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 3:14 I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/21_Ecc_03_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:14 - God's Works Remain Forever" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him." /><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/3-14.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/3-14.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 14</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="/ad14.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/3-13.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:13">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:14 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:15">►</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">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 know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a> I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New King James Version</a> I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it. And God has so worked, that people will fear Him. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I know that everything God does will be forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it—God has so worked that men should fear Him. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor can anything be taken from it, for God does it so that men will fear and worship Him [with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is God]. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Everything God has done will last forever; nothing he does can ever be changed. God has done all this, so that we will worship him. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God hath done it, that men should fear before him. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I realize that whatever God does will last forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing can be taken away from it. God does this so that people will fear him. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> I know that everything God does will last forever. You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> I have concluded that everything that God undertakes will last for eternity—nothing can be added to it nor taken away from it—and that God acts this way so that people will fear him. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a> I also know that whatever God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken away from it. God has made it this way, so that men will fear him. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I know that, whatever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be added to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a> I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have known that all that God does is for all time, to it nothing is to be added, and from it nothing is to be withdrawn; and God has worked that they fear before Him. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I have known that all that God doth is to the age, to it nothing is to be added, and from it nothing is to be withdrawn; and God hath wrought that they do fear before Him. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I knew that all which God will do it shall be forever: to it not to be added, and from it not to be taken away: and God doing they shall be afraid from his face.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I have learned that all the works which God hath made, continue for ever: we cannot add any thing, nor take away from those things which God hath made that he may be feared. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I have learned that all the works which God has made continue on, in perpetuity. We are not able to add anything, nor to take anything away, from those things which God has made in order that he may be feared. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a> I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever; there is no adding to it, or taking from it. Thus has God done that he may be revered. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I know that whatsoever the LORD does, it shall be for ever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it; and the LORD has so made it that men should reverence him. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I have known that everything LORD JEHOVAH does shall be for eternity; there is nothing to add to it and nothing to subtract from it, and LORD JEHOVAH works that they shall be in awe of him<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever; nothing can be added to it, nor any thing taken from it; and God hath so made it, that men should fear before Him. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I know that whatsoever things God has done, they shall be for ever: it is impossible to add to it, and it is impossible to take away from it: and God has done it, that men may fear before him. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-14.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=558" 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">God's Works Remain Forever</a> …13and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God. 14<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/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everything</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."></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/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">does</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">endures forever;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: lə·‘ō·w·lām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. "></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.">nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: lə·hō·w·sîp̄ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">can be added</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to it</a> <a href="/hebrew/1639.htm" title="1639: liḡ·rō·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To diminish, restrain, withdraw. A primitive root; to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold.">or taken</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: ū·mim·men·nū (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from it.</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: wə·hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">does it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: še·yir·’ū (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">so that they should fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mil·lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-m, Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">Him.</a> 15What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.…<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="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/46-9.htm">Isaiah 46:9-10</a> Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ <a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a> “Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed. <a href="/hebrews/13-8.htm">Hebrews 13:8</a> Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. <a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a> The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a> God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? <a href="/romans/11-29.htm">Romans 11:29</a> For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. <a href="/matthew/24-35.htm">Matthew 24:35</a> Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. <a href="/psalms/119-89.htm">Psalm 119:89</a> Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens. <a href="/revelation/1-8.htm">Revelation 1:8</a> “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty. <a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a> The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a> Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.” <a href="/2_timothy/2-13.htm">2 Timothy 2:13</a> if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. <a href="/psalms/102-25.htm">Psalm 102:25-27</a> In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. / They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. / But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. <a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28-29</a> I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I know that, whatever God does, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it, that men should fear before him.whatsoever<a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a> The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.<a href="/psalms/119-90.htm">Psalm 119:90,91</a> Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth… <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:nothing<a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Psalm 76:10</a> Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.<a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a> There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.