King James Version
Ecclesiastes 12:7 in the King James Version says “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7 · KJV
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
Or ever the silver cord be loosed , or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. moreover: or, the more wise the preacher was, etc
KJV Study — Public Domain
“return”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“as it was and the spirit”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
“return”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“unto God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“who gave”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
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.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 12:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge