King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 1:5 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 1:5 in the King James Version says “The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. hasteth: Heb. panteth” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. hasteth: Heb. panteth”

Ecclesiastes 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

4

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh : but the earth abideth for ever.

5

The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. hasteth: Heb. panteth

6

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

7

All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. return: Heb. return to go

Read Ecclesiastes 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Preacher observes nature's cyclical patterns: 'The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.' The Hebrew verb 'shoeph' (שׁוֹאֵף, hasteth/pants) creates the image of the sun panting or gasping as it rushes back to its starting point, only to repeat the same circuit the next day. This personification portrays nature's wearying repetition—even the majestic sun engaged in endless, monotonous cycles. The observation introduces verses 6-7's pattern: wind circuits endlessly, rivers flow perpetually to the sea yet the sea never fills. These natural phenomena illustrate the book's central theme: all earthly existence operates in repetitive cycles producing no ultimate advancement or permanent change. 'Under the sun' life appears as endless routine without final purpose. Yet this very observation drives readers toward the God who transcends nature's cycles, who works linearly in redemptive history toward definitive consummation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples closely observed celestial movements—agricultural societies depended on solar and lunar cycles for planting and harvest. The sun's daily journey across the sky and return to its starting point (from human perspective) was universal experience. Solomon's era had sophisticated astronomical knowledge enabling calendar calculation and festival observance. The observation that natural cycles continue endlessly without net change resonated with ancient agricultural experience—seasons repeat annually, generations succeed one another, yet nothing fundamentally advances. This cyclical view contrasts with biblical theology's linear movement: creation, fall, redemption, consummation. The Reformers emphasized that while nature exhibits cycles, redemptive history moves linearly toward Christ's return and new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of your life feel like endless, wearisome cycles—and how does faith in God's linear redemptive purposes provide hope beyond repetition?
  2. How does this verse challenge modern assumptions about progress and advancement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
זוֹרֵ֥חַֽ1 of 10

“also ariseth”

H2224

properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)

הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ2 of 10

“The sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וּבָ֣א3 of 10

“goeth down”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ4 of 10

“The sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וְאֶ֨ל5 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְקוֹמ֔וֹ6 of 10

“to his place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

שׁוֹאֵ֛ף7 of 10

“and hasteth”

H7602

to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten

זוֹרֵ֥חַֽ8 of 10

“also ariseth”

H2224

properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)

ה֖וּא9 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שָֽׁם׃10 of 10
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 3:11Psalms 19:4-6Psalms 42:1Psalms 104:19-23Joshua 10:13-14Genesis 8:22

Test Your Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEcclesiastes Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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