Ecclesiastes 2:16

KJV

For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there is no remembrance {H2146} of the wise {H2450} more than {H5973} of the fool {H3684} for ever {H5769}; seeing that which now {H3528} is in the days {H3117} to come {H935} shall all be forgotten {H7911}. And how dieth {H4191} the wise {H2450} man? as the fool {H3684}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered, inasmuch as in the times to come, everything will long ago have been forgotten. The wise man, no less than the fool, must die."

Berean Standard Bible

For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool!

American Standard Version

For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. And how doth the wise man die even as the fool!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:16 encapsulates the Preacher's somber conclusion regarding the ultimate futility of human distinction "under the sun." It asserts that in the face of mortality, the memory and fate of the wise man are no different from that of the fool; both are destined for oblivion and the same end in death. This verse powerfully underscores the impermanence of earthly achievements, intellect, and reputation, challenging the human desire for lasting legacy and highlighting the great equalizer that is death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:16 appears within Qoheleth's (the Preacher's) detailed account of his personal "experiments" in finding meaning and satisfaction apart from God. Having explored the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, grand building projects, and even the acquisition of wisdom in the preceding verses of [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Vanity of Earthly Pursuits"), he consistently arrives at the same disheartening conclusion: all is "vanity and a chasing after wind," a phrase repeated throughout the book, notably in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity"). Verse 16 specifically follows his reflection on the limited advantage wisdom offers over folly in [Ecclesiastes 2:13-15](/ecclesiastes/2-13-15 "Ecclesiastes 2:13-15 - Wisdom's Limited Advantage"). While wisdom might provide a temporary benefit in navigating life, the Preacher concludes that it offers no ultimate escape from the common human fate of death and eventual forgottenness, thus diminishing its perceived value in the grand scheme of time.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who lived in the 10th century BCE. This attribution lends significant weight to the Preacher's observations, as Solomon was renowned for his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and vast building projects, as described in [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29-34 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Riches"). His unique position allowed him to pursue every earthly endeavor to its fullest extent, making his conclusions about their vanity particularly poignant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a lasting name and legacy were highly valued, often seen as a form of immortality. Kings and powerful individuals invested heavily in monumental architecture and written records to ensure their remembrance. Qoheleth's lament in [Ecclesiastes 2:16](/ecclesiastes/2-16 "Ecclesiastes 2:16 - The Wise and the Fool Forgotten") directly confronts this cultural aspiration, asserting that even the most celebrated figures will eventually fade from memory, just like the forgotten masses.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it reinforces the pervasive theme of the **universality of death**, a stark reality that levels all human distinctions, as also emphasized in [Ecclesiastes 3:19-20](/ecclesiastes/3-19-20 "Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 - All Go to One Place"). Secondly, it highlights the **impermanence of human memory and legacy**. Despite efforts to achieve lasting fame or impact, the Preacher contends that time inevitably erodes all remembrance, rendering earthly achievements ultimately meaningless "under the sun." This challenges the human tendency to seek ultimate significance in temporal accomplishments. Lastly, it underscores the **vanity of earthly wisdom and distinctions**. While wisdom is generally praised in biblical literature, Qoheleth's perspective here is that even wisdom, when viewed solely from an earthly perspective, cannot overcome the finality of death or secure lasting remembrance, thus making it ultimately as futile as foolishness in the grand cosmic scheme.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remembrance (Hebrew, _zikrôwn'_):** From the root meaning "to remember," this word (H2146) refers to a memento, a memorable thing, or the act of being recalled or kept in mind. In [Ecclesiastes 2:16](/ecclesiastes/2-16 "Ecclesiastes 2:16 - The Wise and the Fool Forgotten"), it emphasizes the fading of memory, suggesting that even the wise, despite their significant contributions, will eventually be forgotten by future generations, just like the fool.
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This term (H2450) denotes someone intelligent, skillful, or artful, possessing practical discernment and knowledge. Throughout Ecclesiastes, the "wise" person is contrasted with the "fool." Here, however, Qoheleth makes the shocking assertion that in the face of death, the practical advantages of wisdom are nullified, as both the wise and the foolish share the same ultimate fate.
* **fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** Properly meaning "fat," this term (H3684) figuratively refers to someone stupid, silly, or morally deficient. The "fool" in Ecclesiastes is characterized by a lack of discernment, a disregard for wisdom, and often a pursuit of immediate gratification. The Preacher's point in [Ecclesiastes 2:16](/ecclesiastes/2-16 "Ecclesiastes 2:16 - The Wise and the Fool Forgotten") is that the stark contrast between the wise and the fool, so central to his initial experiments, ultimately dissolves at the grave.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever;":** This opening clause sets the stage for the Preacher's bleak assessment. It directly challenges the common assumption that wisdom grants a lasting advantage, particularly in terms of legacy. Qoheleth asserts that the memory, reputation, or lasting impact of a wise person will ultimately fade and be forgotten, just as surely as that of a fool. The phrase "for ever" (H5769, `ʻôwlâm`) here refers to a long, indefinite period, implying that in the vast expanse of time, human memory is fleeting.
* **"seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten.":** This expands on the previous thought, providing the rationale for the lack of lasting remembrance. The Preacher observes that present realities and achievements, no matter how significant they seem "now" (H3528, `kᵉbâr`), will inevitably be lost to the mists of time in "the days to come" (H3117, `yôwm`). This emphasizes the relentless march of time and its power to erase all human distinction and memory.
* **"And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.":** This rhetorical question serves as the powerful culmination and summary of the verse's argument. It starkly highlights the ultimate equalizer: death. The wise person, despite their intellect and foresight, faces the same physical end as the fool. Their manner of dying, their mortality, and their eventual decay are identical, negating any earthly advantage wisdom might have conferred.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the Preacher, renowned for his wisdom, ironically concludes that wisdom offers no ultimate advantage over foolishness in the face of death and forgottenness. This subverts conventional wisdom and highlights the limitations of human endeavor. A powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("And how dieth the wise man? as the fool?") is used to drive home the point with dramatic force, inviting the reader to acknowledge the undeniable truth of shared mortality. The question is not meant to be answered, but to emphasize the self-evident and sobering reality. Finally, **Juxtaposition** is central to the verse, contrasting the "wise" and the "fool" throughout. While these two figures represent opposite ends of the spectrum of human intellect and conduct, the Preacher repeatedly brings them together to demonstrate their identical fate, thereby underscoring the vanity of earthly distinctions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:16 presents a profound theological challenge, particularly from an "under the sun" perspective. It forces a confrontation with human mortality and the impermanence of all earthly endeavors. The Preacher's lament about the wise and the fool sharing the same forgotten end underscores the biblical truth that all humanity, regardless of status or intellect, is subject to the curse of death (e.g., [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - Dust You Are, and to Dust You Shall Return")). This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate significance cannot be found in human achievements, fame, or even wisdom, if these are pursued as ends in themselves. It implicitly points to the need for a transcendent hope and a purpose that extends beyond the fleeting nature of this earthly life and its limited memory.

