Ecclesiastes 1:9

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:9 encapsulates Qoheleth’s foundational observation regarding the repetitive and cyclical nature of existence within the earthly realm. It asserts that human experience, actions, and history are not characterized by genuine novelty, but rather by an endless recurrence of what has already transpired. This declaration sets a somber tone for the book, introducing the pervasive theme of futility and the search for lasting meaning in a world where everything seems to return to its origin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of vivid illustrations of natural cycles in Ecclesiastes 1:4-8, such as the ceaseless movement of the sun, wind, and rivers. Qoheleth, the Preacher, uses these natural phenomena as a metaphor to extend the concept of endless repetition from the physical world to human endeavors and historical events. It serves as a direct conclusion to his initial argument about the weariness of all things and the lack of anything truly new, setting the stage for the subsequent explorations of wisdom, pleasure, labor, and wealth, all examined from the perspective of "under the sun." The verse is a foundational statement for the book's overarching theme of `hebel`, often translated as "vanity" or "futility," which is introduced in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, a figure renowned for his immense wisdom and wealth, which would have afforded him unparalleled opportunities to observe and experience life's full spectrum. Written during a period of relative peace and prosperity, the text reflects a sophisticated intellectual tradition within ancient Israelite wisdom literature. The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: *tahat ha-shemesh*) is a recurring motif unique to Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times. It defines the author's observational scope as life from a purely human, earthly perspective, largely detached from divine revelation or eternal considerations. This perspective is crucial for understanding the seemingly pessimistic tone, as it evaluates life's meaning from a finite, temporal viewpoint.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 1:9 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it underscores the **Cyclical Nature of Existence**, positing that human history and individual experiences largely repeat themselves, with fundamental human desires, struggles, and patterns remaining constant despite superficial changes. This perspective highlights the predictability and, arguably, the monotony of life's course from an earthly viewpoint. Secondly, the idea that "there is no new thing" directly leads to the **Futility of Earthly Pursuits**. If everything is merely a repetition, then striving for lasting achievement, novelty, or ultimate satisfaction "under the sun" becomes inherently frustrating and ultimately meaningless, aligning with the book's broader message of the [vanity of human labor and wisdom](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - The Vanity of Labor") when separated from a divine perspective. Finally, it highlights **Human Limitation**, emphasizing humanity's inherent inability to truly transcend its earthly bounds or escape the repetitive patterns of life without a higher, divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **done (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In Ecclesiastes 1:9, `ʻâsâh` is used twice, emphasizing the repetition of actions and events. It encompasses not just physical acts but also accomplishments, appointments, and the bringing forth of outcomes. The repetition of this verb highlights that the very *process* and *results* of human endeavor are caught in an endless loop, reinforcing the idea that no truly novel action or outcome emerges from within the "under the sun" framework.
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** From H2319, meaning "new" or "fresh thing." This word is central to the verse's concluding declaration. It refers to something genuinely novel, unprecedented, or innovative. Qoheleth's assertion that "there is no new thing" is a stark statement about the absence of true originality or lasting change in the human experience. It is not merely about superficial variations but about a fundamental lack of breaking free from established patterns.
* **sun (Hebrew, _shemesh'_):** From H8121, meaning "the sun." While literally referring to the celestial body, `shemesh` in the phrase "under the sun" functions as a profound **metonymy** for the earthly realm of human experience, observation, and endeavor, divorced from divine revelation or eternal perspective. It delineates the boundaries of Qoheleth's philosophical inquiry, implying that his conclusions about repetition and futility are specific to life lived solely within this temporal, visible sphere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be;":** This clause establishes the cyclical nature of existence, asserting that past events and realities are not unique but are destined to recur. It speaks to the unchanging essence of human experience and the patterns of history.
* **"and that which is done [is] that which shall be done:":** This second clause reinforces the first, specifically focusing on human actions and accomplishments. It suggests that all human efforts, achievements, and even failures are not truly novel but are repetitions of what has already occurred, leading to a sense of weariness and lack of ultimate progress.
* **"and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.":** This concluding statement serves as the definitive summary of the preceding observations. It is a sweeping declaration that within the earthly sphere of human observation and experience, nothing genuinely original or unprecedented ever arises. This highlights the inherent limitations and perceived futility of life when viewed solely from a temporal, human-centric perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:9 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of cyclical repetition and the absence of novelty. The most prominent is **Repetition**, evident in the mirroring phrases "hath been...shall be" and "is done...shall be done." This structural repetition not only emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and events but also creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality that reinforces the Preacher's point. Closely related is **Parallelism**, where the two initial clauses ("The thing that hath been..." and "that which is done...") are syntactically similar, serving to amplify the central idea of recurrence. The statement "there is no new thing under the sun" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an intentional overstatement to stress the profound lack of lasting innovation or true change within the human sphere, rather than a literal denial of all minor variations. Finally, the recurring phrase "**under the sun**" functions as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, representing the entire realm of human existence as observed from an earthly, finite viewpoint, distinct from any divine or eternal perspective. This phrase sets the philosophical boundaries for Qoheleth's inquiry, indicating that his conclusions apply specifically to life lived apart from transcendent revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:9, with its stark declaration of "no new thing under the sun," serves as a profound theological challenge to human self-sufficiency and the pursuit of ultimate meaning in temporal achievements. While seemingly pessimistic, it implicitly points to the necessity of a transcendent reality for true novelty and lasting significance. The verse highlights the limitations of human wisdom and effort when confined to the earthly sphere, suggesting that genuine fulfillment cannot be found in the cyclical patterns of this world. Theologically, it underscores the human condition of finitude and the inability to break free from repetitive patterns of sin and futility apart from divine intervention. This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of God's unique ability to act in history, to create, and to redeem, offering a hope that lies beyond the sun's dominion.

