Ecclesiastes 9:3 - Exposition

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun . The "evil" is explained in the following words, which speak of the common fate. The Vulgate (followed by Ginsburg and others) lakes the first words as equivalent to a superlative: Hoc est pessimum inter omnia, "This is the greatest evil of all that is done under the sun." But the article would have been used in this case; nor would this accurately express Koheleth's sentiments. He looks upon death only as one of the evils appertaining to men's career on earth—one of the phases of that identity of treatment so certain and so inexplicable, which leads to disastrous results ( Ecclesiastes 8:11 ). That there is one event unto all . The "one event," as the end of the verse shows, is death. We have here the old strain repeated which is found in Ecclesiastes 2:14-16 ; Ecclesiastes 3:19 ; Ecclesiastes 5:15 ; Ecclesiastes 6:12 ; "Omnes eodem cogimur" (Horace, 'Carm.,' Ecclesiastes 2:3 . 25). Yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil. In consequence of this indiscriminating destiny men sin recklessly, are encouraged in their wickedness. Madness is in their heart while they live. The "madness" is conduct opposed to the dictates of wisdom and reason, as Ecclesiastes 1:17 ; Ecclesiastes 2:2 , Ecclesiastes 2:12 . All their life long men follow their own lusts and passions, and care little for God's will and law, or their own best interests. This is well called "want of reason. And after that they go to the dead. The verb is omitted in the Hebrew, being implied by the preposition כִּי , "to;" the omission is very forcible. Delitzsch, Wright, and others render, "after him," i.e. after man's life is ended, which seems rather to say, "after they die, they die." The idea, however, appears to be, both good and evil go to the same place, pass away into nothingness, are known no more in this world. Here at present Koheleth leaves the question of the future life, having already intimated his belief in Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 . and Ecclesiastes 8:11 , etc.