Ecclesiastes 3:18
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
American King James Version (AKJV)
I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
American Standard Version (ASV)
I said in my heart, It is because of the sons of men, that God may prove them, and that they may see that they themselves are but as beasts.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
I said in my heart, It is because of the sons of men, so that God may put them to the test and that they may see themselves as beasts.
Webster's Revision
I said in my heart concerning the state of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
World English Bible
I said in my heart, "As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals.
English Revised Version (ERV)
I said in mine heart, It is because of the sons of men, that God may prove them, and that they may see that they themselves are but as beasts.
Definitions for Ecclesiastes 3:18
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 3:18 Bible Commentary
That they might see that they themselves are beasts - The author of Choheleth has given a correct view of this difficult verse, by a proper translation: "I said in my heart, reflecting on the state of the sons of men, O that God would enlighten them, and make them see that even they themselves are like beasts." These words are to be referred to those in authority who abused their power; particularly to the corrupt magistrates mentioned above.
Barnes's Ecclesiastes 3:18 Bible Commentary
literally, I said in my heart with regard to the sons of men, it is that God may prove them and show them that they are beasts, they themselves. "Showing" is the reading of the Septuagint and Syriac: the present Hebrew text reads "seeing." The meaning is that the long delay of God's judgment Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 is calculated to show people that the brevity of their life renders them incapable of following out and understanding His distributive justice.
Wesley's Ecclesiastes 3:18 Bible Commentary
3:18 I said - And further I considered concerning their condition in this present world. That God - God suffers these disorders among men, that he might discover men to themselves, and shew what strange creatures they are, and what vile hearts they have. Beasts - That altho' God made them men, yet they have made themselves beasts by their brutish practices, and that, considered only with respect to the present life, they are as vain and miserable creatures as the beasts themselves.