King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 1:9 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 1:9 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 · KJV


Context

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

8

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Preacher reaches a sobering conclusion: '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.' The repeated formula emphasizes historical repetition. Human experience, wisdom, folly, sin, suffering—all repeat across generations. The phrase 'no new thing under the sun' doesn't deny innovation but asserts that fundamental human nature, problems, and patterns remain constant. Technology changes but human hearts don't; circumstances vary but core issues persist. This realism counters both naïve progressivism (humanity constantly improving) and novelty-seeking (the next thing will finally satisfy). Only God can create genuinely 'new' things—new covenant, new creation, new heavens and earth (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 21:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's era witnessed significant technological and cultural developments—advanced architecture (Temple), international trade, literary achievement. Yet the Preacher insists these don't constitute fundamental novelty. Ancient empires rose and fell exhibiting the same patterns: pride, conquest, oppression, judgment. Human nature remained constant despite changing circumstances. Post-exilic readers, having experienced Babylon's fall after defeating Jerusalem, recognized historical patterns repeating. The New Testament affirms this: Jesus warned that false christs and wars would continue until the end (Matthew 24:6-11). Church history confirms the pattern—heresies recycling, moral failures repeating, same temptations appearing in new guises.

Reflection Questions

  1. What supposedly 'new' trends are actually repetitions of ancient patterns, and how does recognizing this provide wisdom?
  2. How does God's promise of making 'all things new' (Revelation 21:5) provide hope that transcends the repetitive cycles Ecclesiastes describes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מַה1 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

שֶּֽׁהָיָה֙2 of 13
H1961

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

ה֣וּא3 of 13
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

שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֔ה4 of 13
H1961

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

וּמַה5 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

שֶׁיֵּעָשֶׂ֑ה6 of 13

The thing that hath been it is that which shall be and that which is done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ה֖וּא7 of 13
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

שֶׁיֵּעָשֶׂ֑ה8 of 13

The thing that hath been it is that which shall be and that which is done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְאֵ֥ין9 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כָּל10 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חָדָ֖שׁ11 of 13

and there is no new

H2319

new

תַּ֥חַת12 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃13 of 13

thing under the sun

H8121

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


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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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