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Text -- Ecclesiastes 3:21 (NET)

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Context
3:21 Who really knows if the human spirit ascends upward, and the animal’s spirit descends into the earth?
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Dictionary Themes and Topics: TEXT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT | Philosophy | PSALMS, BOOK OF | Mankind | Life | Instruction | Immortality | Death | Animals | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable

Other
Critics Ask

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Ecc 3:21 - -- True it is, there is a difference, which is known by good men; but the generality of mankind never mind it: their hearts are wholly set on present and...

True it is, there is a difference, which is known by good men; but the generality of mankind never mind it: their hearts are wholly set on present and sensible things, and take no thought for the things of the future and invisible world.

JFB: Ecc 3:21 - -- Not doubt of the destination of man's spirit (Ecc 12:7); but "how few, by reason of the outward mortality to which man is as liable as the beast and w...

Not doubt of the destination of man's spirit (Ecc 12:7); but "how few, by reason of the outward mortality to which man is as liable as the beast and which is the ground of the skeptic's argument, comprehend the wide difference between man and the beast" (Isa 53:1). The Hebrew expresses the difference strongly, "The spirit of man that ascends, it belongeth to on high; but the spirit of the beast that descends, it belongeth to below, even to the earth." Their destinations and proper element differ utterly [WEISS].

Clarke: Ecc 3:21 - -- Who knoweth the spirit of man - I think the meaning of this important verse is well taken by the above able writer: - The nobler part of man, ‘...

Who knoweth the spirit of man - I think the meaning of this important verse is well taken by the above able writer: -

The nobler part of man, ‘ tis true, survive

The frail corporeal frame: but who regard

The difference? Those who live like beasts, as suc

Would die, and be no more, if their own fat

Depended on themselves. Who once reflects

Amidst his revels, that the human soul

Of origin celestial, mounts aloft

While that of brutes to earth shall downward go?

The word רוח ruach , which is used in this and the nineteenth verse, has two significations, breath and spirit. It signifies spirit, or an incorporeal substance, as distinguished from flesh, or a corporeal one, 1Ki 22:21, 1Ki 22:22, and Isa 31:3. And it signifies the spirit or soul of man, Psa 31:6; Isa 57:16, and in this book, Ecc 12:7, and in many other places. In this book it is used also to signify the breath, spirit, or soul of a beast. While it was said in verse 19, they have all one breath, i.e., the man and the beast live the same kind of animal life; in this verse, a proper distinction is made between the רוח ruach , or soul of man, and the רוח ruach , or soul of the beast: the one goeth upwards, the other goeth downwards. The literal translation of these important words is this: "Who considereth the רוח ruach ) immortal spirit of the sons of Adam, which ascendeth? it is from above; ( היא למעלה hi lemalah ); and the spirit or breath of the cattle which descendeth? it is downwards unto the earth,"i.e., it tends to the earth only. This place gives no countenance to the materiality of the soul; and yet it is the strongest hold to which the cold and fruitless materialist can resort

Solomon most evidently makes an essential difference between the human soul and that of brutes. Both have souls, but of different natures: the soul of man was made for God, and to God it shall return: God is its portion, and when a holy soul leaves the body, it goes to paradise. The soul of the beast was made to derive its happiness from this lower world. Brutes shall have a resurrection, and have an endless enjoyment in a new earth. The body of man shall arise, and join his soul that is already above; and both enjoy final blessedness in the fruition of God. That Solomon did not believe they had the same kind of spirit, and the same final lot, as some materialists and infidels say, is evident from Ecc 12:7 : "The spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

Defender: Ecc 3:21 - -- "Spirit" is the same word as "breath;" in this sense, both men and beasts have "spirit," but the breathing apparatus ceases to function at death. "Spi...

"Spirit" is the same word as "breath;" in this sense, both men and beasts have "spirit," but the breathing apparatus ceases to function at death. "Spirit" may also refer to that aspect of man which communicates with God's Spirit, and which returns to God at death (Ecc 12:7). Animals do not have this."

TSK: Ecc 3:21 - -- knoweth : Ecc 12:7; Luk 16:22, Luk 16:23; Joh 14:3; Act 1:25; 2Co 5:1, 2Co 5:8; Phi 1:23 of man that goeth upward : Heb. of the sons of man that is as...

knoweth : Ecc 12:7; Luk 16:22, Luk 16:23; Joh 14:3; Act 1:25; 2Co 5:1, 2Co 5:8; Phi 1:23

of man that goeth upward : Heb. of the sons of man that is ascending

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Ecc 3:16-22 - -- That great anomaly in the moral government of this world, the seemingly unequal distribution of rewards and punishments, will be rectified by God, w...

