Ecclesiastes 1:9

¶ The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done {H6213} is that which shall be done {H6213}: and there is no new {H2319} thing under the sun {H8121}.

What has been is what will be, what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.

What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 presents a foundational observation from the Preacher, traditionally identified as King Solomon, about the cyclical and repetitive nature of life and human experience. It declares that what has been will be again, and what is done will be done again, concluding with the stark statement: "there is no new thing under the sun."

Context

This verse is part of the opening argument of the book of Ecclesiastes, where the author, known as Qoheleth (the Preacher or Teacher), explores the meaning and purpose of life from a human perspective, often expressed as "under the sun." Having just described the endless cycles of nature—sun rising and setting, winds blowing, rivers flowing to the sea only to return (Ecclesiastes 1:5-7)—this verse extends that observation to human endeavors and history. The overarching theme of the book is the "vanity of vanities" (hebel hebelim), suggesting futility or meaninglessness apart from God.

Key Themes

  • Cyclical Nature of Existence: The verse posits that human history and individual experiences largely repeat themselves. Innovations may appear, but fundamental human desires, struggles, and patterns remain constant. This perspective highlights the predictability of life's course from an earthly viewpoint.
  • Futility of Earthly Pursuits: The idea that "there is no new thing" can lead to a sense of disillusionment. If everything is merely a repetition, then striving for lasting achievement or novelty "under the sun" becomes inherently frustrating and ultimately futile. This aligns with the book's broader message of the vanity of human labor and wisdom when separated from a divine perspective.
  • Human Limitation: It underscores humanity's inability to truly transcend its earthly bounds or escape the repetitive patterns of life without a higher intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The recurring phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: tahat ha-shemesh) is crucial throughout Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times. It defines the author's primary scope of observation: life from an earthly, human-centric viewpoint, without necessarily considering God's direct intervention or eternal purposes. When the text states "no new thing under the sun," it emphasizes that within this limited, temporal sphere, true novelty or lasting change is elusive.

Practical Application

While seemingly pessimistic, Ecclesiastes 1:9 offers profound insights for contemporary life:

  • Perspective on History: It reminds us that many current events and human behaviors have historical precedents. Understanding this can foster wisdom and avoid naive optimism or despair.
  • Seeking True Novelty: The verse implicitly points to the need for something beyond "under the sun." For believers, this often means seeking meaning and purpose in God, who is capable of doing "a new thing" (Isaiah 43:19) and promises a future where "all things new" are made (Revelation 21:5).
  • Focus on Eternal Value: If earthly pursuits are cyclical and ultimately repetitive, then true satisfaction and lasting significance must come from that which is eternal and unchanging. This encourages a shift in focus from transient achievements to spiritual growth and relationship with God.
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 3:15

    That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:10

    That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it [is] man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:12

    ¶ And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what [can] the man [do] that cometh after the king? [even] that which hath been already done.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:10

    Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

  • Revelation 21:1

    ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

  • Jeremiah 31:22

    How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.

  • Isaiah 43:19

    Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.
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