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 12:7 before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/21_Ecc_12_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 12:7 - Remember Your Creator" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it." /><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><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/12-7.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/12-7.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/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 7</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="/ad7.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/12-6.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 12:6">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 12:7 <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 12:8">►</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/12.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/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />then the dust [out of which God made man’s body] will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So our bodies return to the earth, and the life-giving breath returns to God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit return unto God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the dust [of mortals] goes back to the ground as it was before, and the breath of life goes back to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Our bodies will return to the dust of the earth, and the breath of life will go back to God, who gave it to us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />then man's dust will go back to the earth, returning to what it was, and the spirit will return to the God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the life's breath returns to God who gave it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the dust returns to the earth as it was, "" And the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the dust returneth to the earth as it was, And the spirit returneth to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the dust shall turn back to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall turn back to God who gave it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the dust return into its earth, from whence it was, and the spirit return to God, who gave it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and the dust returns to its earth, from which it was, and the spirit returns to God, who granted it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the breath returns to God who gave it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the dust shall return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the dust will return to Earth like it was and the spirit will return to LORD JEHOVAH who gave it<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the dust returneth to the earth as it was, And the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>before</i> the dust also return to the earth as it was, and the spirit return to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/12-7.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=2195" 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/12.htm">Remember Your Creator</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Remember Him before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is crushed, before the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel is broken at the well, <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: he·‘ā·p̄ār (Art:: N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">before the dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·yā·šōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returns</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.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: kə·še·hā·yāh (Prep-k, Pro-r:: V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">from which it came</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: wə·hā·rū·aḥ (Conj-w, Art:: N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">and the spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: tā·šūḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returns</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</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/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nə·ṯā·nāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3fs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">gave it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile!”…<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="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-14.htm">Job 34:14-15</a></span><br />If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, / all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Psalm 104:29-30</a></span><br />When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. / When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">Isaiah 42:5</a></span><br />This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-16.htm">Isaiah 57:16</a></span><br />For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me—the breath of life I have made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/12-1.htm">Zechariah 12:1</a></span><br />This is the burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, who forms the spirit of man within him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-10.htm">Romans 8:10</a></span><br />But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">1 Corinthians 15:42-44</a></span><br />So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-47.htm">1 Corinthians 15:47-49</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1-4</a></span><br />For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. / For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, / because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a></span><br />We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23</a></span><br />I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:14</a></span><br />For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Hebrews 12:9</a></span><br />Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.</p><p class="hdg">dust</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:20</a></b></br> All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></b></br> In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou <i>art</i>, and unto dust shalt thou return.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27</a></b></br> And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which <i>am but</i> dust and ashes:</p><p class="hdg">the spirit</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:21</a></b></br> Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?</p><p class="hdg">God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a></b></br> And the LORD God formed man <i>of</i> the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22</a></b></br> And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16</a></b></br> Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-20.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Returns</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Spirit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/2-10.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/songs/2-12.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-7.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-21.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-8.htm">Returns</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-14.htm">Spirit</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-1.htm">the Creator is to be remembered in due time</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">The preacher's care to edify</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">the fear of God is the chief antidote for vanity</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/12.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/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>before the dust returns to the ground from which it came</b><br>This phrase reflects the biblical understanding of human mortality and creation. It echoes <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, where God forms man from the dust of the ground, highlighting the transient nature of human life. The imagery of dust signifies the physical body, which is temporary and subject to decay. This concept is reinforced in <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>, where God tells Adam, "for dust you are and to dust you will return," as a consequence of sin. The phrase underscores the inevitability of death and the return of the physical body to the earth, emphasizing the humility and frailty of human existence. It serves as a reminder of the creation narrative and the fall, pointing to the need for redemption and the hope of resurrection.