King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 12:14 Mean?

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Context

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. study: or, reading

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Let: or, The end of the matter, even all that hath been heard, is

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) Considering that the book is filled with complaints of the imperfection of earthly retribution, this announcement of a tribunal, at which “*every *work,” “every *secret *thing,” shall be brought into judgment, cannot be reasonably understood of anything but a judgment after this life; so that this book, after all its sceptical debatings, ends by enunciating, more distinctly than is done elsewhere in the Old Testament, the New Testament doctrine of a day when God shall judge the secrets of men (Romans 2:16), shall bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts (1Corinthians 4:5). **Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. **Bible Hub

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 12:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.