Ecclesiastes 7:20

KJV

For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there is not a just {H6662} man {H120} upon earth {H776}, that doeth {H6213} good {H2896}, and sinneth {H2398} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

For there isn't a righteous person on earth who does [only] good and never sins.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

American Standard Version

Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:20 articulates a foundational and sobering truth about the human condition: no individual, regardless of their moral aspirations or diligent efforts to do good, is entirely free from sin. This verse from Qoheleth, the Preacher, serves as a stark reminder of humanity's pervasive imperfection and inherent moral failing, underscoring that even those who earnestly strive for righteousness are inevitably subject to shortcomings and cannot achieve perfect sinlessness through their own endeavors. It establishes a realistic, even somber, assessment of human capabilities and highlights the intrinsic limitations of humanity "under the sun," setting the stage for the book's ultimate conclusion regarding humanity's proper posture before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7:20 is strategically placed within a broader discourse (chapters 7-8) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, deeply explores the complexities of wisdom, folly, righteousness, and the often paradoxical realities of life. This specific verse follows a series of reflections on the elusive nature of true wisdom and the difficulty of finding truly upright individuals, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 7:16-19](/ecclesiastes/7-16-19 "Ecclesiastes 7:16-19 - The Limits of Righteousness"), which cautions against excessive righteousness or wisdom. The Preacher consistently contrasts an ideal, theoretical wisdom with the practical, often frustrating, realities of a fallen world. In this context, Ecclesiastes 7:20 functions as a crucial, realistic assessment of humanity's moral state, reinforcing the overarching theme of the limitations of human striving and knowledge "under the sun," and implicitly pointing to the futility of seeking perfect righteousness through human effort alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, situating its historical backdrop in ancient Israel during the period of the united monarchy (10th century BCE). While scholarly debates exist regarding its precise authorship and dating, the philosophical inquiries align with the robust wisdom traditions prevalent throughout the ancient Near East. The cultural milieu was one where moral rectitude and diligent adherence to God's covenant law were highly esteemed. Within the framework of the Mosaic covenant, the concept of "sin" (Hebrew: *châṭâʼ*, meaning "to miss the mark") was well-understood, implying a deviation from divine commands. This verse, therefore, offers a profound, almost counter-cultural, observation within such a society: even amidst a culture striving for righteousness, a universal failure to meet God's absolute standard is an inevitable reality for all humanity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several core themes within Ecclesiastes and the broader sweep of biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically asserts the **universal sinfulness** of humanity, a truth echoed consistently throughout the Scriptures, notably in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). It declares that no human being, irrespective of their intentions, moral character, or outward actions, can live a life entirely devoid of moral imperfection. Secondly, it powerfully underscores **human imperfection and limitation**, reinforcing the Preacher's recurring motif that much of life "under the sun" is "hebel" (often translated "vanity" or "futility") precisely because human efforts are inherently finite and ultimately incapable of achieving ultimate perfection or lasting satisfaction. This verse implicitly prepares the reader for the book's concluding exhortation to "fear God and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear God and Keep His Commandments")), acknowledging the profound need for divine grace in light of humanity's pervasive inadequacy. It subtly anticipates the later biblical revelation of a divine, rather than human, solution to humanity's universal sin problem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **just (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** (H6662) Derived from a root meaning "to be firm" or "to be right," this term describes someone who is righteous, innocent, or lawful. It refers to a person who genuinely strives to live in accordance with God's standards and moral principles. The profound impact of the verse lies in its assertion that even such a "just" or righteous individual is not exempt from the reality of sin.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** (H120) From the root meaning "ruddy," this term refers to a human being, an individual, or humanity as a species. In this context, its use emphasizes the universality of the statement – it applies to every person, without exception, highlighting the shared human condition of moral fallibility across all people groups and times.
* **sinneth (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** (H2398) A primitive root meaning "to miss," "to miss the mark," or "to err." Figuratively and broadly, it means "to sin." This term encompasses not only overt transgressions but also any deviation from God's perfect standard, whether in thought, word, or deed, including unintentional errors. The emphatic negation ("sinneth not") underscores the absolute impossibility of any human being living a life entirely free from such moral "misses."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there is not a just man upon earth":** This opening clause immediately establishes the verse's challenging premise, dismantling any notion of human perfectibility or absolute righteousness. It asserts that among all humanity, there exists no individual who is entirely righteous in an absolute sense, completely free from moral blemish or failing. The phrase "upon earth" serves to universalize the statement, applying it to all people in all places and at all times, emphasizing the global and timeless nature of this human condition.
* **"that doeth good, and sinneth not.":** This second clause elaborates on the nature of this universal imperfection. Even a person who consistently "doeth good" (Hebrew: *ʻâsâh ṭôwb*)—who acts righteously, performs virtuous deeds, and earnestly strives to live according to God's will—is still inherently incapable of living a life completely devoid of sin. The conjunction "and" links the positive action of doing good with the negative reality of sin, indicating that these two are not mutually exclusive in the human experience. This is a profound statement about the inherent fallenness of human nature, where even the noblest intentions and most commendable actions are still, in some measure, tainted by imperfection and fall short of God's perfect standard.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:20 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and often uncomfortable message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, used not for mere exaggeration but to make an emphatic, universal statement about the human condition. By declaring "there is not a just man upon earth... that sinneth not," the Preacher utilizes an absolute negation to underscore the pervasive and inescapable reality of sin for all humanity. This universal claim is further reinforced by **Antithesis**, which starkly contrasts the ideal of a "just man" who "doeth good" with the inescapable reality that such a person "sinneth." This juxtaposition highlights the inherent tension and paradox within human nature—the innate desire and capacity for good, yet the undeniable and persistent propensity for moral failure. Furthermore, the verse functions as a piece of **Didacticism**, serving as a direct teaching or instruction about a fundamental truth of existence, guiding the reader towards a realistic understanding of human limitations and the profound need for humility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:20 stands as a cornerstone verse for comprehending the biblical doctrine of universal sinfulness. It articulates a truth that resonates throughout both the Old and New Testaments: humanity, in its fallen state, is fundamentally incapable of achieving perfect righteousness through its own efforts or good deeds. This isn't merely about committing overt acts of transgression, but about an inherent moral imperfection that falls short of God's absolute and holy standard. This profound theological insight lays crucial groundwork for understanding the indispensable necessity of divine grace and the provision of a Savior, as it unequivocally demonstrates that salvation cannot be earned through human merit or adherence to the law alone. It highlights the depth and universality of the human problem, a predicament so profound that only a divine solution can adequately address it.