<p><b>and the spirit returns to God who gave it</b><br>This part of the verse speaks to the dual nature of humanity, consisting of both body and spirit. The spirit, or breath of life, is a gift from God, as seen in <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, where God breathes life into man. The return of the spirit to God upon death suggests a belief in the continued existence of the soul beyond physical death. This concept is consistent with other scriptures, such as <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:21</a>, which questions the fate of the spirit, and <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a>, which expresses confidence in being present with the Lord after death. The phrase implies accountability to God, the giver of life, and aligns with the broader biblical narrative of life after death and judgment. It also points to the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers spiritual renewal and resurrection to believers.<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 inevitability of death.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>- The Creator who gives life and to whom the spirit returns after death, emphasizing His sovereignty over life and death.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_earth.htm">The Earth</a></b><br>- Represents the physical realm from which human bodies are formed, highlighting the transient nature of physical life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spirit.htm">The Spirit</a></b><br>- The immaterial part of a person that returns to God, indicating the eternal aspect of human existence.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a></b><br>- The event where God formed man from the dust, as referenced in Genesis, establishing the origin of human life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_life.htm">The Transience of Life</a></b><br>Recognize the temporary nature of our physical existence and the certainty of death. This awareness should lead us to live purposefully and with an eternal perspective.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a></b><br>Acknowledge God's ultimate authority over life and death. Our lives are in His hands, and we should trust in His plan and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_nature_of_the_spirit.htm">The Eternal Nature of the Spirit</a></b><br>Understand that while our bodies return to dust, our spirits are eternal and accountable to God. This should influence how we live our lives, focusing on spiritual growth and readiness to meet God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a></b><br>Given the certainty of returning to God, we should live with intentionality, seeking to fulfill God's purposes for our lives and investing in what has eternal value.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_death.htm">Hope Beyond Death</a></b><br>For believers, the return of the spirit to God is a hopeful transition to eternal life with Him. This hope should provide comfort and motivation to live faithfully.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_eccles._12_7_align_with_science.htm">In Ecclesiastes 12:7, how can the phrase “the spirit returns to God” be reconciled with scientific understandings of consciousness and death? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_occurs_following_death.htm">What occurs following death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_lack_afterlife_awareness_in_coma.htm">Why do coma patients experience no awareness of an afterlife?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_meaning_of_'sing_to_the_lord'.htm">What does 'Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) The preacher has risen above the doubts of <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm" title="Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?">Ecclesiastes 3:21</a>. (See also <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm" title="In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread, till you return to the ground; for out of it were you taken: for dust you are, and to dust shall you return.">Genesis 3:19</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was</span>; rather, <span class="accented">and the dust return</span>, etc. - the sentence begun above being still carried on to the end of the verse. Here we are told what becomes of the complex man at death, and are thus led to the explanation of the allegorical language used throughout. Without metaphor now it is stated that the material body, when life is extinct, returns to that matter out of which it was originally made (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>; <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>; comp. <a href="/job/34-15.htm">Job 34:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Psalm 104:29</a>). So Siracides calls man "dust and ashes," and asserts that all things that are of the earth turn to the earth again (Ecclus. 10:9 Ecclus. 40:11). Soph., 'Electra,' 1158 - <p><span class="greek">Ἀντὶ φιλτάτης`ΝΛ´Μορφῆς σποδόν τε καὶ σκιὰν ἀνωφελῆ</span> <p><span class="accented">"Instead of thy dear form,<br />Mere dust and idle shadow."</span> Corn. a Lapide quotes a remarkable parallel given by Plutarch ('Apol. ad Apollon.,' 110) from Epicharmus," Life is compounded and broken up, and again goes whence it came; earth indeed to earth, and the spirit to upper regions." <span class="cmt_word">And the spirit shall return unto God who gave it</span>; or, for the <span class="accented">spirit - the</span> clause being no longer subjunctive, but speaking indicatively of fact. In the first clause the preposition "to" is <span class="hebrew">עַל</span>, in the second <span class="hebrew">אֶל</span>, as if to mark the distinction between the downward and the upward way. The writer now rises superior to the doubts expressed in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:21</a> (where see note), "Who knoweth the spirit of man, whether it goeth upward," etc.? It is not that he contradicts himself in the two passages, as some suppose, and have hence regarded ver. 7 as an interpolation; but that after all discussion, after expressing the course of his perplexities, and the various phases of his thought, he comes to the conclusion that there is a future for the individual soul, and that it shall be brought into immediate connection with a personal God. There is here no thought of its being absorbed in the <span class="accented">anima mundi</span>, in accordance with the heathen view, which, if it believed dimly in an immortality, denied the personality of the soul (see Eurip., ' Suppl.,' 529-534; Lucret., 2. 998, <span class="accented">sqq</span>.; 3:455, <span class="accented">sqq</span>.). Nor have we any opinion given concerning the adverse doctrines of creationism and traducianism, though the terms used are most consistent with the former. God breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life; when this departs, he who gave receives it; God "gathereth in" man's breath (<a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Psalm 104:29</a>). The clause, taken in this restricted sense, would say nothing about the soul, the personal "I;" it would merely indicate the destination of the vital breath; and many critics are content to see nothing more in the words. But surely this would be a feeble conclusion of the author's wanderings; rather the sentence signifies that death, releasing the spirit, or soul, from the earthly tabernacle, places it in the more immediate presence of God, there, as the Targum paraphrases the passage, returning to stand in judgment before its Creator. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/12-7.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">[before] the dust</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶעָפָ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ā·p̄ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dust, clay, earth, mud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">returns</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָשֹׁ֧ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·šōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ground</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֖רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from which it came,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּשֶׁהָיָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(kə·še·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָר֣וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">returns</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּשׁ֔וּב</span> <span class="translit">(tā·šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gave it.</span><br /><span class="heb">נְתָנָֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṯā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 12:7 And the dust returns to the earth (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 12:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 12:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 12:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 12:8" /></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>