King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 3:14 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 3:14 in the King James Version says “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God ...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.”

Ecclesiastes 3:14 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

12

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

13

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

15

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. that which is past: Heb. that which is driven away

16

And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After describing times and seasons (3:1-8), the Preacher affirms divine sovereignty: 'I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.' The phrase 'whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever' (kol-asher ya'aseh ha'Elohim hu yihyeh le'olam, כָּל־אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה הָאֱלֹהִים הוּא יִהְיֶה לְעוֹלָם) affirms God's works are eternal, permanent, unchangeable. The parallel phrases 'nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it' emphasize God's work cannot be improved or diminished. The purpose: 'that men should fear before him'—recognizing God's sovereignty should produce reverent awe. This verse provides theological grounding for the book: though human works are temporary, God's works endure. Believers find security in God's unchanging purposes, not shifting circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse echoes covenant theology throughout Scripture. God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18), His promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), and the new covenant in Christ (Hebrews 13:20) are all eternal, unchangeable. Human kingdoms rise and fall; God's kingdom endures. The phrase 'that men should fear before him' recalls wisdom literature's central theme: 'the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10). Early church fathers emphasized God's immutability—He does not change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). The Reformers taught that God's eternal decree ensures the perseverance of the saints—what God begins, He completes (Philippians 1:6). Modern readers find comfort that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human failure or worldly opposition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does believing that 'whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever' provide stability amid life's changing circumstances?
  2. What does it mean to 'fear before God'—and how does recognizing His sovereign, unchangeable purposes produce this reverence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
יָדַ֗עְתִּי1 of 19

“I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֠י2 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָּל3 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֔ה5 of 19

“doeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים6 of 19

“from it and God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

ה֚וּא7 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִהְיֶ֣ה8 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְעוֹלָ֔ם9 of 19

“it shall be for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

עָלָיו֙10 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֵ֣ין11 of 19

“nothing”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְהוֹסִ֔יף12 of 19

“can be put”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

וּמִמֶּ֖נּוּ13 of 19
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֵ֣ין14 of 19

“nothing”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לִגְרֹ֑עַ15 of 19

“to it nor any thing taken”

H1639

to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold

וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים16 of 19

“from it and God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עָשָׂ֔ה17 of 19

“doeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שֶׁיִּֽרְא֖וּ18 of 19

“it that men should fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃19 of 19

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Study Guide

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 3:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:17Psalms 33:11Romans 11:36Acts 5:39Proverbs 30:6Titus 1:2

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