Ecclesiastes 1:11

[There is] no remembrance of former [things]; neither shall there be [any] remembrance of [things] that are to come with [those] that shall come after.

There is no remembrance {H2146} of former {H7223} things; neither shall there be any remembrance {H2146} of things that are to come {H314} with those that shall come after {H314}.

No one remembers the people of long ago; and those to come will not be remembered by those who come after them.

There is no remembrance of those who came before, and those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow after.

There is no remembrance of the former generations; neither shall there be any remembrance of the latter generations that are to come, among those that shall come after.

Ecclesiastes 1:11 is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of human memory and legacy, central to the Preacher's exploration of life "under the sun." It highlights the transient impact of individuals and their accomplishments, suggesting that both past and future generations will largely be forgotten by those who follow.

Context

The Book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to King Solomon due to its profound wisdom and royal perspective, is part of the Bible's wisdom literature. The Preacher, or Qoheleth (Hebrew for "one who convenes an assembly" or "teacher"), embarks on a philosophical quest to understand the meaning and purpose of life. This verse appears early in the book, following observations about the relentless cycles of nature (sun, wind, rivers) and the ceaseless toil of humanity that ultimately yields no lasting satisfaction. The overarching theme introduced in Ecclesiastes 1:2, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity," casts a shadow over human endeavors, and verse 11 provides a concrete illustration of this futility: even memory itself is fleeting.

Key Themes

  • The Transience of Human Memory: The verse directly states that "no remembrance of former things" exists, and future things will likewise be forgotten. This speaks to the impermanence of human fame, achievements, and even the existence of past generations. What seems significant in one era fades into obscurity in the next.
  • The Futility of Earthly Legacy: For those driven by a desire to leave a lasting mark, this verse presents a stark reality. It suggests that even the most impactful deeds and lives are eventually erased from collective human memory. This contributes to the Preacher's sense of hebel (vanity, breath, futility), as even the effort to be remembered is ultimately vain.
  • The Cyclical Nature of Existence: Echoing the repetitive cycles of nature described in previous verses (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:5), this verse applies the same principle to human history and memory. Each generation lives, strives, and then is forgotten, making way for the next, which will suffer the same fate.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word here is zikaron (זִכָּרוֹן), translated as "remembrance" or "memory." It implies not just individual recollection but also collective memory, historical record, or commemoration. The Preacher's point is that even this collective memory is short-lived in the grand scheme of time. This concept reinforces the idea of human insignificance when viewed from an earthly, temporal perspective.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 1:11, while seemingly pessimistic, offers profound insights for living a meaningful life. It challenges us to reconsider what truly holds lasting value:

  • Shift Your Focus: If human memory is fleeting, then seeking earthly fame, recognition, or legacy for its own sake is ultimately unfulfilling. This verse encourages a shift from pursuing temporary accolades to investing in eternal realities.
  • Live for God's Glory: Unlike human memory, God's remembrance is eternal. While human efforts may be forgotten, actions done in faith and for God's glory hold eternal significance. As Proverbs 10:7 states, "The memory of the just is blessed."
  • Embrace the Present: The Preacher eventually finds meaning not in a lasting legacy, but in enjoying the simple gifts of God in the present moment (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13). This verse frees us from the pressure to achieve undying fame, allowing us to find contentment in what is truly important.
  • Remember Your Creator: Ultimately, the book concludes with the instruction to "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1), emphasizing that our relationship with God is the only lasting foundation in a world where everything else fades.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:16

    For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool.

  • Psalms 9:6

    O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:5

    For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

  • Isaiah 42:9

    Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

  • Isaiah 41:22

    Let them bring [them] forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they [be], that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

  • Isaiah 41:26

    Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, [He is] righteous? yea, [there is] none that sheweth, yea, [there is] none that declareth, yea, [there is] none that heareth your words.
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