Ecclesiastes 1:6

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

The wind {H7307} goeth {H1980} toward the south {H1864}, and turneth about {H5437} unto the north {H6828}; it whirleth about continually {H1980}, and the wind {H7307} returneth again {H7725} according to his circuits {H5439}.

The wind blows south, then it turns north; the wind blows all around and keeps returning to its rounds.

The wind blows southward, then turns northward; round and round it swirls, ever returning on its course.

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth about continually in its course, and the wind returneth again to its circuits.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 1:6 presents a vivid observation of the natural world, specifically the perpetual motion of the wind. This verse serves as a key illustration for the Preacher's overarching theme of the cyclical, repetitive, and often seemingly futile nature of life "under the sun."

Context

This verse is an integral part of the opening chapter of Ecclesiastes, where Qoheleth (the Preacher) embarks on his quest to understand the meaning of life. After stating that generations come and go while the earth remains, and describing the sun's tireless daily circuit in Ecclesiastes 1:5, the Preacher turns his attention to the wind. These natural phenomena, with their endless, predictable movements that never truly arrive at a new state, set the stage for his famous declaration in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that there is "no new thing under the sun."

Key Themes

  • The Cycles of Nature: The verse powerfully depicts the wind's incessant movement—from south to north, whirling about continually—underscoring that many aspects of the natural world operate in predictable, unending cycles. It's a testament to the constancy of creation.
  • Repetition Without Progress: Despite all its vigorous activity and movement, the wind always "returneth again according to his circuits." This highlights a core message of Ecclesiastes: much of human experience and natural processes "under the sun" involves endless repetition without true advancement, ultimate purpose, or lasting novelty.
  • Futility and Vanity (Hebel): The wind's ceaseless, circular motion, never achieving a new state or a final destination, serves as a prime illustration of hebel, the Hebrew word often translated as "vanity," "meaningless," or "futility." It suggests that activities that merely repeat themselves, lacking an eternal dimension or lasting impact, can feel empty and without ultimate significance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "it whirleth about continually" is sovev sovev holekh, which literally means "going around and around." This repetition in the original language emphasizes the incessant, circling movement, reinforcing the idea of a never-ending cycle. The word "circuits" (Hebrew: sevivothav) further stresses the predictable, returning paths, underscoring the lack of true linear progress or innovation within these natural patterns.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 1:6 encourages us to reflect on the repetitive aspects of our own lives—our daily routines, work cycles, and the predictable rhythms of seasons. While these cycles are fundamental to existence, the Preacher challenges us to look beyond them for ultimate meaning. True purpose and lasting satisfaction are not found solely in the endless cycles of earthly existence, but in seeking wisdom and fearing God, as the book's ultimate conclusion suggests in Ecclesiastes 12:13. This verse serves as a profound reminder to cultivate an eternal perspective that transcends the temporary and cyclical nature of life "under the sun."

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Cross-References

  • John 3:8

    The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:5

    As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

  • Job 37:9

    Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.

  • Job 37:17

    How thy garments [are] warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south [wind]?

  • Psalms 107:29

    He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

  • Psalms 107:25

    For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

  • Jonah 1:4

    ¶ But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.
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