Ecclesiastes 1:10

KJV

Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Is there {H3426} any thing {H1697} whereof it may be said {H559}, See {H7200}, this is new {H2319}? it hath been already {H3528} of old time {H5769}, which was before {H6440} us.

Complete Jewish Bible

Is there something of which it is said, "See, this is new"? It existed already in the ages before us.

Berean Standard Bible

Is there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us.

American Standard Version

Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:10 encapsulates the Preacher's profound observation on the apparent futility of human endeavor when viewed "under the sun," rhetorically questioning if anything genuinely new exists. This verse serves as a forceful affirmation of the preceding declaration that all things are cyclical and repetitive, suggesting that what appears novel to humanity has, in essence, transpired before, underscoring the transient, often wearisome, and ultimately unfulfilling nature of earthly existence when divorced from a transcendent, divine perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 1:10 serves as a direct rhetorical affirmation and culmination of the Preacher's foundational assertion in [Ecclesiastes 1:9](/ecclesiastes/1-9 "Ecclesiastes 1:9 - Nothing New Under the Sun") that "there is nothing new under the sun." This verse is an integral part of the opening argument (Ecclesiastes 1:4-11) where the author, Qoheleth, establishes the premise of "vanity" or "hebel"—the elusive, fleeting, and often meaningless nature of life when pursued solely through human wisdom and earthly pursuits. The preceding verses illustrate this cyclical nature through the relentless, repetitive movements of the sun, wind, and rivers, all returning to their starting points, mirroring the seemingly unprogressive cycle of human history and experience. This verse solidifies the idea that despite human perception and innovation, nothing genuinely novel or enduring emerges from the earthly realm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, placing its historical context in the united monarchy of Israel, likely during the 10th century BCE. This period was characterized by immense wealth, wisdom, and extensive building projects, yet the Preacher's perspective transcends mere material prosperity. The cultural milieu was one where wisdom literature flourished across the ancient Near East, grappling with life's big questions regarding meaning, suffering, and the nature of existence. The "under the sun" perspective reflects a worldview grounded in observable earthly phenomena and human experience, common in ancient wisdom traditions. However, Qoheleth applies it with a unique, often pessimistic, lens to challenge conventional notions of progress and satisfaction, probing the limits of human understanding and achievement within a finite, temporal framework.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the **cyclical nature of existence**, arguing that human history and experience are not linear progress but rather a series of repetitions, where past patterns re-emerge in new guises. This leads directly to the theme of the **illusion of novelty**, where human innovation and discovery are perceived as genuinely new only due to a limited historical scope and short individual lifespans. The Preacher implies that what seems groundbreaking is merely a re-expression of ancient principles or human desires. Ultimately, the verse highlights **human limitation and perspective**, emphasizing that from an earthly, finite viewpoint, humanity is trapped in a cycle of repetition, unable to create anything truly unprecedented or enduring. This profound observation sets the stage for the book's exploration of ultimate meaning beyond the "under the sun" realm, a meaning found only in reverent obedience to God, as explored later in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Whole Duty of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root meaning "to speak," _dâbâr_ broadly refers to a "word," "matter," or "thing." In this comprehensive context, it encompasses any event, phenomenon, discovery, or human endeavor. The Preacher's rhetorical question is sweeping, probing whether *any* aspect of human experience, achievement, or creation can genuinely be deemed unprecedented or truly novel.
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** This word signifies "fresh," "new," or "renewed." Its usage here directly challenges the human tendency to perceive innovation, discovery, or cultural shifts as truly novel. The Preacher implies that while outward forms, expressions, or technologies may appear fresh and distinct, the underlying essence, principles, or fundamental human experiences they address are merely recycled iterations of what has existed before.
* **old time (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term denotes "eternity," "long ago," or "time out of mind." It conveys a sense of ancientness, stretching back beyond human memory or historical record, often implying an indefinite past or future. By asserting that "it hath been already of old time," Qoheleth emphasizes the deep, unremembered past, suggesting that the perceived "newness" is merely a rediscovery, a re-enactment, or a re-packaging of something that has always been, or at least has been for an immeasurable duration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new?":** This opening rhetorical question immediately establishes the Preacher's skeptical and challenging tone. He directly invites his audience to identify anything in human experience, achievement, or discovery that is genuinely unprecedented, truly original, or fundamentally distinct from what has come before. The phrase "See, this [is] new?" is an invitation to direct observation, only to dismiss the possibility of true novelty, setting up the implied answer as a resounding "no."
* **"it hath been already of old time, which was before us.":** This declarative statement provides the Preacher's definitive and authoritative answer to his own question. It asserts that anything we might consider "new" has, in fact, existed or occurred long ago, predating current generations and even collective human memory. The phrase "of old time" (Hebrew _ʻôwlâm_) suggests an ancient, perhaps even timeless, repetition, emphasizing the deep past beyond human recollection. The concluding phrase "which was before us" grounds this repetition in human history, underscoring that even what is beyond our personal or collective memory has already transpired, reinforcing the cyclical and unchanging nature of life "under the sun."

