing H369
אֵ֣ין nothing
Strong's: H369
Word #: 14 of 19
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
לִגְרֹ֑עַ to it nor any thing taken H1639
לִגְרֹ֑עַ to it nor any thing taken
Strong's: H1639
Word #: 15 of 19
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים from it and God H430
וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים from it and God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 16 of 19
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
עָשָׂ֔ה doeth H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה doeth
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 17 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
שֶׁיִּֽרְא֖וּ it that men should fear H3372
שֶׁיִּֽרְא֖וּ it that men should fear
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 18 of 19
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃ before H6440
מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃ before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 19 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis & Commentary

After describing times and seasons (3:1-8), the Preacher affirms divine sovereignty: '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.' The phrase 'whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever' (kol-asher ya'aseh ha'Elohim hu yihyeh le'olam, כָּל־אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה הָאֱלֹהִים הוּא יִהְיֶה לְעוֹלָם) affirms God's works are eternal, permanent, unchangeable. The parallel phrases 'nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it' emphasize God's work cannot be improved or diminished. The purpose: 'that men should fear before him'—recognizing God's sovereignty should produce reverent awe. This verse provides theological grounding for the book: though human works are temporary, God's works endure. Believers find security in God's unchanging purposes, not shifting circumstances.

Historical Context

This verse echoes covenant theology throughout Scripture. God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18), His promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), and the new covenant in Christ (Hebrews 13:20) are all eternal, unchangeable. Human kingdoms rise and fall; God's kingdom endures. The phrase 'that men should fear before him' recalls wisdom literature's central theme: 'the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10). Early church fathers emphasized God's immutability—He does not change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). The Reformers taught that God's eternal decree ensures the perseverance of the saints—what God begins, He completes (Philippians 1:6). Modern readers find comfort that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human failure or worldly opposition.

Questions for Reflection