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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New International Version</a> I also said to myself, &#8220As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> I also thought about the human condition—how God proves to people that they are like animals. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I said to myself, “As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts.” <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New King James Version</a> I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I said to myself regarding the sons of mankind, “God is testing them in order for them to see that they are as animals, they to themselves.” <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> I said to myself concerning the sons of men, &#8220God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I said to myself concerning the sons of men, “God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts.” <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I said in my heart concerning the sons of men, “God is testing them in order for them to see that they are but beasts.” <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I said to myself regarding the sons of men, “God is surely testing them in order for them to see that [by themselves, without God] they are [only] animals.” <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I said to myself, “This happens so that God may test the children of Adam and they may see for themselves that they are like animals.” <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I said to myself, &#8220This happens concerning people, so that God may test them and they may see for themselves that they are like animals.&#8221 <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> I said in my heart, It is because of the sons of men, that God may prove them, and that they may see that they themselves are but as beasts. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I know God is testing us to show us that we are merely animals. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> I said in mine heart, It is because of the sons of men, that God may prove them, and that they may see that they themselves are but as beasts. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I thought to myself, "God is going to test humans in order to show them that they are [like] animals." <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> I decided that God is testing us, to show us that we are no better than animals. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> "As for human beings," I told myself, "God puts them to the test, that they might see themselves as mere animals." <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I said to myself, ?As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts.? <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a> I also thought to myself, "It is for the sake of people, so God can clearly show them that they are like animals. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I said in my heart, "As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I said in my heart concerning the state of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a> I said in my heart, “As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I said in my heart concerning the matter of the sons of man that God might cleanse them, so as to see that they themselves [are] beasts. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I said in my heart concerning the matter of the sons of man that God might cleanse them, so as to see that they themselves are beasts. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I said in my heart concerning the speeches of the sons of man, for God to separate them, and for them to see that they are cattle to themselves.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I said in my heart concerning the sons of men, that God would prove them, and shew them to be like beasts. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I said in my heart, about the sons of men, that God would test them, and reveal them to be like wild animals. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a> I said in my heart: As for human beings, it is God’s way of testing them and of showing that they are in themselves like beasts. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I said in my heart with regard to human beings that God is testing them to show that they are but animals.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I meditated in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men whom God had created, and saw that they are like beasts. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I spoke in my heart about the speech of the children men whom God created , and to show that they are as beasts<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> I said in my heart: 'It is because of the sons of men, that God may sift them, and that they may see that they themselves are but as beasts.' <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I said in my heart, concerning the speech of the sons of man, God will judge them, and that to shew that they are beasts. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=602" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">From Dust to Dust</a> …17I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed.” 18<a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: bə·lib·bî (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">to myself,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">“As for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1700.htm" title="1700: diḇ·raṯ (N-fsc) -- A cause, reason, manner. Feminine of dabar; a reason, suit or style."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1305.htm" title="1305: lə·ḇā·rām (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To purify, select. A primitive root; to clarify, examine, select.">tests them</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·lir·’ō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">so that they may see</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: šə·hem- (Pro-r:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">for themselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">that they</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep-l:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: bə·hê·māh (N-fs) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">are but beasts.”</a> 19For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a> By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” <a href="/psalms/49-12.htm">Psalm 49:12</a> But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. <a href="/psalms/49-20.htm">Psalm 49:20</a> A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. <a href="/psalms/73-22.htm">Psalm 73:22</a> I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20-22</a> For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-47.htm">1 Corinthians 15:47-49</a> The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. / As was the earthly man, so also are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. / And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so also shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly man. <a href="/psalms/82-6.htm">Psalm 82:6-7</a> I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ / But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.” <a href="/job/25-6.htm">Job 25:6</a> how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!” <a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a> Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. <a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a> A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a> For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, <a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10-11</a> But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-23</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a> These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Philippians 3:21</a> who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.concerning<a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a> And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; … <a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-4</a> Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble… <a href="/job/15-16.htm">Job 15:16</a> How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?that God<a href="/job/40-8.htm">Job 40:8</a> Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?<a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a> Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.<a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Romans 3:4</a> God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.and that<a href="/psalms/73-22.htm">Psalm 73:22</a> So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.<a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a> But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/30-30.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-30.