Ecclesiastes 8:10

KJV

And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this [is] also vanity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And so {H3651} I saw {H7200} the wicked {H7563} buried {H6912}, who had come {H935} and gone {H1980} from the place {H4725} of the holy {H6918}, and they were forgotten {H7911} in the city {H5892} where they had so done {H6213}: this is also vanity {H1892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus I saw the wicked buried; they had even come from the Holy Place. But those who had acted uprightly were forgotten in the city. This too is a futile thing;

Berean Standard Bible

Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile.

American Standard Version

So I saw the wicked buried, and they came to the grave; and they that had done right went away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city: this also is vanity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 8:10 captures the Preacher's poignant observation of a profound paradox: wicked individuals, once prominent and freely moving within sacred or public spheres, are ultimately buried and swiftly forgotten in the very city where they exerted their influence. This phenomenon, where worldly recognition and perceived success dissolve into complete oblivion, leads Qoheleth to conclude that such an outcome is yet another stark manifestation of life's inherent futility and emptiness when viewed from an earthly perspective "under the sun."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, grapples intensely with the perplexing problem of injustice and the apparent absence of immediate divine retribution in the world. Following his exploration of the limitations of human wisdom and the unpredictable nature of existence in [Ecclesiastes 7](/ecclesiastes/7 "Ecclesiastes 7 - Wisdom and Folly"), he continues in [Ecclesiastes 8](/ecclesiastes/8 "Ecclesiastes 8 - The Enigma of Justice") to confront the unsettling reality that the righteous often endure suffering, while the wicked frequently prosper and evade the consequences of their actions. Verse 10 specifically articulates one such frustrating observation, sharply contrasting the public presence and perceived success of the wicked during their lives with their inevitable, ignominious end: death and swift forgetfulness. This observation serves to deepen the Preacher's ongoing lament about the enigmatic nature of divine justice and the ultimate meaninglessness of worldly pursuits when detached from a God-centered framework.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, much like other ancient Near Eastern cultures, placed immense value on one's legacy, reputation, and remembrance after death. To be forgotten was considered a profound misfortune, akin to a second death, effectively erasing one's impact and identity from the collective memory. The phrase "the place of the holy" most likely refers to the Temple precincts in Jerusalem or other significant sacred spaces where religious and civic life converged. For the wicked to "come and go" from such a place implies they held positions of influence, perhaps even within religious or judicial systems, or at the very least enjoyed free access and public visibility. This observation would have been particularly jarring in a society that ideally expected moral uprightness to be visibly reflected in public standing and divine favor. Therefore, [Ecclesiastes 8:10](/ecclesiastes/8-10 "Ecclesiastes 8:10 - The Forgotten Wicked") directly challenges the conventional wisdom that righteous living guarantees prosperity and lasting honor, while wickedness inevitably leads to immediate downfall and lasting shame.

* **Key Themes:** [Ecclesiastes 8:10](/ecclesiastes/8-10 "Ecclesiastes 8:10 - The Forgotten Wicked") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Ecclesiastes. It starkly highlights the theme of **apparent injustice** "under the sun," where the wicked are observed to flourish and even operate within sacred spaces, seemingly escaping punishment. This directly challenges the expected moral order and underscores the Preacher's profound struggle to reconcile God's justice with observable reality, a tension evident throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes "The Book of Ecclesiastes"). Furthermore, the verse reinforces the pervasive theme of **the transience of life and human endeavors**, particularly through the swift **forgetfulness** that overtakes even those who were once prominent. Their public presence and perceived success are ultimately ephemeral, leading to no lasting legacy. Finally, the concluding declaration, "this is also vanity," directly ties into the book's central theme of **_hebel_ (vanity/futility)**, emphasizing that worldly achievements, power, and recognition, especially when detached from a God-centered perspective, are ultimately empty, unsubstantial, and incapable of providing true meaning or lasting satisfaction. This echoes the foundational sentiment found in passages like [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** From H7563, describing someone who is "morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; condemned, guilty, ungodly." The Preacher's observation specifically targets individuals whose character and actions are fundamentally contrary to God's righteous standards, highlighting the moral incongruity of their public prominence.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** From H6918, meaning "sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary." In the phrase "place of the holy" (H4725 _mâqôwm_ + H6918 _qâdôwsh_), it refers to a consecrated space, most likely the Temple or a significant religious/public assembly area, underscoring the shocking reality that these ungodly individuals had access to, or even influence within, institutions meant to embody divine purity.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** From H1892, meaning "emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory." This pivotal term is the central theme of Ecclesiastes, conveying the ephemeral, insubstantial, and ultimately futile nature of all things "under the sun" when viewed apart from divine purpose. The Preacher applies this verdict to the observed fate of the wicked, reinforcing that their worldly prominence was ultimately devoid of lasting significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And so I saw the wicked buried,"**: Qoheleth presents a firsthand, empirical observation. He has personally witnessed the common human fate of death and interment befalling those he identifies as "the wicked." The emphasis here is not merely on death as an equalizer, but on the abrupt termination of the wicked's apparent prosperity or influence, a stark contrast to their perceived life.
* **"who had come and gone from the place of the holy,"**: This clause details the past activities and public visibility of these wicked individuals. The phrase "come and gone" (H935 _bôwʼ_ and H1980 _hâlak_) implies regular, unhindered movement, suggesting their prominent standing, unhindered access, or even authority within sacred or significant public spaces, such as the Temple or judicial courts. This is the perplexing element of the observation: how could such morally corrupt individuals operate so freely and prominently within revered institutions?
* **"and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done:"**: Despite their former prominence and active engagement, their memory swiftly vanishes. The "city" (H5892 _ʻîyr_) where they "had so done" (H6213 _ʻâsâh_, indicating their actions, deeds, and influence) becomes the very place where their legacy dissolves into oblivion. This highlights the profound impermanence of human reputation and influence, especially when not rooted in righteousness. Whatever impact they had proves to be utterly transient.
* **"this [is] also vanity."**: This is the Preacher's signature conclusion, his familiar refrain. He pronounces his verdict on this disturbing phenomenon, labeling it _hebel_ (H1892), "vanity." The apparent success and public presence of the wicked, followed by their rapid and complete oblivion, is deemed empty, futile, and ultimately without lasting significance or substance. It stands as another poignant example of the frustrating and perplexing realities of life "under the sun," devoid of divine perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 8:10 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary technique is **Observation and Reflection**, a hallmark of Qoheleth's style, where he presents a direct personal observation ("And so I saw") and immediately follows it with a theological conclusion ("this is also vanity"). This pattern allows the Preacher to ground his philosophical insights in the tangible, often perplexing, realities of life. There is also a strong element of **Irony** and **Juxtaposition** woven into the verse. The wicked, who "had come and gone from the place of the holy," implying a public, perhaps even respected, presence in sacred spaces, are ultimately "forgotten in the city where they had so done." This stark contrast between their perceived standing during life and their swift oblivion after death powerfully underscores the futility of worldly achievements. The recurring phrase "**this is also vanity**" functions as a **Refrain** or **Leitmotif**, connecting this specific observation to the overarching theme of _hebel_ that permeates the entire book, reinforcing the Preacher's consistent message about the transient and ultimately unsatisfying nature of life apart from a God-centered perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 8:10 makes a profound contribution to the biblical discourse on divine justice and the ultimate fate of the wicked. It candidly acknowledges the unsettling reality that the wicked often appear to prosper and even hold positions of influence, a truth that can deeply challenge one's faith and understanding of God's sovereignty. However, the Preacher's conclusion that their end is oblivion and "vanity" serves as a crucial theological corrective, asserting that worldly success, apart from righteousness, holds no lasting value or eternal significance. This perspective encourages believers to look beyond superficial appearances and to place their trust in God's ultimate and perfect justice, even when it is not immediately evident in the temporal realm. The verse implicitly points to the true source of lasting legacy and meaning, which is found not in human recognition or power, but in a right and reverent relationship with God.

