Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

Context

Ecclesiastes opens with the cry "Vanity of vanities" (Ecclesiastes 1:2) and closes its main body with the same words (Ecclesiastes 12:8). The verses that follow, Ecclesiastes 12:9–14, form an epilogue that introduces and evaluates "the Preacher" (Hebrew Qohelet) in the third person. Verses 13–14 are the final part of this epilogue and present to the reader "the conclusion of the whole matter," drawn after hearing all that has gone before. Traditionally the Preacher has been identified with Solomon, but many scholars regard the epilogue as the voice of another speaker or an editor who compiled the Preacher's words.

Interpretation

• As a summary of the whole book: Traditional Jewish and Christian interpretation reads this passage as the key to Ecclesiastes. On this view, the lament that everything under the sun is vanity is meant to lead the reader to a life of fearing God. "The fear of God" denotes an attitude of reverent awe and honor toward God, and it is a theme throughout the wisdom literature (Proverbs 9:10; Job 28:28).
• As a later editorial addition: Some critical scholars regard the epilogue as an addition intended to bring the book's skeptical tone into line with orthodox faith. Others counter that the fear of God (Ecclesiastes 5:7) and judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9–10) already appear in the main body, so the epilogue does not conflict with it.
• With emphasis on judgment: Christian interpreters connect the judgment of "every secret thing" in verse 14 with the New Testament teaching on the Last Judgment. On this reading, even if the meaning of life is not fully disclosed within this world, God's judgment brings justice to completion.

Questions of Application

Rendered literally, the Hebrew at the end of verse 13 is close to "this is the whole of man." The word "duty" in translations such as the King James Version is supplied to clarify the sense. Interpreters therefore differ over whether the verse describes what a person ought to do or the whole of what it means to be human.

In Jewish tradition, the rabbis debated whether Ecclesiastes should be included in the canon. According to tradition, the agreement of the book's beginning and end with the words of the Law was cited as grounds for its inclusion. When the Hebrew Bible is read in the synagogue, there is reportedly a custom of repeating verse 13 after verse 14 so that the reading does not end on a word of judgment.

Within Protestantism, theologians address how judgment according to works (verse 14) relates to justification by faith. Judgment is generally explained as an accountability that applies to the lives of the saved as well, but the specific explanation varies among denominations and theological traditions.

Related Passages

• Ecclesiastes 12:8
• Ecclesiastes 11:9
• Ecclesiastes 3:14
• 2 Corinthians 5:10
• Romans 2:16