Verse Comparison: Ecclesiastes 3:18
American Standard Version
I said in my heart, `It is' because of the sons of men, that God may prove them, and that they may see that they themselves are `but as' beasts.
Amplified® Bible
I said in my heart regarding the subject of the sons of men, God is trying (separating and sifting) them, that they may see that by themselves [under the sun, without God] they are but like beasts.
Contemporary English Version
I know that God is testing us to show us that we are merely animals.
Darby English Version
I said in my heart, It is thus with the children of men, that God may prove them, and that they should see that they themselves are but beasts.
Good News Bible
I decided that God is testing us, to show us that we are no better than animals.
King James Version
I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
New American Standard Bible
I said to myself concerning the sons of men, "God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts."
New International Version
I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals.
New King James Version
I said in my heart, "Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals."
N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
I said to myself concerning the sons of men, "God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they resemble beasts."
Revised Standard Version
I said in my heart with regard to the sons of men that God is testing them to show them that they are but beasts.
Young's Literal Translation
I said in my heart concerning the matter of the sons of man that God might cleanse them, so as to see that they themselves `are' beasts.