* [Psalm 73:3-17](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3-17 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Psalm 37:35-36](/psalms/37-35 "Psalm 37:35-36 - The Swift End of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Righteous and the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 8:10 stands as a potent and sobering reminder that our ultimate value and legacy are not determined by fleeting worldly recognition, temporary status, or even our perceived influence within religious or public circles. The Preacher's stark observation challenges us to deeply examine where we place our hope, invest our precious time, and direct our life's energy. If the wicked, who once commanded public attention and moved freely in prominent spaces, are so quickly forgotten, how much more ephemeral and unsubstantial are our own temporary achievements, accolades, and earthly pursuits? This verse powerfully calls us to cultivate a profound, abiding relationship with God, understanding that true significance and an enduring legacy stem not from human applause or worldly power, but from living a life that genuinely honors Him. It encourages us to find our contentment, purpose, and lasting satisfaction in God's eternal truth, rather than being troubled or swayed by the apparent injustices or temporary successes of the unrighteous. Our primary focus should be on building a spiritual legacy that transcends the grave, rooted firmly in faithfulness to Christ, for it is only in Him that true and lasting meaning, remembrance, and fulfillment are found.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What worldly "places of the holy"—whether professional, social, or even religious—might we be tempted to seek influence or recognition in today, and how might Ecclesiastes 8:10 challenge that desire?**
* **How does the observation of the wicked being "forgotten" impact your understanding of what truly constitutes a meaningful life or a lasting legacy?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to measure your worth or success by external validation, and how can this verse help reorient your perspective towards eternal values and God's approval?**

### FAQ
**Does "the place of the holy" specifically refer to the Temple in Jerusalem?**

Answer: While "the place of the holy" (מְקוֹם קָדוֹשׁ, _meqom qadosh_) most commonly refers to the Temple or its precincts in Jerusalem, especially in Old Testament contexts, it can also broadly signify any consecrated or religiously significant public space. Given the overall context of Ecclesiastes, which often deals with universal human experience "under the sun," it likely encompasses any prominent place where religious or civic authority and public life converged. The Preacher's point is not merely the specific geographical location, but the profound irony that the wicked had access to or prominence in places that should ideally embody righteousness, making their ultimate oblivion even more striking. Qoheleth's observations are frequently generalizable, as seen throughout [the book of Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes "The Book of Ecclesiastes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 8:10, with its somber declaration of the wicked being forgotten and their worldly achievements dissolving into "vanity," finds its ultimate resolution and profound reversal in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Preacher laments the futility of human striving and the transience of earthly recognition, the New Testament reveals a vastly different kind of "place of the holy" and a truly eternal legacy. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered the true "place of the holy"—the heavenly sanctuary—not with fleeting influence, but with His own eternal blood, securing an everlasting redemption for His people ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest")). Unlike the wicked whose memory perishes, Christ's name and His saving work are eternally remembered, celebrated, and exalted above all others ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). For those who are united with Christ by faith, their names are eternally inscribed in the [Book of Life](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life"), and their "labor is not in vain in the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfast in the Lord")). The "vanity" of earthly life is utterly overcome by the eternal hope and lasting significance found in Him, for He promises that those who follow Him will never be forgotten but will possess [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life") and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")).

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 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.

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

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.

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.

2 Kings 9:34

And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed [woman], and bury her: for she [is] a king's daughter.

2 Kings 9:35

And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of [her] hands.

Job 21:18

They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.