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:10 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer but to make a forceful assertion, guiding the reader to the Preacher's intended conclusion: there is nothing truly new within the confines of earthly existence. This device directly engages the reader, compelling them to confront the apparent futility of seeking genuine novelty "under the sun." Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Repetition** of the core idea of cyclical existence, building upon the preceding verse [Ecclesiastes 1:9](/ecclesiastes/1-9 "Ecclesiastes 1:9 - Nothing New Under the Sun") to solidify the pervasive theme of vanity. There is also an element of **Irony**, as humanity constantly strives for progress, innovation, and lasting impact, yet the Preacher suggests that these efforts ultimately lead back to familiar patterns, highlighting the ironic futility of such pursuits in the grand, unchanging scheme of things.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:10 profoundly contributes to the book's overarching theological argument regarding the vanity and ultimate meaninglessness of life lived apart from God. The Preacher's assertion that "there is nothing new under the sun" is not a denial of human creativity or technological advancement, but rather a theological statement about the inherent limitations of a fallen world and human existence within its confines. Without a divine, transcendent perspective, human endeavors, no matter how innovative or seemingly groundbreaking, remain trapped within a cyclical pattern of birth, toil, decay, and death, unable to break free into true, lasting significance or genuine novelty. This perspective emphasizes humanity's desperate need for a source of meaning, purpose, and renewal that lies beyond the confines of earthly cycles and the limitations of time.

* [Ecclesiastes 3:15](/ecclesiastes/3-15 "Ecclesiastes 3:15 - God Seeks What Has Passed")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Forget the Former Things")
* [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Preacher's observation in Ecclesiastes 1:10 serves as a sobering reminder for contemporary life, saturated as it is with the relentless pursuit of innovation and the celebration of "newness." While we live in an age of unprecedented technological advancement and rapid change, this verse prompts us to look beyond the superficial forms and consider the underlying human experiences, challenges, and desires that remain remarkably constant throughout history. It encourages a profound humility regarding our achievements, suggesting that our struggles with injustice, pride, greed, suffering, and the search for meaning are not unique to our generation. Rather than dismissing history, this verse calls us to learn from the wisdom and follies of those who came before us, recognizing that human nature, in its fallen state, tends to repeat patterns. True wisdom, then, lies not in chasing fleeting novelties "under the sun," but in discerning eternal truths that transcend the cyclical nature of earthly existence and finding our ultimate purpose and lasting significance in God, who alone offers genuine transformation and enduring meaning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you primarily seek "newness," and how might Ecclesiastes 1:10 challenge that pursuit?**
* **How does understanding the cyclical nature of human experience inform your view of current events or persistent societal challenges?**
* **What are the implications of "nothing new under the sun" for our understanding of progress, both individually and collectively?**
* **How can we find genuine meaning and purpose if earthly endeavors are ultimately repetitive and fleeting, as Qoheleth suggests?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 1:10 deny human innovation or progress?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 1:10 does not deny that new inventions or societal advancements occur. Instead, it offers a deeper, philosophical, and theological perspective. The Preacher is suggesting that at a fundamental level, the core human experiences, motivations, problems, and the underlying principles of existence remain constant. While the *forms* of things may change (e.g., from horse-drawn carriages to cars, or from scrolls to digital screens), the underlying *functions* (transportation, communication) and the human desires they serve (efficiency, connection, power, pleasure) are ancient and repetitive. The verse highlights the cyclical nature of human endeavor and the inherent limitations of an "under the sun" perspective, implying that true, lasting novelty and ultimate meaning must come from beyond the earthly realm, from a transcendent source.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ecclesiastes 1:10 paints a picture of wearisome repetition and futility "under the sun," it inadvertently sets the stage for the profound and transformative "newness" brought by Jesus Christ. The Preacher's lament about the absence of anything truly novel highlights humanity's desperate need for a decisive break in the cycle of futility, decay, and meaninglessness. This deep longing is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the very source of all genuine newness and eternal significance. The New Covenant, inaugurated by His atoning sacrifice, is explicitly called a "new covenant" in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"), replacing and fulfilling the old. Through faith in Him, believers are declared to be "new creation[s]" in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), where "the old has passed away; behold, the new has come." This is not merely a cyclical repetition or a superficial update, but a radical, spiritual, and ontological transformation wrought by God Himself. Furthermore, Christ gives a "new commandment" of self-sacrificial love in [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment"), which redefines human relationships. Ultimately, in the eschatological vision of [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New"), God declares, "Behold, I am making all things new," promising a new heaven and a new earth where sin and death are no more. Thus, what was impossible "under the sun"—true, lasting novelty, freedom from wearisome cycles, and enduring meaning—becomes gloriously possible and actualized in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the one who truly breaks the cycle of vanity and brings eternal life and an everlasting future.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Matthew 23:30

And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

Matthew 23:32

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Luke 17:26

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Luke 17:30

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

2 Timothy 3:8

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.