Ecclesiastes 3:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
בְּלִבִּ֔י
in mine heart
H3820
בְּלִבִּ֔י
in mine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּנֵ֣י
of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָאָדָ֔ם
of men
H120
הָאָדָ֔ם
of men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
7 of 14
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
לְבָרָ֖ם
might manifest
H1305
לְבָרָ֖ם
might manifest
Strong's:
H1305
Word #:
8 of 14
to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים
that God
H430
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים
that God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 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
וְלִרְא֕וֹת
them and that they might see
H7200
וְלִרְא֕וֹת
them and that they might see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּהֵמָ֥ה
themselves are beasts
H929
בְּהֵמָ֥ה
themselves are beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Cross References
Psalms 73:22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.Psalms 49:12Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:2 Peter 2:12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;Romans 9:23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Historical Context
Written during Solomon's later reign (c. 935 BC), this reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature's stark realism about death. Unlike Egypt's elaborate afterlife theology, Hebrew thought initially focused on Sheol as the great equalizer, making obedience in this life paramount.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing our creaturely limits before God humble pride and foster dependence on Him?
- In what ways does modern culture deny the 'beast-like' reality of death, and what Gospel hope addresses this?
- How should mortality awareness shape priorities differently than secular existentialism suggests?
Analysis & Commentary
That God might manifest them (לִבְרָם, libram)—literally 'to test them' or 'to clarify them.' Qoheleth confronts humanity's shared mortality with beasts, using brutal realism to strip away pretension. That they might see that they themselves are beasts (בְּהֵמָה הֵמָּה, behemah hemmah)—the phrase emphasizes identity, forcing acknowledgment of our creaturely status apart from divine revelation.
This verse introduces one of Scripture's most unsettling meditations on mortality 'under the sun' (the Preacher's phrase for life without eternal perspective). The Hebrew behemah refers to domesticated animals, underscoring that without God's breath and purpose, human existence reduces to mere biological processes. Reformed theology sees this as exposing humanity's fallen state apart from grace—we are dust animated by divine mercy, not self-sufficient beings.