Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 7:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and does not sin.
Compare translations
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
What Ecclesiastes 7:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes and falls short of doing good all the time. It reminds us that sin is a part of life for every person. Even the best among us will have moments of failure. This realization can be humbling, as it encourages us to be more compassionate towards others. Instead of judging, we can understand that everyone struggles with their own shortcomings. Recognizing our imperfections can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with others. It’s a call to embrace humility and seek improvement rather than perfection, fostering a sense of community and support among us all. We are all in this together, navigating the complexities of life and morality, striving to do better each day, even if we stumble along the way. This perspective can transform how we interact with ourselves and others, promoting kindness and understanding in our relationships and communities. Ultimately, it’s about acknowledging our flaws while still aspiring to be better.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 7:20 to your life
Recognizing that everyone makes mistakes can help us be more forgiving towards ourselves and others. Instead of striving for unattainable perfection, focus on personal growth and improvement. Embrace your flaws and learn from them, fostering a supportive environment for those around you. Remember, we all share the journey of life together, imperfections and all. This understanding can strengthen our relationships and communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ecclesiastes 7:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ecclesiastes 7:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ecclesiastes
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 7:20 mean?
Ecclesiastes 7:20 means that no one on earth is completely righteous or free from sin. It emphasizes that everyone makes mistakes and falls short of doing good at times.
What is the meaning of sin in Ecclesiastes 7:20?
In Ecclesiastes 7:20, sin refers to any wrongdoing or failure to meet moral standards. The verse highlights that all people, regardless of their intentions, will experience moments of moral failure.
How does Ecclesiastes 7:20 relate to personal growth?
Ecclesiastes 7:20 relates to personal growth by reminding us that acknowledging our imperfections can lead to self-improvement. Understanding that everyone makes mistakes fosters a supportive environment for growth.
What themes are present in Ecclesiastes 7:20?
The themes present in Ecclesiastes 7:20 include human imperfection, compassion, humility, personal growth, and community support. These themes encourage us to embrace our flaws and support one another.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.