and (A)the dust returns to the earth as it was, and (B)the spirit returns to God (C)who gave it. (D)Vanity[a] of vanities, says (E)the Preacher; all is vanity.

Fear God and Keep His Commandments

Besides being wise, (F)the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging (G)many proverbs with great care.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:8 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (three times in this verse); see note on 1:2

and the dust returns(A) to the ground it came from,
    and the spirit returns to God(B) who gave it.(C)

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.[a](D)
    “Everything is meaningless!(E)

The Conclusion of the Matter

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.(F)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:8 Or the leader of the assembly; also in verses 9 and 10