Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
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These are the closing words of the book, drawing the Preacher's entire investigation to its summarizing conclusion.
What Does Ecclesiastes 12:13 Mean?
This verse is the Preacher's final answer to his long search: revere God and keep His commandments, for this is what human life is truly about. After testing pleasure, work, wealth, and wisdom and finding each one fleeting, he lands on solid ground. The pursuit of meaning that began with "vanity of vanities" ends with a clear and steady summons: live in awe of God and walk in obedience to Him.
"Fear God" does not mean cowering dread but reverent awe -- recognizing who God is and ordering our lives accordingly. Joined to keeping His commandments, it forms a whole way of living: heart turned toward God, life lived in faithful obedience. The phrase "the whole duty of man" can also be read "this is the whole of man" -- this is what we are for, the thing that gives all our fleeting days their lasting weight. Everything else under the sun passes, but a life that reveres God and keeps His word is not chasing the wind. Here the restless heart finds its rest, and the search for meaning finds its home.
In the Original Language
The command yera (יְרָא), "fear," denotes reverent awe of God; the final phrase kol-haadam (כָּל־הָאָדָם) reads literally "the whole of man."
Cross References
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Proverbs 1:7
“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,”
- Deuteronomy 10:12
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
- John 14:15
Application
Anchor your fleeting days in what lasts by living in reverent awe of God and walking faithfully in His commandments.