Ecclesiastes 3:19 Study Bible: For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity.

Bible > Ecclesiastes > Chapter 3 > Verse 19

◄ Ecclesiastes 3:19 ►

For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other--they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile.

Study Bible

For the fates of both men and beasts are the same
The Hebrew word for "fates" here is "miqreh," which implies an occurrence or event that happens to both humans and animals. This phrase emphasizes the shared destiny of mortality. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this was a radical statement, as humans were often seen as superior to animals. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes challenges this notion by pointing out the commonality in death, urging readers to reflect on the humility and equality before God that this shared fate implies.

As one dies, so dies the other
The Hebrew word for "dies" is "muwth," which simply means to die or perish. This phrase underscores the inevitability of death for all living creatures. In the historical context of Ecclesiastes, this was a sobering reminder of the transient nature of life. The Preacher uses this to highlight the futility of earthly pursuits and the importance of focusing on eternal matters.

they all have the same breath
The word "breath" is translated from the Hebrew "ruach," which can mean breath, spirit, or wind. This term is significant in biblical theology, often representing life given by God. By stating that both humans and animals share the same "ruach," the Preacher emphasizes the divine origin of life and the shared dependence on God for existence. This serves as a humbling reminder of humanity's place within creation.

Man has no advantage over the animals
The Hebrew word for "advantage" is "yithron," which means profit or gain. This phrase challenges the human perception of superiority over animals. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it serves to remind readers that in terms of mortality and the basic essence of life, humans are not inherently superior. This perspective encourages a sense of humility and a reevaluation of what truly matters in life.

since everything is futile
The word "futile" is translated from the Hebrew "hebel," which means vapor or breath, symbolizing something transient or meaningless. This is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. The use of "hebel" here is a call to recognize the temporary nature of life and to seek meaning beyond the material and temporal, pointing towards a life centered on God and His eternal purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. He reflects on the nature of life and its apparent futility.

2. Men and Beasts
- The verse compares humans and animals, emphasizing their shared mortality and the breath of life that animates both.

3. The Breath of Life
- This refers to the life force or spirit that God gives to all living creatures, highlighting the shared essence of life between humans and animals.

4. Futility (Hebrew: "hebel")
- A key theme in Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness," it underscores the transient and elusive nature of worldly pursuits.

5. Death
- The inevitable end for both humans and animals, serving as a great equalizer in the human experience.

Teaching Points

The Universality of Death
Recognize that death is a common destiny for all living beings, prompting us to live with humility and awareness of our mortality.

The Breath of Life
Understand that the breath of life is a gift from God, shared by all creatures, which should lead us to value life and treat all living beings with respect.

The Futility of Earthly Pursuits
Reflect on the temporary nature of worldly achievements and possessions, encouraging a focus on eternal values and spiritual growth.

Humanity's Unique Responsibility
While humans share mortality with animals, we are called to a higher purpose and responsibility, as stewards of God's creation.

Hope Beyond Futility
In Christ, believers find hope beyond the apparent futility of life, as He offers eternal life and purpose beyond the grave.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing the shared mortality between humans and animals affect your perspective on life and death?

2. In what ways can acknowledging the "breath of life" as a gift from God influence your daily interactions with others and the environment?

3. How can the theme of futility in Ecclesiastes guide you in setting priorities and making decisions about your pursuits and goals?

4. What responsibilities do you believe humans have as stewards of creation, given our shared breath with animals?

5. How does the hope of eternal life in Christ provide a solution to the futility described in Ecclesiastes 3:19, and how can this hope be reflected in your life today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:7
- This verse describes God breathing life into Adam, connecting to the shared "breath" mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:19.

Psalm 49:12
- This Psalm echoes the theme of human mortality and the lack of lasting advantage over animals.

Romans 8:20-22
- Paul speaks of creation's subjection to futility, resonating with the themes of Ecclesiastes.

Job 34:14-15
- Job acknowledges that if God withdrew His spirit, all flesh would perish, reinforcing the shared dependence on God's breath.

James 4:14
- James speaks of life as a vapor, aligning with the transient nature of life discussed in Ecclesiastes.

