Ecclesiastes 3:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I know that there is nothing better for them to do than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live.

Berean Standard Bible:

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,

American Standard Version:

I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I know^{H3045} that there is no good^{H2896} in them, but for a man to rejoice^{H8055}, and to do^{H6213} good^{H2896} in his life^{H2416}.

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Commentary for Ecclesiastes 3:12

Ecclesiastes 3:12, which reads, "I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life," is part of the larger passage in Ecclesiastes 3 that contemplates the nature of time and human activity within the divine order. The book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, is a philosophical reflection on the meaning of life and the best way to live in a world that often seems transient and unpredictable.

In verse 12, the Preacher (or Teacher), the narrator of Ecclesiastes, is likely reflecting on the fleeting nature of life's pursuits, acknowledging that many human endeavors are ultimately futile or unsatisfying when considered apart from God. The phrase "no good in them" suggests a recognition of the vanity or emptiness of worldly pursuits. However, the verse then shifts to a more positive note, emphasizing that humans can still find joy and meaning by doing good during their lifetimes.

The historical context of this verse is the period of Jewish history after the establishment of the monarchy and during a time of relative stability and prosperity. Solomon's reign, traditionally considered the author's, was marked by great wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Despite these achievements, the teachings in Ecclesiastes reflect a deep philosophical inquiry into the purpose of life beyond material success.

The themes of Ecclesiastes 3:12 include the vanity of worldly pursuits, the importance of joy, and the significance of moral action. The verse encourages a life of goodness and rejoicing as a meaningful response to the ephemeral nature of human existence. It suggests that true value in life comes not from accumulating wealth or pursuing pleasure for its own sake, but from seeking joy in the present moment and doing good deeds that endure beyond one's lifetime. This aligns with the broader wisdom tradition in the Hebrew Bible, which emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom, justice, and righteous living as central to a well-lived life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3045
   There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָדַע
   Transliteration: yâdaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
   Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2896
   There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טוֹב
   Transliteration: ṭôwb
   Pronunciation: tobe
   Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).
   
3. Strong's Number: H8055
   There are 145 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂמַח
   Transliteration: sâmach
   Pronunciation: saw-makh'
   Description: a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome; cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2416
   There are 452 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חַי
   Transliteration: chay
   Pronunciation: khah'-ee
   Description: from חָיָה; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively; [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.