CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/21_Ecc_03_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:12 - God's Works Remain Forever" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:11">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:12 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I know that <i>there is</i> no good in them, but for <i>a man</i> to rejoice, and to do good in his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I know that nothing <i>is</i> better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one&#8217s lifetime;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to be glad and to do good in one’s lifetime;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good as long as they live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I realize that there's nothing better for them to do than to be cheerful and enjoy what is good in their lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I have concluded that the only worthwhile thing for them is to take pleasure in doing good in life; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have known that there is no good for them except to rejoice and to do good during their life,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have known that there is no good for them except to rejoice and to do good during their life,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I knew that no good is in them, but to rejoice and to do good in his life.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I have known that there was no better thing than to rejoice, and to do well in this life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I realize that there is nothing better than to rejoice, and to do well in this life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I know that there is no good in worldly things, but for men to rejoice and to do good in their lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have known that there is no good in them but to gladden and do what is good in their lives<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to get pleasure so long as they live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I know that there is no good in them, except <i>for a man</i> to rejoice, and to do good in his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=542" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">God's Works Remain Forever</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">I know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there is nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/bām (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">for them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: liś·mō·w·aḥ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">to rejoice</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and do</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: bə·ḥay·yāw (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">while they live,</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a></span><br />Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a></span><br />Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-3.htm">Psalm 37:3-4</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. / Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/128-1.htm">Psalm 128:1-2</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways! / For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Proverbs 15:13</a></span><br />A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-11.htm">John 15:11</a></span><br />I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a></span><br />Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-24.htm">Psalm 118:24</a></span><br />This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a></span><br />Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a></span><br />Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a></span><br />You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/65-18.htm">Isaiah 65:18-19</a></span><br />But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight. / I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">1 Peter 1:8</a></span><br />Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a></b></br> Wherefore I perceive that <i>there is</i> nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that <i>is</i> his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7-9</a></b></br> Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-63.htm">Deuteronomy 28:63</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-25.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Except</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-28.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-24.htm">Live</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">One's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-25.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-25.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Themselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Except</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">One's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Themselves</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">is an excellence in God's works</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>I know that there is nothing better for them</b><br>This phrase reflects the wisdom literature's emphasis on the pursuit of meaning and fulfillment in life. The author, traditionally identified as Solomon, speaks from a perspective of experience and observation. The phrase suggests a conclusion drawn from a life of exploration and reflection. In the broader context of Ecclesiastes, this statement acknowledges the limitations of human understanding and the futility of earthly pursuits without divine perspective. It echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24-25</a>, where the enjoyment of life is seen as a gift from God.<p><b>than to rejoice</b><br>Rejoicing is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the presence and blessings of God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, joy was not merely an emotion but a response to God's goodness and faithfulness. This aligns with the teachings found in the Psalms, such as <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a>, which speaks of the fullness of joy in God's presence. The call to rejoice is also a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly life and the importance of finding joy in the present moment, as seen in <a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a>, where believers are encouraged to rejoice always.<p><b>and do good</b><br>The exhortation to "do good" reflects the ethical and moral teachings of the Old Testament, particularly the Law of Moses, which emphasized justice, mercy, and righteousness. This phrase underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with God's commandments and reflects His character. The call to do good is echoed in the New Testament, such as in <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9-10</a>, where believers are encouraged to not grow weary in doing good. It also points to the life of Jesus Christ, who went about doing good (<a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a>), serving as the ultimate example for believers.<p><b>while they live</b><br>This phrase highlights the temporal nature of human existence and the urgency of living a meaningful life. In the historical context of Ecclesiastes, life was often seen as fleeting and unpredictable, a theme that resonates throughout the book. The emphasis on "while they live" serves as a reminder of the brevity of life, as seen in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which compares life to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. It encourages readers to make the most of their time on earth by rejoicing and doing good, aligning with the biblical call to live purposefully and in accordance with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The context of Ecclesiastes is set within the nation of Israel, where Solomon reigned as king. The cultural and religious backdrop of Israel influences the themes of the book.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The speaker in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the purpose and value of human endeavors.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_joy.htm">The Pursuit of Joy</a></b><br>True joy is found in recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness in our lives. As believers, we are called to rejoice in the blessings and opportunities God provides.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_do_good.htm">The Call to Do Good</a></b><br>Our lives should be marked by acts of kindness and goodness. This reflects God's character and serves as a testimony to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god's_provision.htm">Contentment in God's Provision</a></b><br>Understanding that there is "nothing better" than to rejoice and do good encourages us to find contentment in God's provision and purpose for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a></b><br>Ecclesiastes challenges us to live intentionally, making the most of our time by aligning our actions with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>While life is fleeting, our actions have eternal significance. Doing good and rejoicing in God prepares us for eternity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_permit_the_holocaust.htm">Why did God permit the Holocaust?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'he_is_faithful'_mean.htm">How can we live peacefully with everyone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_oppose_human_happiness.htm">Is God opposed to human enjoyment and happiness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_unemployment.htm">What does the Bible say about unemployment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">I know.--</span>Literally, <span class= "ital">I knew: i.e., </span>I came to know. The writer is relating the conclusions at which he successively arrived.<p><span class= "bld">To do good.</span>--This phrase is always used elsewhere in a moral sense: "to act rightly." When enjoyment is meant, the phrase used is, as in the next verse, "to see good;" but the context seems to require that this sense should be given to the phrase in this verse also.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice;</span> rather, <span class="accented">I knew</span>, <span class="accented">perceived</span>, <span class="accented">that there was no good for them</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. for men. From the facts adduced, Koheleth learned this practical result - that man had nothing in his own power (see on Ecclesiastes 2:24) which would conduce to his happiness, but to make the best of life such as he finds it. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Cognovi quod non esset melius nisi laetari</span>. <span class="cmt_word">To do good in his life</span>; <span class="greek">Τοῦ ποιεῖν ἀγαθόν</span>; (Septuagint); <span class="accented">Facere bene</span> (Vulgate). This has been taken by many in the sense of "doing one's self good, prospering, enjoying one's self." like the Greek <span class="greek">εϋ πράττειν</span>, and therefore nearly equivalent to "rejoice" in the former part of the verse. But the expression is best taken here, as when it occurs elsewhere (e.g. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:20</a>), in a moral sense, and it thus teaches the great truth that virtue is essential to happiness, that to "trust in the Lord... to depart from evil, and to do good" (<a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Psalm 36:3</a>, 27), will bring peace and content (see in the epilogue, <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14</a>). There is no Epicureanism in this verse; the enjoyment spoken of is not licentiousness, but a happy appreciation of the innocent pleasures which the love of God offers to those who live in accordance with the laws of their higher nature. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֕עְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there is nothing</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֖וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for [men] than</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to rejoice</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׂמ֔וֹחַ</span> <span class="translit">(liś·mō·w·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> </span><span class="str2">To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַעֲשׂ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֖וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while they live,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּחַיָּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥay·yāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that there is nothing better (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:13" /></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>