As
for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals. 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. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20
Ecclesiastes 3 [16.] Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there. I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” I said in my heart, “As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals. 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. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?”
Ecclesiastes 3 [22.] Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?
Meaning:
These verses reflect a sobering perspective on the human condition, highlighting the inevitable reality of death for all living creatures—both humans and animals. The writer of Ecclesiastes, often identified as Solomon, explores themes of mortality and the seeming futility of life under the sun. He speaks from an observational viewpoint, acknowledging that, from an earthly perspective, both humans and animals share the same fate: death and a return to the dust.
- The Shared Mortality of Humans and Animals
Ecclesiastes 3:19 opens by stating that what happens to humans also happens to animals. Both live, breathe, and eventually die. The passage underscores the physical mortality that all living beings share. Despite the higher intelligence, achievements, and spiritual capacity of humans, the writer sees no physical advantage in the end because both animals and humans meet the same fate—they die and return to dust.
This reflects the truth laid out in Genesis 3:19, where God tells Adam after the fall, "For dust you are, and to dust you shall return." The curse of death affects all of creation. While humans were created in the image of God, this distinction doesn’t exempt us from the consequences of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). From a physical standpoint, we are no different from animals in that we are all subject to decay and death.
The phrase, "As the one dies, so the other dies," highlights the inescapable nature of death for both humans and animals. The writer of Ecclesiastes isn’t saying that humans and animals are equal in all ways, but rather, in terms of physical life and death, there is no difference—both will eventually perish.
- "All is Vanity"
A central theme throughout the book of Ecclesiastes is the idea of vanity or meaninglessness. The word "vanity" here is translated from the Hebrew word hebel, which can also mean "breath" or "vapor." It conveys the idea of something fleeting, temporary, and insubstantial. The writer frequently uses this term to describe life’s experiences, emphasizing how transient and elusive they are when viewed from a purely earthly perspective.
In the context of verses 19-20, the writer points out the vanity of life when we focus only on what happens "under the sun"—that is, from a purely earthly or human-centered perspective. From this viewpoint, death makes all of life seem futile. Humans and animals share the same fate, and without any higher understanding or spiritual insight, life can appear to lack purpose.
This isn’t meant to be a final verdict on life itself but rather an exploration of how things appear when God’s eternal plan is not considered. It’s as if the writer is saying, "If this is all there is—if life is only about what we see under the sun—then all is vanity."
- Returning to Dust
In verse 20, the writer emphasizes that both humans and animals "all go to one place" and "all turn to dust again." This echoes the biblical concept of human mortality introduced in Genesis, where Adam was formed from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7), and after sin entered the world, the consequence was that all would return to that dust.
This imagery of returning to dust highlights the fragility of life. No matter how strong, wise, or successful a person may be, they are still bound by the limits of their earthly bodies, and those bodies will eventually decay. This recognition humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on God, who is the only one who transcends death and the temporal nature of life.
The idea that "all go to one place" could also be interpreted to reflect on the common destiny of all living beings. Physically, we are all part of the same cycle of life and death. This doesn’t mean humans have no spiritual advantage over animals, but it emphasizes that in terms of physical life, we share a common fate.
- The Search for Meaning
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 is part of a broader exploration throughout the book of what gives life meaning. The writer often reflects on the seeming futility of human existence, but this is not where the book ends. Although much of Ecclesiastes focuses on the vanity of life "under the sun," there are hints throughout the text that point toward a deeper understanding.
In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we are reminded that God "has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart." This shows that while the writer grapples with the temporal nature of life, there is an awareness that humans are made for something more—something eternal. While we share physical mortality with animals, our spiritual capacity and eternal destiny set us apart.
At the conclusion of Ecclesiastes, the writer ultimately points to the fear of God as the key to finding meaning and purpose. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man." While life under the sun may seem fleeting and meaningless, when viewed in light of eternity and God’s sovereignty, it takes on new significance.
- A Call to Humility and Reflection
These verses from Ecclesiastes encourage us to reflect on the brevity of life and the reality of death. They remind us that no matter our achievements, possessions, or status, we are all mortal, and we will all one day return to dust. This awareness should inspire humility and a reevaluation of our priorities.
Instead of becoming consumed with the temporary things of this world, we are called to look beyond what is "under the sun" and to seek the eternal perspective that comes from knowing God. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-20, "Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
Conclusion: Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 offers a sobering meditation on the shared mortality of humans and animals, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the futility of focusing solely on earthly pursuits. These verses call us to recognize our limitations and the inevitability of death. However, they also remind us that this is not the whole story. While life under the sun may seem futile, when we look to God, we find purpose, hope, and the promise of eternity.
By acknowledging our mortality and placing our trust in God, we are able to live wisely, with an eternal perspective that brings meaning to even the most transient aspects of life.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible