Scripture · Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 6:12
Ecclesiastes 6:12 is verse 12 of Ecclesiastes chapter 6, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?
King James Version
For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
World English Bible
For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?
Read in context
Ecclesiastes 6:10–12 · Berean Standard Bible
10 Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he.
11 For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?
12 For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?
Read all of Ecclesiastes 6Hebrew words
Data created by STEPBible.org based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
Study Ecclesiastes 6:12
Cross-references
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.
Ecclesiastes 2:3I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
Ecclesiastes 12:13When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
Psalms 4:6Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.
Psalms 16:5The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.
Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.
Psalms 47:4He chooses our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loves. Selah
Lamentations 3:24“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
Lamentations 3:25The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:26It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:27It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young.
Micah 6:8He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Ecclesiastes 8:13Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
Ecclesiastes 9:6Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun.
1 Chronicles 29:15For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.
Job 8:9For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.
Job 14:2Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.
Psalms 39:5You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah
Psalms 39:6Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.
Psalms 89:47Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men!
Psalms 90:10The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty if we are strong— yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Psalms 90:11Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.
Psalms 90:12So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 102:11My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.
Psalms 109:23I am fading away like a lengthening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust.
Psalms 144:4Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
James 4:14You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Ecclesiastes 3:22I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him?
Ecclesiastes 8:7Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?
Job 14:21If his sons receive honor, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he is unaware.