* [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - New Mercies Every Morning")
* [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 1:9 compels us to critically examine our own pursuits and where we seek lasting satisfaction. In a world obsessed with innovation, progress, and the "next big thing," Qoheleth's ancient observation remains strikingly relevant. It challenges the illusion that new technologies, social reforms, or personal achievements will fundamentally alter the human condition or provide ultimate meaning. If everything "under the sun" is merely a repetition, then our deepest longings for purpose and significance cannot be met by temporal advancements or cyclical experiences. This verse encourages a profound humility, prompting us to acknowledge the limits of our own efforts and to look beyond the visible, tangible world for true novelty and enduring value. It invites us to consider that genuine transformation and lasting hope must originate from a source that transcends the repetitive cycles of earthly existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea that "there is no new thing under the sun" challenge your personal pursuits of novelty or success?**
* **In what ways do you observe the cyclical patterns of human behavior or historical events repeating themselves in your own life or in society?**
* **If true "newness" cannot be found "under the sun," where might one seek genuine and lasting meaning?**
* **How might this verse encourage a shift in focus from temporal achievements to eternal values?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse inherently pessimistic or fatalistic?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes 1:9, taken in isolation, can certainly sound pessimistic due to its emphasis on repetition and lack of novelty, it is crucial to understand it within the broader context of the book. Qoheleth's exploration of life "under the sun" is an honest and rigorous assessment of human existence *apart from* a clear, revealed understanding of God's transcendent purposes. The perceived futility serves as a setup, prompting the reader to search for meaning beyond the temporal cycles. It's not fatalistic in the sense of denying human agency, but rather highlights the limits of that agency to create lasting, ultimate significance from within itself. The "pessimism" is a rhetorical device designed to lead the reader to a higher, God-centered wisdom.

**Does "no new thing under the sun" contradict technological progress and innovation?**

Answer: No, this verse does not contradict technological or scientific progress. Qoheleth's observation is not about superficial innovations or the development of new tools. Instead, it speaks to the fundamental nature of human experience, desires, struggles, and the cyclical patterns of history. While humanity invents new devices and discovers new knowledge, the underlying human condition—our search for meaning, our capacity for joy and sorrow, our pride, our folly—remains constant. The "new things" are merely variations on old themes, and they do not fundamentally alter the human predicament or offer lasting satisfaction. The verse points to a deeper, existential lack of novelty, not a superficial one.

**What does the phrase "under the sun" specifically refer to in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under the sun" is a key interpretive lens for the book of Ecclesiastes. It refers to human life and experience as observed from a purely earthly, temporal, and human-centric perspective. It signifies a viewpoint that largely excludes direct divine revelation, eternal purposes, or the supernatural. When Qoheleth says "no new thing under the sun," he is limiting his observation to what can be seen, experienced, and understood within the confines of the natural world and human history, without explicit reference to God's intervention or the afterlife. This perspective is essential for understanding the book's often somber conclusions, which are designed to show the inadequacy of finding ultimate meaning apart from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:9, with its declaration of "no new thing under the sun," sets the stage for the profound and radical "newness" brought by Jesus Christ. While Qoheleth laments the endless cycles of human futility, the New Testament proclaims that in Christ, God has done a truly new thing, breaking the cycle of sin, death, and meaninglessness. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that transcends the old law and its repetitive sacrifices. Through His death and resurrection, Christ inaugurates a [new creation](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), where believers are made [new creatures](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - New Creation is What Matters") and receive a [new heart and a new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"). The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate "new thing," demonstrating God's power to overcome death and establish an eternal reality that is utterly distinct from the cycles of earthly existence. In Christ, the old has passed away, and the truly [new has come](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - The Old Has Gone, the New Has Come"), offering genuine hope, purpose, and a future where [God makes all things new](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New").

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

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.