Ecclesiastes 3:14

KJV

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

I know {H3045} that, whatsoever God {H430} doeth {H6213}, it shall be for ever {H5769}: nothing {H369} can be put {H3254} to it, nor any thing taken {H1639} from it: and God {H430} doeth {H6213} it, that men should fear {H3372} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

I know that whatever God does will last forever; there is nothing to add or subtract from it; and God has done it so that people will fear him.

Berean Standard Bible

I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.

American Standard Version

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:14 presents a profound theological declaration from the Preacher, affirming the eternal, immutable, and perfect nature of God's actions. Unlike the transient and often frustrating cycles of human experience detailed earlier in the chapter, God's work stands as a fixed reality, incapable of human alteration or improvement. This unchangeable divine activity serves a singular, ultimate purpose: to inspire a reverential fear and awe in humanity, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and wisdom amidst the fleeting realities of life under the sun.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 3:14 follows the iconic poem in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - A Time for Everything"), which meticulously outlines the divinely appointed "times" and "seasons" for every human endeavor and experience. This preceding passage highlights the cyclical, often paradoxical, and ultimately uncontrollable nature of life from a human perspective. The Preacher then grapples with the meaning of human labor and suffering in [Ecclesiastes 3:9-13](/ecclesiastes/3-9 "Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 - The Futility of Toil"). Verse 14 marks a significant shift from the *vanity* and transience of human pursuits to the *permanence* and purpose of divine action. It offers a theological anchor, grounding the fleeting human experience in the unshakeable reality of God's eternal work, providing a crucial counterpoint to the pervasive sense of futility that often characterizes the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon, though many scholars place its composition much later, during the Persian or Hellenistic periods (4th-3rd centuries BCE). Regardless of the exact date, the book reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, which sought to understand life's complexities through observation, experience, and divine revelation. The concept of "fear of the Lord" was a cornerstone of this wisdom, seen as the foundation of true knowledge and righteous living, as articulated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). The cultural milieu was one where divine sovereignty was acknowledged, yet the human experience of suffering, injustice, and the apparent randomness of events often challenged this belief. The Preacher's wrestling with these realities provides a deeply human and relatable perspective within a monotheistic framework.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and immutability of God**, contrasting divine permanence with human transience. While human efforts are often "vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")), God's work endures "for ever." Secondly, it introduces the theme of **divine purpose**, asserting that God's actions are not arbitrary but designed to elicit a specific response from humanity—the "fear of God." This fear is not terror but profound reverence and awe, recognizing God's ultimate authority and wisdom. Lastly, it subtly addresses the theme of **human limitation**, emphasizing that humanity cannot "add to" or "take from" God's perfect work, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom lies in acknowledging one's place before an all-wise and all-powerful Creator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This word signifies more than mere intellectual awareness; it implies deep, experiential knowledge and understanding. The Preacher's declaration "I know" suggests a settled conviction arrived at through observation and reflection, a certainty about God's nature and actions. It implies a recognition that is comprehensive and assured.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** (H5769) This term denotes eternity, perpetuity, or enduring time, often referring to a vanishing point in time (past or future) that extends indefinitely. When applied to God's work, it emphasizes its timelessness, its unchangeable nature, and its enduring impact, standing in stark contrast to the fleeting and temporary nature of human life and achievements described elsewhere in Ecclesiastes.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3372) This is a primitive root meaning "to fear," but morally it implies to "revere" or "be afraid." In the context of wisdom literature, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, respect, and humble submission to God's authority, wisdom, and majesty. It is the appropriate human response to God's immense power, holiness, and sovereignty, leading to obedience and worship rather than mere terror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:"** The Preacher begins with a confident assertion, "I know," indicating a firm conviction based on observation and revelation. The phrase "whatsoever God doeth" encompasses all of God's works, decrees, and providential acts. The core declaration is that these divine actions possess an eternal quality; they are not temporary or subject to decay like human endeavors, but endure perpetually.
* **"nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it:"** This clause emphasizes the absolute perfection and completeness of God's work. It is beyond human improvement or alteration. No human effort can add to its perfection, nor can any human power diminish its efficacy or completeness. This highlights God's self-sufficiency and the unalterable nature of His divine plan.
* **"and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him."** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose behind God's eternal and unchangeable work. The divine intention is not merely to display power, but to evoke a specific, appropriate human response: "fear before him." This "fear" is not cowering dread but a profound reverence, awe, and humble recognition of God's sovereignty, wisdom, and majesty. It is the proper posture of humanity in the presence of the unchanging, perfect Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:14 employs several potent literary devices. The verse opens with a strong **Assertion** ("I know that"), conveying the Preacher's conviction and establishing a foundational truth. This assertion is followed by a powerful **Contrast** between the transient nature of human life (implied from previous verses) and the eternal, immutable character of God's work. The phrases "nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it" serve as a form of **Merism**, expressing totality by combining two opposing parts (adding and taking away), thereby emphasizing the absolute completeness and perfection of God's actions. Finally, the concluding clause, "that [men] should fear before him," functions as a **Purpose Clause**, clearly stating the divine intention behind God's unalterable works, guiding the reader toward a proper theological response. The overall tone is **Didactic**, instructing the audience about fundamental truths concerning God and humanity's relationship to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:14 serves as a theological bedrock, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and the unchangeable nature of His works. This truth offers profound stability amidst the "vanity" and unpredictability of life under the sun, a central theme in Ecclesiastes. It underscores that while human plans and achievements are fleeting, God's purposes are eternal and cannot be thwarted or improved upon by human intervention. This divine immutability provides a secure foundation for faith and trust, reminding humanity that ultimate meaning and order derive from God's perfect and enduring will, not from human effort or understanding. The resulting "fear of God" is presented not as a burden, but as the proper, wise, and liberating response to such an awesome and unchangeable Creator.

* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God, the Father of Lights, Does Not Change")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that God's work is eternal, perfect, and unalterable—that nothing can be added to it or taken from it—provides immense comfort and a call to profound humility. In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and often a frantic pursuit of control, this verse reminds us that true stability and peace are found not in our fleeting efforts or attempts to manipulate outcomes, but in resting in God's sovereign and unchanging plan. It calls us to relinquish our anxieties about perfecting our lives or fixing the world on our own terms, and instead to cultivate a posture of reverent submission and trust. Recognizing God's flawless wisdom and eternal decrees should inspire worship and obedience, freeing us from the burden of self-sufficiency and inviting us into a deeper relationship with the One who is truly in control.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's work bring comfort or challenge to your own understanding of life's uncertainties?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be trying to "add to" or "take from" God's perfect design, rather than trusting His sovereignty?**
* **What does "fearing God" mean to you personally, and how can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the absolute perfection, completeness, and immutability of God's work. It means that God's actions, decrees, and providential plans are flawless and self-sufficient. They do not require human improvement or addition, nor can they be diminished, altered, or thwarted by human power or wisdom. God's work is eternally settled and perfectly executed, standing in stark contrast to human endeavors which are often imperfect, temporary, and subject to failure or change. This truth underscores God's ultimate sovereignty and the futility of human attempts to manipulate or control divine purposes.

**Why is the ultimate purpose of God's work that people should "fear before him"?**

Answer: The "fear" mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:14 (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_) is not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's authority and majesty. It is the appropriate human response to recognizing God's eternal, unchangeable, and perfect work. This reverential fear is consistently presented in biblical wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"), as the very beginning of true knowledge and wisdom. It leads to humility, obedience, and worship, acknowledging God's rightful place as Creator and Sovereign over all things. It is a liberating fear that frees humanity from striving to control what only God can govern.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 3:14, with its declaration of God's eternal and unalterable work, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "whatsoever God doeth" culminates in the redemptive plan accomplished through Christ. His atoning sacrifice on the cross is the perfect, finished work of God, to which "nothing can be put... nor any thing taken from it" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, Christ's single offering perfected those who are being sanctified for all time ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the immutability of God's work is mirrored in Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). The divine purpose that humanity should "fear before him" is now directed toward Christ, who is God incarnate. As the Son, He is worthy of all reverence and worship, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Through Christ, we not only understand God's eternal plan but are invited into it, finding peace and purpose in His completed work and living in reverent awe of the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Psalms 33:11

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

Acts 5:39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Proverbs 30:6

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.