Ecclesiastes 1:5

The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

The sun {H8121} also ariseth {H2224}, and the sun {H8121} goeth down {H935}, and hasteth {H7602} to his place {H4725} where he arose {H2224}.

The sun rises, the sun sets; then it speeds to its place and rises there.

The sun rises and the sun sets; it hurries back to where it rises.

The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to its place where it ariseth.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 1:5 is part of the opening reflections of "the Preacher" (traditionally King Solomon), who explores the meaning and purpose of life "under the sun." This verse highlights the relentless, cyclical nature of the physical world, setting a tone for the book's overarching theme of vanity and futility when viewed apart from God.

Context

This verse follows the declaration in Ecclesiastes 1:4 that generations come and go while the earth remains. The Preacher then turns to the natural world, observing the sun's unchanging routine. This observation is one of several examples used to illustrate the ceaseless, repetitive patterns of life that offer no apparent progress or lasting satisfaction. It's a foundational observation for the book's inquiry into what truly matters in a world seemingly dominated by endless cycles and transient human efforts.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Repetitive Cycles: The sun's daily journey from rising to setting and its swift return to its starting point symbolizes the monotonous and unceasing patterns of existence. This repetition underscores the idea that life "under the sun" often feels like an endless loop, lacking true novelty or ultimate advancement.
  • Futility of Earthly Endeavors: For the Preacher, this constant, unchanging cycle contributes to a sense of meaninglessness or "vanity" (Hebrew: hebel), a central theme introduced in Ecclesiastes 1:2. If even the mighty sun simply repeats its course without achieving anything new, what hope is there for human labor to produce lasting significance?
  • Nature's Predictability: While the verse laments the lack of progress, it also implicitly acknowledges the remarkable order and predictability within creation. The sun's unerring adherence to its path highlights a consistent, established pattern in the cosmos, contrasting with humanity's often chaotic and unfulfilling pursuits.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hasteth" is sha'aph (שָׁאַף), which can mean "to pant," "to gasp," "to strive," or "to hasten after." It conveys a sense of eager pursuit or urgency. The sun is not merely moving but is actively, almost impatiently, striving to return to its place. This emphasizes the relentless, driven nature of the cosmic cycle, reinforcing the Preacher's point about the unceasing and unchanging rhythms of life.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 1:5 challenges us to consider where we find our ultimate meaning and purpose. If we seek lasting satisfaction solely in the repetitive cycles and achievements of this world, we may encounter the same sense of futility that the Preacher describes. This verse encourages us to look beyond the transient "under the sun" perspective and to find meaning in God's eternal plan and purpose, which transcends the earthly cycles. Understanding that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God, rather than from endless earthly pursuits, provides a vital counterpoint to the book's initial observations of vanity. It reminds us that while earthly life has its routines, our hope is in something new and eternal in Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 19:4

    Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

  • Psalms 19:6

    His going forth [is] from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

  • Psalms 42:1

    ΒΆ To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

  • Habakkuk 3:11

    The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, [and] at the shining of thy glittering spear.

  • Psalms 89:36

    His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

  • Psalms 89:37

    It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

  • Psalms 104:19

    ΒΆ He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
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