That great anomaly in the moral government of this world, the seemingly unequal distribution of rewards and punishments, will be rectified by God, who has future times and events under His control Ecc 3:16-17. As for people, they are placed by God, who is their teacher, in a humble condition, even on a level with inferior animals, by death, that great instance of their subjection to vanity Ecc 3:18-19, which reduces to its original form all that was made of the dust of the ground Ecc 3:20. And though the destinies of man and beast are different, yet in our present lack of knowledge as to God’ s future dealing with our spirits Ecc 3:21, man finds his portion (see the Ecc 2:10 note) in such labor and such joy as God assigns to him in his lifetime Ecc 3:22.

Ecc 3:16

I saw ... - Rather, I have seen (as in Ecc 3:10) under the sun the place etc. The place of judgment means the seat of the authorized judge. Compare "the place of the holy"Ecc 8:10.

Ecc 3:17

A time there - i. e., a time with God.

Ecc 3:18

literally, I said in my heart with regard to the sons of men, it is that God may prove them and show them that they are beasts, they themselves. "Showing"is the reading of the Septuagint and Syriac: the present Hebrew text reads "seeing."The meaning is that the long delay of God’ s judgment Ecc 3:16-17 is calculated to show people that the brevity of their life renders them incapable of following out and understanding His distributive justice.

Ecc 3:19

That which befalleth the sons of men - literally, the event (happenstance) of the sons of men, i. e., what comes upon them from outside, by virtue of the ordinance of God. See the Ecc 2:14 note. Death in particular Ecc 3:2, Ecc 3:11 is a part of the "work that God doeth."

Ecc 3:21

The King James Version of this verse is the only rendering which the Hebrew text, as now pointed, allows. It is in accordance with the best Jewish and many modern interpreters. A slightly different pointing would be requisite to authorize the translation, "Who knows the spirit of the sons of man whether it goes above, and, the spirit of the beast whether it goes down below?"etc., which, though it seems neither necessary nor suitable, is sanctioned by the Septuagint and other versions and by some modern interpreters.

Who knoweth - This expression (used also in Ecc 2:19; Ecc 6:12) does not necessarily imply complete and absolute ignorance. In Psa 90:11, it is applied to what is partially understood: compare similar forms of expression in Pro 31:10; Psa 94:16; Isa 53:1. Moreover, it is evident from marginal references that Solomon did not doubt the future existence and destination of the soul. This verse can only be construed as a confession of much ignorance on the subject.

Ecc 3:22

What shall be after him - i. e., What shall become of the results of his work after he is dead. Compare Ecc 2:19; Ecc 6:12.

Poole: Ecc 3:21 - -- It might be objected, that the conditions of men and beasts are vastly differing, because man’ s spirit goeth upward to God, Ecc 12:7 , but the...

It might be objected, that the conditions of men and beasts are vastly differing, because man’ s spirit goeth upward to God, Ecc 12:7 , but the spirit of a beast goeth downward, together with its body, and perisheth with it. To this he answers, Who knoweth this ? which is not to be understood as if no man did know it, or as if the thing were utterly uncertain and unknown, for he knew it, and positively affirms it, Ecc 12:7 ; but that few know it; as the same manner of expression is understood, Pro 31:10 , Who can find ? Isa 53:1 , Who hath believed ? &c.; which note the scarcity or difficulty, but not the nullity or impossibility of the thing. Besides, he seems here to speak not so much of a speculative as of a practical knowledge, as such words are most commonly used. Who considers or regards this, or layeth it to heart? True it is, there is such a difference, which also is known and believed by wise and good men; but the generality of mankind never mind it; their hearts are wholly set upon this life, and upon present and sensible things, and they place all their hopes and happiness in them, and take no thought nor care for the things of the future and invisible world. And as to them with whom Solomon hath to do in this matter, the argument is strong and good, being, as logicians call it, an argument to the man; and there is no considerable difference between sensual men and beasts, because their affections are set upon the same objects, and both of them are partakers of the same sensual satisfactions, and subject to the same sensual pains and miseries, and their hopes and felicity perish together, to wit, at death, and therefore such men are no more happy than the beasts that perish. Others understand it thus, Who knoweth this ? to wit, by sense or experience, or merely by his own reason, or without the help of Divine revelation. But, with the leave of so many worthy interpreters, and with submission to better judgments, the former seems to be the truer sense.

Haydock: Ecc 3:21 - -- Who knoweth, &c., viz., experimentally; since no one in this life can see a spirit. But as to the spirits of the beasts, which is merely animal,...

Who knoweth, &c., viz., experimentally; since no one in this life can see a spirit. But as to the spirits of the beasts, which is merely animal, and becomes extinct by the death of the beast, who can tell the manner it acts so as to give life and motion, and by death to descend downward, that is, to be no more? (Challoner) ---

Few are able to prove that the soul of man is immortal rather that that of beasts, since the bodies of both are subject to the like inconveniences. The objection is answered [in] chap. xii. 7. (Calmet) ---

The difficulty of answering is intimated by "Who?" &c., Psalm xiv. 1. (Menochius)

Gill: Ecc 3:21 - -- Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward?.... There is indeed a difference between a man and a beast; though they have one breath, they have no...

