King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 2:16 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 2:16 in the King James Version says “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 sha... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 2:16 · KJV


Context

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.

15

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity. happeneth even: Heb. happeneth to me, even to me

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.

17

Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

18

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. taken: Heb. laboured


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Preacher laments a tragic reality: '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.' Death is the great equalizer—it erases the distinctions wisdom creates. Both wise and foolish die; both are eventually forgotten. The Hebrew 'zecher' (זֵכֶר, remembrance) indicates lasting memory or legacy. Despite wisdom's advantages in life (verse 14), death nullifies them. This isn't denying that some achieve longer remembrance (Solomon himself is remembered millennia later), but acknowledging that from an earthly perspective, all human memory eventually fades. The verse drives readers toward eternal perspective: only what's done for God endures beyond death (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cultures valued posthumous legacy—monuments, inscriptions, sons bearing one's name. Yet Ecclesiastes realistically observes that even the most illustrious are eventually forgotten. Egyptian pharaohs built massive pyramids seeking immortal fame, yet many are now nameless. This verse anticipates Jesus's teaching about storing treasures in heaven rather than earth (Matthew 6:19-20). The early church emphasized that believers' names are 'written in the Lamb's book of life' (Revelation 21:27)—eternal remembrance that matters. The Reformers taught that faith's fruit endures eternally even when earthly memory fades.

Reflection Questions

  1. What legacy are you building—one that will be forgotten, or eternal fruit that outlasts earthly memory?
  2. How does recognizing that death equalizes all earthly achievements affect your priorities and ambitions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּי֩1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֨ין2 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

זִכְר֧וֹן3 of 17

For there is no remembrance

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

הֶחָכָ֖ם4 of 17

of the wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

עִֽם5 of 17

more than

H5973

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

הַכְּסִֽיל׃6 of 17

man as the fool

H3684

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly

לְעוֹלָ֑ם7 of 17

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

בְּשֶׁכְּבָ֞ר8 of 17

seeing that which now

H3528

properly, extent of time, i.e., a great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto

הַיָּמִ֤ים9 of 17

is in the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַבָּאִים֙10 of 17

to come

H935

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

הַכֹּ֣ל11 of 17
H3605

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

נִשְׁכָּ֔ח12 of 17

shall all be forgotten

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

וְאֵ֛יךְ13 of 17
H349

how? or how!; also where

יָמ֥וּת14 of 17

And how dieth

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הֶחָכָ֖ם15 of 17

of the wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

עִֽם16 of 17

more than

H5973

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

הַכְּסִֽיל׃17 of 17

man as the fool

H3684

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly


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 2:16 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 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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