Ecclesiastes 7:20

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:20 is a profound statement from the Preacher, often identified with King Solomon, that cuts to the core of human nature: "For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." This verse serves as a stark reminder of humanity's universal imperfection and the pervasive reality of sin.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) that delves into the complexities of life, wisdom, folly, and the inherent limitations and contradictions of human existence "under the sun." The Preacher is exploring various aspects of wisdom and righteousness, often contrasting them with folly and evil. He acknowledges the difficulty of finding true wisdom and the widespread presence of injustice and moral failings. In this immediate context, the verse follows reflections on the rarity of truly righteous individuals and sets a realistic, even somber, tone about human capabilities.

Key Themes

  • Universal Sinfulness: The primary message is that no human being, regardless of their good intentions or actions, can live a life entirely free from sin. This highlights a fundamental biblical truth about the fallen nature of humanity.
  • Human Imperfection: It underscores the reality that even those who strive to "do good" are still subject to moral failures and shortcomings. Perfection is unattainable by human effort alone.
  • A Foundation for Grace: While Ecclesiastes itself doesn't offer a direct solution, this verse lays crucial groundwork for later biblical revelation that emphasizes the need for divine grace and a Savior. If no one is without sin, then salvation cannot come through human merit.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "just man" is tsaddiq (ืฆึทื“ึผึดื™ืง), which means righteous or innocent. The phrase "sinneth not" uses the verb chata (ื—ึธื˜ึธื), meaning "to miss the mark" or "to err." The construction of the verse is an emphatic negation, asserting unequivocally that there is no one who is both righteous and entirely without error or sin. This isn't just about committing egregious acts, but about the inherent inability to consistently meet God's perfect standard.

Related Scriptures

This truth about universal sinfulness is echoed throughout Scripture, providing a consistent theological thread:

  • 1 Kings 8:46: "For there is no man that sinneth not..." (Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple).
  • Psalm 14:3: "They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
  • Proverbs 20:9: "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?"
  • Romans 3:10: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."
  • 1 John 1:8: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 7:20 has several significant implications for daily life:

  • Humility: It fosters humility, reminding us that we are all flawed and dependent on God's mercy rather than our own efforts. It guards against self-righteousness.
  • Compassion: Understanding that everyone struggles with sin can lead to greater empathy and less judgment towards others.
  • Reliance on God: This verse implicitly points to the need for a solution beyond human capability. It highlights why the perfect righteousness of Christ is essential for salvation, as He is the only one who truly "sinned not" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • Continuous Growth: Recognizing our ongoing propensity to sin encourages a lifelong pursuit of repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual growth in Christ.
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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

    ยถ 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

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