Ecclesiastes 3:14

12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,

13 and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.

15 What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.

16 Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.
KJV
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
WEB
I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.
ASV
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him.
DARBY
I know that whatever God doeth, it shall be for ever; there is nothing to be added to it, nor anything to be taken from it; and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.
BLB
I know that everything that God does, it will be forever; to it nothing can be added, and from it nothing can be diminished; and God has done [it] that they should fear from before His face.
ÅB
Jeg skjønte at alt hva Gud gjør, det varer evig; intet kan legges til og intet kan tas fra. Så har Gud gjort det, for at vi skal frykte ham.
OTB
Jeg vet at alt Gud gjør, vil vare evig; ingenting kan legges til det, og ingenting kan tas fra det. Gud gjør dette for at mennesker skal frykte Ham.
B1930
Jeg skjønte at alt hvad Gud gjør, det varer evig; intet kan legges til og intet kan tas fra. Så har Gud gjort det, forat vi skal frykte ham.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • James 1:17

    Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 33:11

    The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.

    Read in context
  • Romans 11:36

    For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

    Read in context
  • Acts 5:39

    But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 30:6

    Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.

    Read in context
  • Titus 1:2

    in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 21:30

    There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Daniel 11:2–4

    Now then, I will tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. By the power of his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.

    Read in context