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward?.... There is indeed a difference between a man and a beast; though they have one breath, they have not one spirit or soul; man has a rational and immortal soul, which, when he dies, goes upwards to God that gave it; to be judged by him, and disposed of by him, in its proper apartment, until the day of the resurrection of the body;

and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? when the beast dies, its spirit goes down to the earth, from whence it came, and is resolved into it, and is no more. But who is it that sees, or can see and know with the eyes of his body, the difference of these two spirits, or the ascent of the one, and the descent of the other?, Or who knows by the dint of reason, by the strength of his own understanding, without a divine revelation, that man has an immortal soul which goes upwards at death, when that of a beast goes downwards? No man, clearly and fully, as appears from the doubts and half faith of the wisest Heathens concerning it: or rather who knows and considers this difference between the spirit of a man and the spirit of a beast, and thinks within himself what a precious and immortal soul he has, and is concerned for the salvation of it? Very few; and hence it is they live and die like beasts, as they do. The Midrash interprets this of the souls of the righteous that go up to heaven, and of the souls of the wicked that go down to hell.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Ecc 3:21 Heb “the spirit of the sons of man.”

Geneva Bible: Ecc 3:21 Who ( k ) knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? ( k ) Meaning, that reason canno...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Ecc 3:1-22 - --1 By the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail.11 There is an excellency in God's works.16 But as for man, God shall judge his w...

MHCC: Ecc 3:16-22 - --Without the fear of the Lord, man is but vanity; set that aside, and judges will not use their power well. And there is another Judge that stands befo...

Matthew Henry: Ecc 3:16-22 - -- Solomon is still showing that every thing in this world, without piety and the fear of God, is vanity. Take away religion, and there is nothing valu...

Keil-Delitzsch: Ecc 3:21 - -- "Who knoweth with regard to the spirit of the children of men, whether it mounteth upward; and with regard to the spirit of a beast, whether it goet...

Constable: Ecc 2:18--6:10 - --B. General Observations 2:18-6:9 Thus far Solomon had reflected on the futility of all human endeavor ge...

Constable: Ecc 3:1--4:4 - --2. Labor and divine providence 3:1-4:3 In this section Solomon expressed his conviction that in view of God's incomprehensible workings all human toil...

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Commentary -- Other

Critics Ask: Ecc 3:21 ECCLESIASTES 3:20-21 —If there is life after death, why does Solomon declare that man has no advantage over the beasts? PROBLEM: The Bible teac...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Ecclesiastes (Book Introduction) The Hebrew title is Koheleth, which the speaker in it applies to himself (Ecc 1:12), "I, Koheleth, was king over Israel." It means an Assembler or Con...

JFB: Ecclesiastes (Outline) INTRODUCTION. (Ecc. 1:1-18)

TSK: Ecclesiastes 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Ecc 3:1, By the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail; Ecc 3:11, There is an excellency in God’s works; Ecc 3:16,...

Poole: Ecclesiastes 3 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 3 Every thing hath its time; in which, to enjoy it, and therewith do good to others, is our good, Ecc 3:1-13 . God doth all according to hi...

MHCC: Ecclesiastes (Book Introduction) The name of this book signifies " The Preacher." The wisdom of God here preaches to us, speaking by Solomon, who it is evident was the author. At the...

MHCC: Ecclesiastes 3 (Chapter Introduction) (Ecc 3:1-10) The changes of human affairs. (Ecc 3:11-15) The Divine counsels unchangeable. (Ecc 3:16-22) The vanity of worldly power.

Matthew Henry: Ecclesiastes (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Book of Ecclesiastes We are still among Solomon's happy men, his happy servants, that stood contin...

Matthew Henry: Ecclesiastes 3 (Chapter Introduction) Solomon having shown the vanity of studies, pleasures, and business, and made it to appear that happiness is not to be found in the schools of the ...

Constable: Ecclesiastes (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The title of this book in the Hebrew text is all of verse 1. The Se...

Constable: Ecclesiastes (Outline)

Constable: Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes Bibliography Archer, Gleason L., Jr. "The Linguistic Evidence for the Date of Ecclesiastes'." Jour...

Haydock: Ecclesiastes (Book Introduction) ECCLESIASTES. INTRODUCTION. This Book is called Ecclesiastes, or the preacher, (in Hebrew, Coheleth ) because in it Solomon, as an excelle...

Gill: Ecclesiastes (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES This book has been universally received into the canon of the Scriptures, by Jews and Christians. The former, indeed, ...

Gill: Ecclesiastes 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 3 The general design of this chapter is to confirm what is before observed, the vanity and inconstancy of all things; ...

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