before the silver cord is snapped,[a]
and the gold bowl is broken,(A)
and the jar is shattered at the spring,
and the wheel is broken into the well;
and the dust returns to the earth as it once was,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.(B)

“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.”(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:6 Alt Hb tradition reads removed

Remember your Creator before the silver cord is [a]loosed,
Or the golden bowl is broken,
Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain,
Or the wheel broken at the well.
(A)Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
(B)And the spirit will return to God (C)who gave it.

“Vanity(D) of vanities,” says the Preacher,
“All is vanity.”

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:6 So with Qr., Tg.; Kt. removed; LXX, Vg. broken