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 1:11KJV
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Ecclesiastes 1:11 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 1:11 mean?

Ecclesiastes 1:11 says that people do not remember what happened in the past, and future events will also be forgotten by those who come later. The verse highlights how quickly human achievements and experiences fade from memory over time.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and human legacy. He is addressing anyone who seeks meaning in life’s accomplishments, pointing out that even great deeds are soon forgotten. This thought fits into the larger theme of Ecclesiastes, which explores the limits of human wisdom and the temporary nature of worldly pursuits.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 1:11

  • "Remembrance" (זֵכֶר, zēker): This word means memory or recollection. Its use here emphasizes not just forgetting facts, but the complete fading of people and events from collective memory.
  • "Former" (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon): This word refers to things or people that came before. The verse is not just about ancient history, but anything that has passed, showing how even recent events can be quickly lost.
  • "Come" and "after" (אַחַר, achar): This word appears twice and means "after" or "later." It stresses that the same pattern of forgetting will happen to future generations, not just those in the past.

Why Ecclesiastes 1:11 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 1:11 challenges the common hope that human achievements will be remembered, showing how easily even important events are forgotten.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of Ecclesiastes, where the writer questions the lasting value of wisdom, work, and legacy.
  • By highlighting the cycle of forgetting, the verse encourages readers to reflect on what truly endures and what is temporary in human life.

Where else these words appear

“remembrance” Hebrew H2146 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • Nehemiah 2:20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

“come” Hebrew H314 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
  • 1 Kings 17:13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
  • Psalms 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.