Ecclesiastes 1:10

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:10 (KJV)

Ecclesiastes 1:10, part of the profound wisdom literature of the Old Testament, poses a rhetorical question that encapsulates one of the book's central themes: "Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us." This verse continues the Preacher's observation about the cyclical, repetitive nature of life and human experience.

Context

This verse directly follows and reinforces the declaration in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that "there is no new thing under the sun." The author, traditionally identified as King Solomon, views human endeavors, discoveries, and events from a perspective "under the sun"—that is, from an earthly, temporal viewpoint, apart from divine intervention or eternal significance. The book of Ecclesiastes grapples with the apparent futility and vanity (Hebrew: hebel) of life when measured by human achievements alone, highlighting the constant cycles of nature and human history.

Key Themes

• The Cyclical Nature of Existence: The verse emphasizes that what seems novel or groundbreaking to us has, in essence, occurred before. This isn't to deny innovation but to suggest that fundamental human experiences, patterns, and challenges remain consistent throughout history.
• The Illusion of Novelty: From the Preacher's perspective, human perception of "newness" is often limited by our short lifespan and historical knowledge. While forms may change, the underlying principles, desires, and outcomes are often ancient.
• Human Limitation and Perspective: This rhetorical question underscores the Preacher's limited, earthly viewpoint. What appears new to humanity is merely a repetition in the grand, eternal scheme of things.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "new" is chadash (חדש), meaning fresh, new, or renewed. The rhetorical question "Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new?" challenges the notion that human progress truly brings forth unprecedented realities. The phrase "it hath been already of old time, which was before us" strongly asserts the historical repetition. This perspective contributes to the book's overall tone of reflective skepticism regarding purely human achievements.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 1:10 offers several insights for contemporary life:

• Humility in Innovation: While we celebrate technological and societal advancements, this verse encourages humility, reminding us that fundamental human nature and the challenges we face are not entirely new.
• Learning from History: If nothing is truly new, then studying history, learning from past mistakes, and applying ancient wisdom becomes even more crucial. The struggles and triumphs of previous generations can inform our present.
• Seeking True Novelty: The Preacher's conclusion, while sobering, implicitly points to a need for meaning beyond the "under the sun" perspective. For believers, true "newness" and lasting significance are found not in temporal cycles, but in the eternal work of God, who promises to make all things new in His creation. This spiritual dimension offers a contrast to the earthly weariness expressed here.