King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 7:20 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 7:20 in the King James Version says “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”

Ecclesiastes 7:20 · KJV

Context

18

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

20

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: take: Heb. give not thine heart

22

For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

Read Ecclesiastes 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse provides one of Scripture's clearest statements of universal human sinfulness: 'there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.' The Hebrew 'tsaddiq' (צַדִּיק, just/righteous man) refers to one who lives according to God's standards. Even such a person—the morally upright, covenant-faithful individual—inevitably sins. The phrase 'doeth good' (ya'aseh-tov, יַעֲשֶׂה־טּוֹב) emphasizes active righteousness, yet the conclusion is unambiguous: 'and sinneth not' (velo yecheta, וְלֹא יֶחֱטָא) applied universally means no human being perfectly avoids sin. This verse anticipates Romans 3:23 ('all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God') and 1 John 1:8 ('If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves'). It demolishes self-righteousness and drives readers toward dependence on divine mercy. The doctrine of universal sinfulness establishes the necessity of atonement—only Christ, the sinless one (Hebrews 4:15), could provide the righteousness humans cannot achieve.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon wrote this during Israel's monarchy when covenant obedience was understood as the path to blessing (Deuteronomy 28). Yet even in this context, wisdom literature acknowledged the gap between divine standards and human performance. Job wrestled with this (Job 9:2-3, 20), and the Psalms repeatedly confess sin and plead for mercy (Psalm 32, 51, 130). The sacrificial system itself testified to universal sinfulness—requiring daily offerings for inadvertent sins (Leviticus 4-5). Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature generally lacked this radical acknowledgment of human moral failure; pagan religion focused on ritual correctness rather than moral transformation. The post-exilic community, reflecting on exile as judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, deeply resonated with this verse. Early church fathers cited it against Pelagian claims of human moral perfection. The Reformation emphasized total depravity—not that humans are maximally evil, but that sin affects every aspect of human nature, making salvation by grace alone necessary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does acknowledging that even 'just' people inevitably sin protect you from both self-righteousness and despairing perfectionism?
  2. What areas of subtle sin in your life are you minimizing or excusing rather than honestly confessing to God and seeking transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֣י1 of 10
H3588

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

אָדָ֔ם2 of 10

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֵ֥ין3 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

צַדִּ֖יק4 of 10

“For there is not a just”

H6662

just

בָּאָ֑רֶץ5 of 10

“upon earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 10
H834

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

יַעֲשֶׂה7 of 10

“that doeth”

H6213

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

טּ֖וֹב8 of 10

“good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְלֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֶחֱטָֽא׃10 of 10

“and sinneth”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

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 7:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 3:23Isaiah 53:61 John 1:8-10James 3:21 Kings 8:46Proverbs 20:9

Test Your Knowledge

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