What Is the Purpose of Life According to the Bible?
What Is the Purpose of Life According to the Bible? The Bible teaches that life's purpose is to glorify God, enjoy a relationship with Him, and fulfill the unique calling He has for each person.
Key verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that life's purpose is to glorify God, enjoy a relationship with Him, and fulfill the unique calling He has for each person.
The Bible teaches that life's purpose is to glorify God, enjoy a relationship with Him, and fulfill the unique calling He has for each person.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." — Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Westminster Catechism summarizes it well: 'Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.' Scripture supports this comprehensively. Believers were 'created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained' (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus summarized life's purpose in the greatest commandments: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Ecclesiastes, after examining all life offers, concludes: 'Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man' (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Paul described his purpose: 'For to me to live is Christ' (Philippians 1:21). Isaiah 43:7 reveals we were created for God's glory. Purpose is found not in achievement, wealth, or pleasure but in knowing God, being transformed by Him, serving others, and making disciples—all empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Purpose & Calling?
What the Bible teaches about finding your purpose, God's plan for your life, and your calling.
Key Scripture References
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Identity?
The Bible teaches that a believer's true identity is found in Christ—created by God, redeemed by grace, and defined by their relationship with Him.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.
What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
The Bible teaches that worship is giving God the honor, praise, and reverence He deserves, expressed through prayer, singing, obedience, and daily living.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Purpose
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ecclesiastes. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ecclesiastes on day 170 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Purpose of Life According to the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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