Ecclesiastes 3:21 Meaning
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
Context Explained
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.
21Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Matthew 10:28
Both verses address the distinction between human and animal spirits.
Ecclesiastes 12:7
This verse continues the theme of the spirit's return to God.
1 Corinthians 15:44
Both verses discuss the nature of the spirit and its destiny.
Source: Ecclesiastes 3:21