Ecclesiastes 1:4

KJV

¶ [One] generation passeth away, and [another] generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

One generation {H1755} passeth away {H1980}, and another generation {H1755} cometh {H935}{H935}: but the earth {H776} abideth {H5975} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Generations come, generations go, but the earth remains forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

American Standard Version

One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:4 introduces a foundational theme of the Preacher (Koheleth) by starkly contrasting the fleeting nature of human existence with the enduring stability of the physical world. It posits that while individual generations come and go, disappearing into the annals of time, the earth itself remains perpetually, serving as a constant backdrop to humanity's transient endeavors. This observation sets a melancholic tone for the book's exploration of life's apparent futility "under the sun," highlighting the cyclical and seemingly unprogressive rhythm of human experience in the grand scheme of creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 1:4 immediately follows the Preacher's opening lament in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"), where he declares "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." This verse serves as the first concrete illustration of this overarching theme of futility (Hebrew: _hebel_). It provides a tangible example of the ceaseless, repetitive cycles that characterize life "under the sun," setting the stage for the subsequent verses (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:5-7](/ecclesiastes/1-5 "Ecclesiastes 1:5-7 - Cycles of Nature")) which detail the repetitive patterns of the sun, wind, and rivers. The transience of generations against the earth's permanence underscores the Preacher's search for lasting meaning in a world where everything seems to return to its starting point, and there is "nothing new under the sun" ([Ecclesiastes 1:9](/ecclesiastes/1-9 "Ecclesiastes 1:9 - Nothing New Under the Sun")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, a figure renowned for his wisdom and vast undertakings (as described in [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth")). Written from the perspective of a powerful and experienced ruler, the book reflects a deep engagement with the human condition within the ancient Near Eastern worldview. While the concept of a "new heavens and a new earth" is revealed later in biblical history, the immediate cultural understanding would have emphasized the stability of the created order as a given, contrasting sharply with the precariousness and brevity of individual human lives. The Preacher's observations resonate with universal human experiences of mortality and the passage of time, yet they are filtered through the lens of Israelite wisdom literature, which often grappled with life's complexities and apparent injustices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several critical themes explored throughout Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it highlights **human transience**, emphasizing the brevity and impermanence of individual human lives and collective generations. This stands in stark contrast to the **earth's enduring nature**, which is presented as a constant, unchanging backdrop. This juxtaposition contributes to the overarching theme of **futility (hebel)**, as human efforts and achievements seem to fade into oblivion with each passing generation, leaving no lasting mark. The cyclical pattern of generations coming and going also foreshadows the broader **cyclical nature of existence** that the Preacher observes in the natural world, reinforcing his conclusion that there is "nothing new under the sun" ([Ecclesiastes 1:9](/ecclesiastes/1-9 "Ecclesiastes 1:9 - Nothing New Under the Sun")). This perspective challenges the reader to consider where true and lasting meaning can be found beyond the temporal realm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to revolve," properly signifies a revolution of time, an age, or a generation. It can also refer to a dwelling. In Ecclesiastes 1:4, it underscores the cyclical nature of human existence, emphasizing that groups of people, living within a particular span of time, are born, live, and then pass away, only to be replaced by another similar group. The repetition of "generation" highlights the continuous, unending cycle.
* **passeth away (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root means "to walk" or "to go," encompassing a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. Here, it is used in the sense of "departing" or "passing away," conveying the idea of movement out of existence or out of the current scene. It depicts the active, ongoing process of generations leaving the stage of life, emphasizing their transient nature and inevitable departure.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This significant Hebrew term properly means "concealed" or "the vanishing point," and generally refers to time out of mind, either past or future. Practically, it denotes eternity, perpetuity, or a very long duration. In Ecclesiastes 1:4, when applied to the earth, it emphasizes the earth's enduring existence relative to human lifespans. While not necessarily implying absolute, unending eternity in every biblical context (as the Bible also speaks of a new creation), here it powerfully conveys a permanence that vastly transcends the brevity of human generations, highlighting the earth's stability as a stark contrast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One generation passeth away":** This clause immediately establishes the theme of human impermanence. The use of "generation" (dôwr) points to a collective unit of humanity, emphasizing that not just individuals, but entire epochs of people, are characterized by a movement towards departure. The verb "passeth away" (hâlak) suggests a continuous, active process of moving on, highlighting the relentless march of time and the inevitable end of each human era.
* **"and another generation cometh":** This second clause completes the cycle of human transience. As one generation departs, another arrives, filling the space left behind. The verb "cometh" (bôwʼ) signifies arrival or entrance, indicating the ceaseless succession of human life. This continuous coming and going, without any apparent accumulation of lasting impact, contributes to the Preacher's sense of weariness and futility.
* **"but the earth abideth for ever":** This final clause introduces a profound contrast. While humanity is characterized by constant flux, the "earth" (ʼerets) is depicted as stable and enduring. The verb "abideth" (ʻâmad) means "to stand" or "to endure," conveying permanence and steadfastness. The phrase "for ever" (ʻôwlâm) underscores this enduring quality, signifying a duration that extends far beyond any human lifespan or succession of generations. This stark contrast between human ephemerality and cosmic permanence is central to the Preacher's argument about the vanity of human endeavors "under the sun."