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-28.htm">Children</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-30.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/90-16.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Show</a> <a href="/luke/22-31.htm">Sift</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">State</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Test</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-5.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/psalms/78-56.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Tests</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-4.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-7.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-23.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Order</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-16.htm">Show</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-28.htm">Sift</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-10.htm">State</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">Test</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Tests</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 3</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail</a> 11. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">is an excellence in God's works</a> 16. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I said to myself This phrase indicates a moment of introspection and personal reflection by the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon. It suggests a deep, contemplative thought process, common in wisdom literature, where the writer seeks to understand life's complexities. This internal dialogue is a hallmark of Ecclesiastes, where the author often wrestles with existential questions.As for the sons of men This term refers to humanity in general, emphasizing the universal nature of the observation. In biblical context, "sons of men" often highlights human frailty and mortality, contrasting with the divine nature of God. It underscores the shared human experience and the limitations inherent in being human.God tests them The concept of God testing humanity is prevalent throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, testing often serves to reveal character and faithfulness, as seen in the stories of Abraham (Genesis 22) and Job. This testing is not for God's knowledge, as He is omniscient, but for humans to understand their own nature and dependence on God.so that they may see for themselves This phrase suggests a purpose behind the testing: self-awareness and realization. It implies that through trials and challenges, individuals gain insight into their true nature and limitations. This aligns with the biblical theme of self-examination and repentance, encouraging believers to recognize their need for God.that they are but beasts This comparison to beasts highlights the mortality and base instincts shared between humans and animals. It serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and the inevitability of death, a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes. This perspective is echoed in <a href="/psalms/49-12.htm">Psalm 49:12</a>, which states that despite human pride, without understanding, people are like the beasts that perish. It emphasizes the need for divine wisdom to transcend mere earthly existence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a> Traditionally identified as King Solomon, the Preacher is the author of Ecclesiastes, reflecting on the meaning of life and human existence. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sons_of_men.htm">Sons of Men</a> This term refers to humanity in general, emphasizing the universal nature of the message. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign Creator who tests humanity, revealing their nature and limitations. 4. <a href="/topical/b/beasts.htm">Beasts</a> Symbolic of the mortal and finite nature of humans, highlighting the shared fate of death with animals. 5. <a href="/topical/t/testing.htm">Testing</a> The process by which God reveals truths about human nature and existence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_human_limitations.htm">Understanding Human Limitations</a> Recognize that human beings, despite their intelligence and achievements, share the same mortality as animals. This humbling truth should lead to a reliance on God rather than self. <a href="/topical/p/purpose_of_testing.htm">Purpose of Testing</a> God's testing is not to harm but to reveal truth. It is an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth, encouraging us to seek wisdom and understanding from God. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_mortality.htm">The Reality of Mortality</a> Accepting our mortality can lead to a more meaningful life. It encourages us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary pursuits. <a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a> Acknowledging our limitations should foster humility and dependence on God, recognizing that true wisdom and purpose come from Him. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternity_in_mind.htm">Living with Eternity in Mind</a> While we share mortality with beasts, humans are unique in their ability to seek and know God. This should inspire us to live with eternity in mind, prioritizing our relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'only_begotten'_mean_for_jesus.htm">What does 'only begotten son' mean for Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_henry_morris.htm">What is True Identity and how to obtain it?</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_49_12_contradict_soul_immortality.htm">Psalm 49:12 likens humans to animals in their mortality—does this contradict the doctrine of an immortal soul seen elsewhere in Scripture? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_john_3_18_align_with_universal_salvation.htm">John 3:18 speaks of condemnation for unbelievers; how does this align with passages elsewhere that suggest God desires everyone to be saved?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - The comfort derived from the thought of the future judgment is clouded by the reflection that man is as powerless as the beast to control his destiny. Concerning the estate of the sons of men; rather, it happens on account of the sons of men. God allows events to take place, disorders to continue, etc., for the ultimate profit of men, though the idea that follows is humiliating and dispiriting. The LXX. has περὶ λαλιᾶς, "concerning the speech of the sons of men." So the Syriac. The word dibrah may indeed bear that meaning, as it is also used for "word" or "matter;" but we cannot conceive that the clause refers solely to words, and the expression in the text signifies merely "for the sake, on account of," as in <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2</a>. That God might manifest them; rather, that God might test them; Ut probaret eos Dens (Vulgate). God allows these things, endures them patiently, and does not at once redress them, for two reasons. The first of these is that they may serve for the probation of men, giving them opportunity of making good or bad use of them. We see the effect of this forbearance on the wicked in <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11</a>; it hardens them in impenitence; while it nourishes the faith of the righteous, and helps them to persevere (see <a href="/daniel/11-35.htm">Daniel 11:35</a> and <a href="/revelation/22-11.htm">Revelation 22:11</a>). And that they might see that they themselves are beasts. The pronoun is repeated emphatically, "that they themselves are [like] beasts, they in themselves." This is the second reason. Thus they learn their own powerlessness, if they regard merely their own animal life; apart from their relation to God and hope of the future, they are no better than the lower creatures. Septuagint. "And to show (τοῦ δεῖξαι) that they are beasts." So the Vulgate and Syriac. The Masoretic reading adopted in the Anglican Version seems best. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I said אָמַ֤רְתִּֽי (’ā·mar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to myself, בְּלִבִּ֔י (bə·lib·bî) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre “As for עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of men, הָאָדָ֔ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being God הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative tests them לְבָרָ֖ם (lə·ḇā·rām) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1305.htm">Strong's 1305: </a> To clarify, examine, select so that they may see וְלִרְא֕וֹת (wə·lir·’ō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see for themselves שְׁהֶם־ (šə·hem-) Pronoun - relative | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They that they הֵ֖מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They are but beasts.” בְּהֵמָ֥ה (bə·hê·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:18 I said in my heart As (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>