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Meaning, commentary and cross references

Ecclesiastes 12:13

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (ESV)
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In other translations

  • KJV · King James Version

    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

  • NIV · New International Version

    Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

  • WEB · World English Bible

    This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

What does Ecclesiastes 12:13 mean?

John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter,.... Or "the end" (o) of it. The sum and substance of it, what it all tends to and issues in; even the whole of what is contained in this book, and in all offer divinely inspired writings of Solomon or others; of all that were now written, or before, or since: this the preacher calls upon himself, as well as his hearers, to attend unto. Or it may be rendered, "the end of the whole matter is heard" (p); here ends this book; and you have heard the whole of what deserves regard, and it lies in these few words, fear God, and keep his commandments: "the fear of God" includes the whole of internal religion, or powerful godliness; all the graces of…

John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).

Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

Setting aside all matters of doubtful disputation, to be religious is to fear God and keep his commandments. 1. The root of religion is fear of God reigning in the heart, and a reverence of his majesty, a deference to his authority, and a dread of his wrath. Fear God, that is, worship God, give him the honour due to his name, in all the instances of true devotion, inward and outward. See Rev 14:7. 2.

Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).

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Context: Ecclesiastes 12:10–14 (WEB)

10The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. 11The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 12

Cross references

  • Deuteronomy 10:12

    Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

  • Micah 6:8

    He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

  • Deuteronomy 6:2

    that you might fear the LORD your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you—you, your son, and your son’s son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged.

  • Psalms 111:10–112:1
  • Job 28:28

    To man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.’”

  • Psalms 145:19
  • Luke 1:50

    His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:12

    Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

Key words

In the Baptist Catechism

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