◄ Ecclesiastes 3:21 ►
Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal descends into the earth?
Study Bible
Who knows
This phrase introduces a rhetorical question, emphasizing the uncertainty and mystery surrounding the afterlife and the fate of the spirit. In Hebrew, the word "yada" is used for "knows," which implies not just knowledge but intimate understanding. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, is expressing a profound humility in the face of divine mysteries. This reflects a conservative Christian perspective that acknowledges human limitations in comprehending God's full plan and the mysteries of life and death.

if the spirit of man
The "spirit of man" refers to the immaterial part of human beings, often associated with the breath of life given by God. The Hebrew word "ruach" is used here, which can mean spirit, wind, or breath. This term is significant in the biblical context, as it denotes the life force that God breathed into Adam (Genesis 2:7). From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this highlights the unique creation of humans in the image of God, possessing a spirit that connects them to the divine.

rises upward
The phrase "rises upward" suggests an ascent, possibly to God or to a higher plane of existence. In the Hebrew context, the direction "upward" often symbolizes moving towards God or heaven. This reflects the hope and belief in an afterlife where the righteous are united with God. Conservative Christianity holds that through faith in Christ, believers have the assurance of eternal life, and this phrase can be seen as an early reflection of that hope.

and the spirit of the animal
Here, the "spirit of the animal" is contrasted with the spirit of man. The same Hebrew word "ruach" is used, indicating that animals also have a life force, but it is distinct from the human spirit. This distinction underscores the biblical teaching of humanity's unique role and responsibility in creation. From a conservative perspective, this reinforces the belief in the special status of humans as stewards of God's creation.

descends into the earth
The phrase "descends into the earth" implies a return to the ground, which is consistent with the biblical understanding of death as a return to dust (Genesis 3:19). This reflects the transient nature of life and the physicality of death. In the conservative Christian view, this serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world due to sin and the hope of redemption and resurrection through Jesus Christ.

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 mysteries of life and the limitations of human understanding.

2. Jerusalem
The central place of worship and the setting for much of Solomon's life and reign. It serves as the backdrop for his reflections in Ecclesiastes.

3. Humanity and Animals
The verse contrasts the destinies of human and animal spirits, prompting reflection on the nature of life and death.
Teaching Points
The Mystery of Life and Death
Ecclesiastes 3:21 challenges us to acknowledge the limits of human understanding regarding life after death. It encourages humility and reliance on God's revelation.

The Unique Value of Human Life
While the verse questions the fate of the spirit, other scriptures affirm the unique value and eternal destiny of human life, created in God's image.

The Call to Live with Eternity in Mind
This passage invites believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our actions and faith have implications beyond this life.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In the face of uncertainty about the afterlife, believers are called to trust in God's sovereign plan and His promises regarding eternal life.

Reflecting on Our Mortality
The verse serves as a reminder of our mortality, prompting us to consider how we live our lives and the legacy we leave behind.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ecclesiastes 3:21 challenge our understanding of life and death, and what comfort can we find in other scriptures about the destiny of the human spirit?

2. In what ways does the creation account in Genesis 2:7 inform our understanding of the unique nature of human life compared to animals?

3. How can the teachings of 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 about the resurrection shape our perspective on the temporary nature of our earthly lives?

4. What practical steps can we take to live with an eternal perspective, as suggested by the themes in Ecclesiastes 3:21?

5. How does trusting in God's sovereignty help us navigate the uncertainties of life and death, and how can we apply this trust in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 2:7
This verse describes God breathing life into man, highlighting the unique spiritual aspect of humanity compared to animals.

Psalm 49:12-20
These verses discuss the fate of humans and animals, emphasizing the temporary nature of life and the importance of understanding one's spiritual destiny.

1 Corinthians 15:42-49
Paul discusses the resurrection and the transformation of the human body, providing insight into the eternal destiny of the human spirit.
Sermons
The Conclusion of Folly or the Faith of the Wise?W. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13, 22
Before and After ChristW. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 3:18-21
The Common Destiny of DeathD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 3:18-21
The Darkness of the GraveJ. Willcoc Ecclesiastes 3:18-22
Man and BeastT. C. Finlayson.Ecclesiastes 3:19-22
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Animal, Ascends, Beast, Beasts, Below, Breath, Descends, Downward, Downwards, Goes, Heaven, Knoweth, Rises, Sons, Spirit, Upward, Upwards, Whether
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 3:18-21

     4604   animals, nature of

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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