Add parallel Print Page Options

Your body came from the earth.
    And when you die, it will return to the earth.
But your spirit came from God,
    and when you die, it will return to him.

Everything is so meaningless. The Teacher says that it is all a waste of time![a]

Final Words of Advice

The Teacher was very wise. He used his wisdom to teach the people. He very carefully studied and arranged[b] many wise teachings.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:8 meaningless … a waste of time The Hebrew word means “vapor,” “breath,” or “something that is useless, meaningless, empty, wrong, or a waste of time.”
  2. Ecclesiastes 12:9 arranged This Hebrew word means “to make straight,” “arrange,” “correct,” or “edit.”

Bible Gateway Recommends

Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV) English Green/Tan (Duotone)
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV) English Green/Tan (Duotone)
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $5.00 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Swahili New Testament Easy to Read Version (ERV)
Swahili New Testament Easy to Read Version (ERV)
Retail: $5.00
Our Price: $4.19
Save: $0.81 (16%)
ERV Children's Softcover Bible
ERV Children's Softcover Bible
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $2.00 (20%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
ERV Paperback Bible  - Slightly Imperfect
ERV Paperback Bible - Slightly Imperfect
Retail: $6.99
Our Price: $4.67
Save: $2.32 (33%)
Serbian City Bible ERV-SR--softcover
Serbian City Bible ERV-SR--softcover
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $18.49
Save: $1.50 (8%)
ERV Children's Softcover Bible, Case of 28
ERV Children's Softcover Bible, Case of 28
Retail: $279.72
Our Price: $206.99
Save: $72.73 (26%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars