King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 1:11 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 1:11 in the King James Version says “There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those t... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 1:11 · KJV


Context

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.

10

Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

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.

12

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. to be: or, to afflict them


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Preacher concludes his opening observations: '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.' The Hebrew 'zecher' (זֵכֶר, remembrance) indicates lasting memory or historical consciousness. Human memory is selective and limited—previous generations are forgotten, and our generation will likewise fade from memory. This isn't denying all historical memory but observing that comprehensivelonger remembrance fades with time. Even significant events, achievements, and people become obscure. The verse reinforces human mortality and life's transience 'under the sun.' Only what is done for God's glory endures eternally. Christ taught storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), and Paul emphasized pursuing eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cultures attempted to preserve memory through monuments, inscriptions, and oral traditions. Egyptian pharaohs built pyramids; Mesopotamian kings erected victory steles. Yet many once-famous names are now forgotten. Israel's Scripture itself preserves some memory while countless others fade into obscurity. This verse anticipates the biblical teaching that God alone has perfect memory and will judge all things justly (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The Reformers emphasized that believers' works are remembered by God even when forgotten by humans, and will receive appropriate reward at Christ's return (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does accepting that you will likely be forgotten by future generations reshape your priorities?
  2. What motivates faithful service when human memory fails—and how does God's perfect memory provide hope?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֵ֥ין1 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

זִכָּר֔וֹן2 of 13

There is no remembrance

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

לָרִאשֹׁנִ֑ים3 of 13

of former

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְגַ֨ם4 of 13
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לָאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃5 of 13

of things that are to come

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

שֶׁיִּהְי֗וּ6 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לֹֽא7 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֤ה8 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶם֙9 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

זִכָּר֔וֹן10 of 13

There is no remembrance

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

עִ֥ם11 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שֶׁיִּהְי֖וּ12 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃13 of 13

of things that are to come

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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