Ecclesiastes 2:16

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.

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}.

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."

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!

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!

Context of Ecclesiastes 2:16

The book of Ecclesiastes, attributed to King Solomon (the Preacher or Qoheleth), is a profound exploration of the meaning of life "under the sun." In chapter 2, the Preacher details his personal experiments in finding satisfaction, pursuing pleasure, wealth, grand projects, and even wisdom itself. Despite his vast resources and intellect, he repeatedly concludes that all these earthly endeavors are "vanity and vexation of spirit" – ultimately meaningless and fleeting. Verse 16 specifically addresses the ultimate fate of both the wise and the foolish, highlighting the temporary nature of human existence and achievements.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Universality of Death: This verse starkly reminds us that death is the great equalizer. Regardless of one's intellect, achievements, or lack thereof, the grave awaits all. Both the wise and the foolish face the same end, underscoring the commonality of human mortality. This echoes the biblical truth that "it is appointed unto men once to die."
  • Fleeting Human Remembrance: Solomon laments that the memory of the wise will eventually fade, just like that of the fool. This challenges the human desire for lasting fame, legacy, or impact. In the grand scheme of time, even the most profound achievements and the most revered individuals are ultimately forgotten, illustrating the impermanence of earthly recognition.
  • The Vanity of Earthly Distinction: If both the wise and the fool share the same forgotten end, then earthly distinctions—such as wisdom, intelligence, or social status—lose their ultimate significance "under the sun." This theme reinforces the Preacher's overarching message that relying on anything solely of this world for lasting meaning is futile.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "remembrance" (zikkaron) implies being recalled, remembered, or kept in mind. The Preacher's point is not simply that people die, but that even the memory of their lives, their accomplishments, or their failures will eventually vanish from human consciousness. The contrast between the chakam (wise) and the kesil (fool) is central to Ecclesiastes, defining two distinct approaches to life. However, in this verse, their ultimate fate is presented as identical, emphasizing the limitations of human wisdom in the face of mortality.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:16 serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality and the temporary nature of earthly pursuits. It challenges us to reflect on what truly endures beyond this life:

  • Re-evaluating Priorities: This verse encourages us to shift our focus from building personal legacies, accumulating wealth, or achieving fleeting earthly fame to investing in things with eternal value.
  • Seeking Lasting Significance: The Preacher's ultimate conclusion, found later in the book, is to "fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." True and lasting significance is found not in human achievements, but in a right relationship with God.
  • An Eternal Perspective: For believers, this perspective underscores that true treasures are laid up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Our actions for God's glory and the benefit of others carry eternal weight, unlike any earthly remembrance.
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 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back