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the fleeting nature of human generations against the enduring stability of the earth. This juxtaposition immediately highlights the Preacher's central concern: the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless cycle. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "generation passeth away... another generation cometh," which emphasizes the ceaseless, monotonous cycle of human life, contributing to the sense of weariness and futility. The use of **Hyperbole** in "abideth for ever" (ʻôwlâm) when applied to the earth, while conveying a vast duration, also serves to magnify the brevity of human life by comparison. The earth's "forever" is relative to human time, not necessarily an absolute eternity, but it powerfully underscores the vast disparity. Finally, the verse establishes a **Melancholy Tone**, a pervasive feeling of resignation and existential weariness that permeates the entire book, inviting the reader to ponder the deeper questions of purpose and permanence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:4 offers a sobering theological statement about the created order and humanity's place within it. It underscores the biblical truth of human mortality and finitude, reminding us that our lives, though precious, are but a vapor in the grand sweep of divine history. This transience, however, is not presented in isolation but in stark contrast to the enduring nature of creation, which God established and sustains. While the Preacher observes the earth's stability "under the sun," the broader biblical narrative reveals that even the earth, in its current form, is not absolutely eternal but will give way to a new heavens and a new earth. This perspective forces us to confront the limitations of human endeavor and wisdom when viewed apart from God's ultimate purposes, prompting a search for meaning that transcends the temporal cycles of this world. It implicitly points to the need for an eternal anchor for human hope and significance, found not in the created order itself, but in the eternal Creator.

* [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Vapor")
* [Psalm 102:25-27](/psalms/102-25-27 "Psalm 102:25-27 - God's Enduring Nature vs. Creation's Change")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 1:4 serves as a profound call to humility and a reorientation of our priorities. In a world obsessed with leaving a legacy, achieving fleeting success, and accumulating temporary possessions, this verse reminds us that all human endeavors "under the sun" are ultimately subject to the relentless march of time and the inevitable passing of generations. Our lives are brief, and our impact, from a purely earthly perspective, may seem negligible against the backdrop of an enduring cosmos. This truth should not lead to despair, but rather to a sober recognition of our finitude and a renewed focus on what truly lasts. It compels us to seek meaning and purpose beyond the transient, to invest in that which has eternal significance—our relationship with God, the spiritual well-being of others, and the building of His eternal kingdom. It invites us to live with intentionality, recognizing the preciousness of each moment while simultaneously holding loosely to the temporal, understanding that true value is found in aligning our brief lives with God's enduring will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transience of human life, as described in this verse, challenge your perspective on personal achievements and earthly legacies?**
* **What does it mean to live with an "eternal perspective" in light of the earth's enduring nature and humanity's fleeting existence?**
* **If generations come and go, what responsibilities do we have to those who come after us, both in terms of stewardship of creation and the transmission of faith?**
* **How might recognizing the brevity of life motivate you to prioritize spiritual growth and service to God over temporal pursuits?**

### FAQ
**Does "the earth abideth for ever" mean the earth will never end?**

Answer: In the context of Ecclesiastes 1:4, "for ever" (Hebrew: _ʻôwlâm_) signifies a duration that is perpetual and enduring *relative to human generations*. It emphasizes the earth's stability and longevity in contrast to the brevity of human life. While the Old Testament often uses _ʻôwlâm_ to denote a very long, indefinite period, or an age, the New Testament and other parts of the Old Testament reveal a future where the current heavens and earth will pass away, and God will create a new heavens and a new earth ([Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth"); [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Creation")). Therefore, the Preacher's statement here highlights the earth's permanence *within the current order of creation* and its stark difference from human transience, rather than speaking of its absolute, unending existence in an ultimate eschatological sense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:4, with its poignant observation of human transience set against the earth's enduring nature, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Preacher's lament about generations passing away and the apparent futility of life "under the sun" points to humanity's deep need for something beyond the cyclical and perishable. Jesus, as the eternal Son of God, breaks this cycle of futility. He is not merely another generation that comes and goes; rather, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who was, and is, and is to come ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")). Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus entered human history, not to be consumed by its transience, but to conquer death and offer eternal life. He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), promising that those who believe in Him will never perish but have everlasting life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). While the earth "abides for ever" in a relative sense, Christ offers a hope that is truly eternal, a new creation where there will be no more death or sorrow ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Our true "abiding" is not in this transient world, but in Christ, who is the same "yesterday, today, and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). He transforms the Preacher's weariness into an enduring hope, offering a purpose that transcends the fleeting cycles of human generations and finds its lasting significance in Him.

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

Psalms 104:5

[Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever.

Zechariah 1:5

Your fathers, where [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

Ecclesiastes 6:12

For who knoweth what [is] good for man in [this] life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Psalms 119:90

Thy faithfulness [is] unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

Psalms 119:91

They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all [are] thy servants.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.