King James Version
Ecclesiastes 3:20 in the King James Version says “All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.”
Ecclesiastes 3:20 · KJV
I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. that God: or, that they might clear God, and see, etc
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? of man: Heb. of the sons of man goeth upward: Heb. is ascending, etc
Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“All go”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
“place”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“again”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge