Add parallel Print Page Options

20 (A)Both go to the same place; both were made from the dust, and to the dust they both return. 21 Who knows[a] if the life breath of mortals goes upward and the life breath of beasts goes earthward? 22 (B)And I saw that there is nothing better for mortals than to rejoice in their work; for this is their lot. Who will let them see what is to come after them?(C)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 3:21 Who knows: the author presumes a negative answer: “No one knows.” In place of speculation on impossible questions, the author counsels enjoyment of what is possible (cf. v. 22; but see also 2:10–11).

20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

22 Wherefore 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?

Read full chapter