<a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a> There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.God doeth it<a href="/psalms/64-9.htm">Psalm 64:9</a> And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.<a href="/isaiah/59-18.htm">Isaiah 59:18,19</a> According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence… <a href="/revelation/15-4.htm">Revelation 15:4</a> Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Add</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-11.htm">Added</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">Age</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-21.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Endures</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/psalms/85-3.htm">Withdrawn</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Add</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-15.htm">Added</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-2.htm">Age</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-13.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-11.htm">Endures</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/songs/5-6.htm">Withdrawn</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/songs/3-10.htm">Wrought</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 know that everything God does endures forever; This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God's actions. In biblical context, this reflects the unchanging and sovereign character of God, as seen in <a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a>, "For I the Lord do not change." The permanence of God's works contrasts with the temporal nature of human endeavors, as highlighted throughout Ecclesiastes. This eternal perspective is also echoed in <a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a>, "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations." The enduring nature of God's actions assures believers of His faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine purposes.nothing can be added to it or taken from it. This phrase underscores the completeness and perfection of God's works. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where human efforts often sought to manipulate or enhance divine favor, this statement affirms that God's works are self-sufficient and beyond human alteration. This is reminiscent of <a href="/job/42-2.htm">Job 42:2</a>, where Job acknowledges, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." Theologically, this speaks to God's omnipotence and the futility of human attempts to alter His divine will. It also reflects the idea of God's creation being "very good" (<a href="/genesis/1-31.htm">Genesis 1:31</a>), needing no addition or subtraction.God does it so that they should fear Him. The purpose of God's unchangeable and perfect works is to inspire reverence and awe among people. The "fear of the Lord" is a recurring theme in wisdom literature, including <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." This fear is not about terror but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's majesty and authority. Historically, this reverence was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/10-12.htm">Deuteronomy 10:12</a>, where Israel is called to "fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways." This fear leads to obedience and worship, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for a relationship with His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the nature of life and God's sovereignty. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the eternal and unchangeable Creator whose works are perfect and complete. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mankind.htm">Mankind</a> The verse implies a relationship between God's eternal works and humanity's response, emphasizing reverence and awe.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_permanence_of_god's_works.htm">The Permanence of God's Works</a> God's actions and creations are eternal and unchangeable. This should give us confidence in His promises and plans for our lives. <a href="/topical/h/human_limitation_and_divine_sovereignty.htm">Human Limitation and Divine Sovereignty</a> We cannot add to or take away from God's work. Recognizing our limitations should lead us to trust in His perfect will. <a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_reverence.htm">The Purpose of Reverence</a> God's unchangeable nature and eternal works are designed to inspire reverence and awe in us. Our response should be one of worship and obedience. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a> Understanding that God's works endure forever encourages us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly concerns. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_perfect_plan.htm">Trust in God's Perfect Plan</a> Even when we do not understand His ways, we can trust that God's plan is perfect and will ultimately lead to His glory and our good.<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_neurotheology_study.htm">What does neurotheology study?</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_10_10_stress_effort_over_faith.htm">Does the advice to sharpen the axe in Ecclesiastes 10:10 imply a reliance on human effort over divine intervention, creating tension with texts that stress faith and dependence on God? </a> <a href="/q/2_thess._3_3__why_do_faithful_still_suffer.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:3 - How can believers claim 'the Lord is faithful' if historical evidence suggests countless faithful people still suffer or face calamity?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_the_wicked_prosper_in_divine_justice.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 implies that the wicked might sometimes prosper; how does that align with other biblical promises of divine justice?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever. A second thing (see ver. 12) that Koheleth knew, learned from the truths adduced in vers. 1-9, is that behind man's free action and volition stands the will of God, which orders events with a view to eternity, and that man can alter nothing of this providential arrangement (comp. <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a>; <a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a>). Nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it. We cannot hasten or retard God's designs; we cannot add to or curtail his plans. Septuagint, "It is impossible to add (οὐκ ἔστι προσθεῖναι) to it, and it is impossible to Lake away from it." Thus Ecclus. 18:6, "As for the wondrous works of the Lord, it is impossible to lessen or to add to them (οὐκ ἔστιν ἐλαττῶσαι οὐδὲ προσθεῖναι), neither can the ground of them be found out." God doeth it, that men should fear before him. There is a moral purpose in this disposal of events. Men feel this uniformity and unchangeableness in the working of Providence, and thence learn to cherish a reverential awe for the righteous government of which they are the subjects. It was this feeling which led ancient etymologists to derive Θεός and Deus from δέος, "fear" (comp. <a href="/revelation/15-3.htm">Revelation 15:3, 4</a>). This is also a ground of hope and confidence. Amid the jarring and fluctuating circumstances of men God holds the threads, and alters not his purpose. "I the Lord change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed" (<a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a>). The Vulgate is not very successful: Non possumus eis quid-quam addere, nec auferre, quae fecit Deus ut timeatur, "We cannot add anything unto, or take anything away from, those things which God hath made that he may be feared." <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I know יָדַ֗עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֠י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction everything כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every God הָאֱלֹהִים֙ (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 does יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה (ya·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make will remain forever; יִהְיֶ֣ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be nothing אֵ֣ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle can be added לְהוֹסִ֔יף (lə·hō·w·sîp̄) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> To add, augment to it עָלָיו֙ (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against or taken לִגְרֹ֑עַ (liḡ·rō·a‘) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1639.htm">Strong's 1639: </a> To scrape off, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold from it. וּמִמֶּ֖נּוּ (ū·mim·men·nū) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of God וְהָאֱלֹהִ֣ים (wə·hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative works עָשָׂ֔ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make that men should revere שֶׁיִּֽרְא֖וּ (še·yir·’ū) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten Him. מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃ (mil·lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that whatever God does it (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:15" /></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>