Sermons

The Conclusion of Folly or the Faith of the Wise?	W. Clarkson	Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13, 22
Before and After Christ	W. Clarkson	Ecclesiastes 3:18-21
The Common Destiny of Death	D. Thomas	Ecclesiastes 3:18-21
The Darkness of the Grave	J. Willcoc	Ecclesiastes 3:18-22
Man and Beast	T. C. Finlayson.	Ecclesiastes 3:19-22

People

Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Advantage, Animal, Animals, Awaits, Beast, Beasts, Befalleth, Breath, Death, Dies, Dieth, Event, Fate, Happens, Higher, Indeed, Meaningless, Nothing, Preeminence, Pre-eminence, Purpose, Sons, Spirit, Vanity, Yea, Yes

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Ecclesiastes 3:19

5845 emptiness

Ecclesiastes 3:18-19

2233 Son of Man

Ecclesiastes 3:18-21

4604 animals, nature of

Ecclesiastes 3:19-20

5864 futility
9023 death, unbelievers

Ecclesiastes 3:19-22

4938 fate, final destiny
6203 mortality

Library

Eternity in the Heart
'He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also He hath set the world in their heart.'--ECCLES. iii. 11. There is considerable difficulty in understanding what precise meaning is to be attached to these words, and what precise bearing they have on the general course of the writer's thoughts; but one or two things are, at any rate, quite clear. The Preacher has been enumerating all the various vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity, of construction and destruction, of society and solitude, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'A Time to Plant'
'A time to plant.'--Eccles. iii. 2. The writer enumerates in this context a number of opposite courses of conduct arranged in pairs, each of which is right at the right time. The view thus presented seems to him to be depressing, and to make life difficult to understand, and aimless. We always appear to be building up with one hand and pulling down with the other. The ship never heads for two miles together in the same direction. The history of human affairs appears to be as purposeless as the play …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

For what Christian Men of Our Time Being Free from the Marriage Bond...
15. For what Christian men of our time being free from the marriage bond, having power to contain from all sexual intercourse, seeing it to be now "a time," as it is written, "not of embracing, but of abstaining from embrace," [1977] would not choose rather to keep virginal or widowed continence, than (now that there is no obligation from duty to human society) to endure tribulation of the flesh, without which marriages cannot be (to pass over in silence other things from which the Apostle spares.) …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

But Thou who Both Hast Sons, and Livest in that End of the World...
11. But thou who both hast sons, and livest in that end of the world, wherein now is the time not of casting stones, but of gathering; not of embracing, but of abstaining from embracing; [2244] when the Apostle cries out, "But this I say, brethren, the time is short; it remains, that both they who have wives be as not having;" [2245] assuredly if thou hadst sought a second marriage, it would have been no obedience of prophecy or law, no carnal desire even of family, but a mark of incontinence alone. …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Conclusion of the Matter
'Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2. While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain; 3. In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4. And the doors shall be shut in …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of Self-Annihilation
Of Self-Annihilation Supplication and sacrifice are comprehended in prayer, which, according to S. John, is "an incense, the smoke whereof ascendeth unto God;" therefore it is said in the Apocalypse that "unto the Angel was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints'' (Chap. viii. 3). Prayer is the effusion of the heart in the Presence of God: "I have poured out my soul before God" saith the mother of Samuel. (1 Sam. i. 15) The prayer of the wise men at the feet of …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Introductory Note.
[a.d. 145-220.] When our Lord repulsed the woman of Canaan (Matt. xv. 22) with apparent harshness, he applied to her people the epithet dogs, with which the children of Israel had thought it piety to reproach them. When He accepted her faith and caused it to be recorded for our learning, He did something more: He reversed the curse of the Canaanite and showed that the Church was designed "for all people;" Catholic alike for all time and for all sorts and conditions of men. Thus the North-African …
Tertullian—Apology

The Lapse of Time.
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."--Eccles. ix. 10. Solomon's advice that we should do whatever our hand findeth to do with our might, naturally directs our thoughts to that great work in which all others are included, which will outlive all other works, and for which alone we really are placed here below--the salvation of our souls. And the consideration of this great work, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind,"
Rom. viii. s 5, 6.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind," &c. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." There are many differences among men in this world, that, as to outward appearance, are great and wide, and indeed they are so eagerly pursued, and seriously minded by men, as if they were great and momentous. You see what a strife and contention there is among men, how to be extracted out of the dregs of the multitude, and set a little higher …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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