“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun?”
The full verse · Ecclesiastes 1:9 · KJV
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is is that which shall be : and there is no thing the .
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionThe Teacher asks to provoke reflection on life’s repetitive cycles and the seeming futility of human endeavors (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The question invites readers to consider the limitations of earthly life and wisdom, challenging the pursuit of novelty and encouraging deeper spiritual insight into God’s eternal purposes.
The Response
What Scripture recordsThe Teacher (traditionally Solomon) responds, stating that what has happened before will happen again, emphasizing life’s repetitive nature (Ecclesiastes 1:9). This underscores the cyclical patterns of human experience and history, highlighting the futility in expecting something entirely new under the sun.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyWiersbe highlights the Teacher’s honest observation about life’s repetitive cycles, urging believers to move beyond earthly frustrations to find meaning in God’s sovereignty. Matthew Henry notes this reflects human experience but warns against cynical despair. Both emphasize that while history repeats, God’s eternal plan offers hope and purpose (Ecclesiastes 1:9). This question challenges readers to seek wisdom and contentment, trusting God amid life’s unchanging patterns.
Recognizing life’s repetitive nature cautions us against despair and encourages reliance on God’s eternal perspective (Psalm 90:12). We can find contentment despite life’s cycles (Philippians 4:11-13) and focus on spiritual growth rather than fleeting novelties. This awareness prompts patience and wisdom in daily living (James 1:5).
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?”
“See, this is new?”
“And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive?”
“And of mirth, What doeth it?”