Ecclesiastes 3:18 Meaning
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.
Context Explained
16And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
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.
18I 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.
19For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Genesis 1:26
This verse contrasts the divine nature of humanity with the animal kingdom.
Romans 3:23
Both verses highlight the fallen nature of humanity.
Ecclesiastes 3:19
This verse echoes the theme of the shared fate of humans and animals.
Source: Ecclesiastes 3:18