Ecclesiastes 9:3

This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.

This is an evil {H7451} among all things that are done {H6213} under the sun {H8121}, that there is one {H259} event {H4745} unto all: yea, also the heart {H3820} of the sons {H1121} of men {H120} is full {H4390} of evil {H7451}, and madness {H1947} is in their heart {H3824} while they live {H2416}, and after {H310} that they go to the dead {H4191}.

This is another evil among all those done under the sun, that the same events can occur to anyone. Truly, the human mind is full of evil; and as long as people live, folly is in their hearts; after which they go to be with the dead.

This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.

This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:3 presents a stark reflection on the human condition, particularly from the perspective of "the Preacher" (Koheleth) who observes life "under the sun"—meaning, life as experienced empirically on earth, often without immediate divine intervention or an explicit eternal horizon. This verse encapsulates a pessimistic view of universal mortality and inherent human depravity.

Context

This verse continues a somber theme introduced in Ecclesiastes 9:2, where the Preacher laments that the same fate—death—awaits all people, whether righteous or wicked, clean or unclean. This perceived lack of distinction in earthly outcomes is what the Preacher considers an "evil" or grievous aspect of life. It challenges the idea that virtue is always rewarded and wickedness punished in this life, leading to a sense of futility when viewed solely from an earthly perspective.

Key Themes

  • Universal Mortality: The central observation is that "there is one event unto all." This "one event" is unequivocally death, the ultimate equalizer. No matter one's status, wealth, wisdom, or moral standing, all humanity faces the same inevitable end. This theme underscores the transient nature of earthly life and possessions.
  • Human Depravity and Folly: The verse powerfully states that "the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live." This highlights the biblical concept of inherent sinfulness and irrationality in humanity. Despite the clear reality of death, people often live as if they are immortal, indulging in selfish pursuits and foolish choices, which the Preacher labels as "madness." This aligns with other biblical accounts of the deceitfulness of the human heart and the universal nature of sin (Romans 3:23).
  • Futility "Under the Sun": For the Preacher, this universal end makes much of human striving and achievement seem pointless if there is no greater purpose or consequence beyond death. The recurring phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: tachat hashamesh) defines the limited, earthly viewpoint from which these observations are made, emphasizing the vanity (Hebrew: hevel) of life without an eternal perspective.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Evil" (Hebrew: ra'): While often meaning morally bad, here ra' can also denote something calamitous, grievous, or distressing. The "evil" is not necessarily a moral failing of God, but the harsh, perceived injustice or sorrow that all, good or bad, face the same physical end.
  • "Under the sun" (Hebrew: tachat hashamesh): This signature phrase of Ecclesiastes limits the scope of the Preacher's observations to earthly life, its experiences, and its outcomes, often without direct reference to divine judgment or an afterlife, which is crucial for understanding the book's often pessimistic tone.
  • "Madness" (Hebrew: holelut): This term signifies folly, senselessness, or irrationality. It describes the absurd way people live, often oblivious to their mortality or the consequences of their actions, despite the certainty of death.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 9:3 serves as a profound reminder of our mortality and the brevity of life. It compels us to:

  1. Examine Our Priorities: If death is the common end for all, what are we truly living for? The verse challenges us to consider if our pursuits are focused on fleeting earthly gains or on eternal values.
  2. Acknowledge Human Nature: It underscores the biblical truth of humanity's fallen state and the inherent inclination towards "evil and madness." This realization should lead us to humility and a recognition of our need for divine grace and guidance.
  3. Seek Beyond "Under the Sun": While the Preacher's observations are grounded in earthly reality, the Christian perspective finds hope and purpose beyond the grave through Christ's resurrection. This verse implicitly points to the need for a Savior who has conquered death and offers true, lasting meaning and life eternal. Understanding that "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27) adds a crucial dimension to the Preacher's lament.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 17:9

    The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

  • Ecclesiastes 8:11

    Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:17

    And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

  • Romans 1:29

    Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

  • Romans 1:31

    Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:2

    All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.