* [Psalm 49:10](/psalm/49-10 "Psalm 49:10 - Wise and Foolish Alike Perish")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed Unto Men Once to Die")
* [Psalm 90:10](/psalm/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:16 is a sobering mirror reflecting the ultimate reality of our mortality and the transient nature of human recognition. It compels us to re-evaluate what we truly value and where we invest our lives. If even the greatest wisdom and most profound achievements will eventually fade from human memory, then pursuing earthly fame, wealth, or even intellectual prowess as our ultimate goal is indeed "vanity." This verse urges us to shift our focus from building a legacy that is remembered by others to living a life that is remembered by God. It calls us to consider what truly endures beyond the grave and beyond the fleeting memories of humanity. Our actions, our character, and our relationship with our Creator are the only things that carry eternal weight. This perspective frees us from the exhausting pursuit of temporary accolades and redirects our energy towards eternal purposes, finding true meaning not in what we accumulate or achieve, but in who we are in relation to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly achievements or forms of recognition do I currently prioritize, and how might this verse challenge those priorities?**
* **If my legacy will eventually be forgotten by humanity, what then is the true and lasting purpose of my life?**
* **How does the universal reality of death, as highlighted in this verse, influence my daily decisions and long-term goals?**
* **In what ways can I invest my time and resources in things that have eternal significance, rather than merely temporal value?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 2:16 mean that wisdom is useless?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 2:16 does not mean that wisdom is useless in an absolute sense. The Preacher himself acknowledges in [Ecclesiastes 2:13](/ecclesiastes/2-13 "Ecclesiastes 2:13 - Wisdom Excels Folly") that "wisdom excels folly, as light excels darkness." Wisdom offers practical advantages for navigating life, making better decisions, and avoiding pitfalls. However, Qoheleth's point in [Ecclesiastes 2:16](/ecclesiastes/2-16 "Ecclesiastes 2:16 - The Wise and the Fool Forgotten") is that from an "under the sun" perspective—that is, without considering God or eternity—wisdom ultimately cannot overcome the universal reality of death or secure lasting remembrance. It's a critique of wisdom as an ultimate source of meaning or immortality, not a dismissal of its practical value in daily life. The book's overarching message is that true wisdom lies in fearing God and keeping His commandments ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Whole Duty of Man")), which does offer lasting significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Preacher's despair in [Ecclesiastes 2:16](/ecclesiastes/2-16 "Ecclesiastes 2:16 - The Wise and the Fool Forgotten")—that both the wise and the fool share the same forgotten end—finds its ultimate resolution and hope in Jesus Christ. While "under the sun" all human efforts and memories fade, Christ offers an "above the sun" perspective that transforms the meaning of life and death. Jesus Himself conquered death, rising from the grave, thereby offering eternal life and a hope that transcends the grave's oblivion ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). For those who are "in Christ," their lives are not forgotten but are eternally remembered by God, written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life"). The wisdom that Qoheleth sought but found fleeting is fully embodied in Christ, who is "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Furthermore, the "legacy" of a believer is not built on earthly achievements that perish, but on a relationship with Christ and deeds done for His glory, which endure for eternity ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). In Christ, the sting of death is removed ([1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - O Death, Where Is Your Sting?")), and the pursuit of wisdom finds its true and lasting purpose in knowing Him, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures")).

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 1:11

[There is] no remembrance of former [things]; neither shall there be [any] remembrance of [things] that are to come with [those] that shall come after.

Ecclesiastes 9:5

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Psalms 88:12

Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

Exodus 1:8

¶ Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

Psalms 103:16

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

Exodus 1:6

And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.

Ecclesiastes 2:14

The wise man's eyes [are] in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.