Ecclesiastes 3:21

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

King James Version
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Other Translations for Ecclesiastes 3:21

BSB
Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal descends into the earth?
AKJV
Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?
CPDV
Who knows if the spirit of the sons of Adam ascend upward, and if the spirit of the beasts descend downward?
ERV
Who knoweth the spirit of man whether it goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast whether it goeth downward to the earth?
NHEB
Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?"
SMT
Who shall know the spirit of the sons of man? it ascending to above, and the spirit of cattle, it going downwards to the earth.

Commentary for Ecclesiastes 3:21

Please note: this is not Scripture

These study resources are provided for informational purposes only. They reflect human interpretation, are subject to human error, and should not be considered divinely inspired or authoritative.

Barnes’ Notes Classic commentary from Albert Barnes Matthew Henry Commentary Classic commentary from Matthew Henry
Overview of Ecclesiastes 3:21
Summary
No one knows whether spirit ascends or descends after death.
Event
Questioning the afterlife
Estimated Time Period
c. 450 BC
Category
Lament