All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
The same things happen to everyone: one destiny comes to both good people and bad people, to those who are pure and those who are impure, to those who make sacrifices to God and those who don't. Good people face the same fate as sinners, and those who make promises face the same fate as those who are afraid to make them.
The writer is observing that death comes to everyone equally, regardless of whether they are good or bad, religious or irreligious.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon (or someone writing in his tradition) during a time when Israel was questioning why good people sometimes suffered while evil people prospered. The book reflects on life's apparent meaninglessness and injustices. The references to sacrifices and ritual cleanliness reflect the Jewish religious practices of the time.
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