* [1 Kings 8:46](/1_kings/8-46 "1 Kings 8:46 - Solomon's Prayer on Universal Sin")
* [Psalm 14:3](/psalms/14-3 "Psalm 14:3 - None Who Does Good")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 7:20 serves as a powerful and much-needed call to humility and a sober, realistic assessment of our own capabilities. In a world that often promotes self-sufficiency, moral perfection through human effort, and even self-deification, this verse stands as a stark reminder that even our best intentions, most diligent efforts, and most commendable actions are, in some measure, tainted by our fallen nature. It acts as a vital safeguard against self-righteousness, preventing us from judging others harshly while overlooking our own persistent flaws. Recognizing that "there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not" fosters profound empathy and compassion for fellow human beings, as we understand that everyone, without exception, struggles with the same universal propensity to miss the mark. This truth should not drive us to despair or apathy, but rather to a deeper, more profound reliance on God's boundless mercy and transforming grace. It compels us to acknowledge our constant need for forgiveness, divine intervention, and ongoing spiritual transformation. Ultimately, it encourages a lifelong posture of humble repentance, seeking to align our lives more closely with God's perfect will, not out of a misguided belief that we can achieve absolute sinlessness, but out of profound gratitude for the grace that mercifully covers our inevitable failings and empowers us to grow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Ecclesiastes 7:20 challenge your natural inclination towards self-reliance or self-righteousness in your spiritual walk?**
* **In what specific ways does recognizing your own ongoing propensity to sin foster greater humility and compassion towards others, especially those who struggle visibly?**
* **If no one is perfectly righteous in God's sight, what implications does this profound truth have for how we view our spiritual growth, our pursuit of holiness, and our ultimate dependence on God for salvation and sanctification?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that doing good is pointless if everyone sins anyway?**

Answer: Not at all. Ecclesiastes 7:20 does not negate the intrinsic value or importance of doing good; rather, it provides a realistic and biblically grounded assessment of human capacity. The Preacher, Qoheleth, consistently encourages wisdom, diligence, and righteous living throughout the book, culminating in the exhortation to "fear God, and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear God and Keep His Commandments")). The core point of this verse is that even the most dedicated and sincere pursuit of good cannot result in absolute, perfect sinlessness in God's eyes. Doing good is still commanded, beneficial, and a proper response to God's grace, but it does not earn salvation or render one perfectly righteous before a holy God. Instead, the verse highlights the desperate need for a different kind of righteousness, one that originates from outside of ourselves.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's justice?**

Answer: This verse profoundly underscores the absolute nature of God's justice and His perfect holiness, which inherently demand perfect righteousness from humanity. Since Ecclesiastes 7:20 unequivocally states that no human being can meet this perfect standard, it reveals the utter impossibility of being justified or declared righteous by works alone. God's justice is not compromised by human sinfulness; instead, humanity's pervasive sinfulness, as articulated here, highlights the desperate and urgent need for a divine provision for sin. It sets the theological stage for understanding how God, in His infinite wisdom, can be both perfectly just and simultaneously the justifier of those who place their faith in Him ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and Justifies")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:20, with its stark and universal declaration of human sinfulness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Preacher laments the pervasive reality that "there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not," the New Testament reveals the singular exception to this universal rule: Jesus Christ. He is the only human being who ever lived a life of perfect righteousness, entirely without sin, fulfilling the Law perfectly in every thought, word, and deed ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest") and [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). This sinless perfection was not merely an ethical achievement; it was absolutely essential for His role as the spotless Lamb of God, whose substitutionary sacrifice alone could atone for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Because humanity, by its very nature, cannot produce a "just man" who "sinneth not," God, in His infinite wisdom, mercy, and love, provided the perfectly just and sinless Son to bear the penalty for our universal unrighteousness. Thus, the profound truth of Ecclesiastes 7:20 points directly to the indispensable necessity of Christ's perfect life and atoning death as the only means by which humanity can be reconciled to a holy God and declared righteous, not by their own merit, but by grace through faith in Him ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Righteousness Through Christ")).

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

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

1 Kings 8:46

If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Proverbs 20:9

¶ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?