Ecclesiastes 1:10

Letters to the Faithful - Ecclesiastes 1:10

Berean Standard Bible

Is there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us.

King James Bible

Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

Hebrew Text:

יֵ֥שׁ דָּבָ֛ר שֶׁיֹּאמַ֥ר רְאֵה־זֶ֖ה חָדָ֣שׁ ה֑וּא כְּבָר֙ הָיָ֣ה לְעֹֽלָמִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיָ֖ה מִלְּפָנֵֽנוּ׃

Transliteration:

Yesh davar sheyomar re'eh—zeh chadash hu, kevar hayah le'olamim asher hayah mil'lefaneinu.

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Is there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”?

This phrase reflects the theme of vanity and the cyclical nature of life, a central message in Ecclesiastes. The rhetorical question emphasizes the futility of seeking novelty in the material world. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of time as cyclical rather than linear, contrasting with modern Western perspectives. The pursuit of newness is often seen as a distraction from eternal truths. In biblical context, this echoes the sentiment found in Isaiah 43:19, where God declares He is doing a new thing, highlighting that true newness comes from divine intervention rather than human endeavor.

It has already existed in the ages before us.

This phrase underscores the idea that human experiences and achievements are repetitive. The assertion that nothing is truly new under the sun is a reminder of the limitations of human innovation and the enduring nature of God's creation. Historically, this reflects the wisdom literature's focus on the constancy of human nature and the repetitive patterns of history. Culturally, it challenges the human tendency to pridefully claim originality. This connects to the broader biblical narrative, such as in Genesis 8:22, where the cycles of nature are established by God. It also points to the eternal nature of Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), suggesting that true fulfillment and newness are found in Him.

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Grace and peace be with you, beloved ones, as you journey through the days appointed to you. May your hearts be strengthened in truth, and may your minds be renewed in wisdom, for the One who has set the world in motion has established all things according to His purpose. Nothing is hidden from His sight, and nothing unfolds apart from His will. That which seems new to our eyes has already been before, and that which appears fresh to our understanding has already passed through the hands of time. Do not be deceived by the illusion of novelty, nor assume that the present moment stands apart from the rhythms of eternity. 

Generations rise and fall, voices proclaim and fade, yet the course of life remains steady. Men look upon the works of their hands and marvel, declaring that they have fashioned something unparalleled, something unknown in the histories of old. Yet the wise discern that every endeavor, every pursuit, every aspiration has its root in what has already been. The longing for greatness, the hunger for meaning, the chase for wisdom—all these have stirred in the hearts of those who came before, and they shall continue among those who follow after. The patterns of the earth do not change, though the seasons shift and the years unfold. 

Take heart, then, and do not be anxious for what appears before you. Do not be troubled by fleeting glories, nor enticed by the whispers of new things that promise fulfillment apart from the One who holds all time in His hands. Seek instead that which is eternal, that which stands beyond the limits of human striving. What is man’s labor before the vastness of eternity? What is his wisdom before the depths of divine understanding? Though the works of his hands may seem mighty, they will pass as all things before them have passed. Though his plans may seem new, they will prove themselves mere echoes of what has already been. 

Let all who hear these words be reminded that nothing is beyond the gaze of the Almighty. His purposes remain steadfast, His word endures, and His truth is not swayed by the shifting tides of human ambition. He has called His people to walk in wisdom, to discern the fleeting from the everlasting, to build upon that which will not be shaken. Do not be consumed with seeking that which appears new, but rather pursue that which has been established from the beginning. Do not anchor your hope in the transient, but place your trust in that which is unchanging. 

May you walk in the confidence that your labor is not in vain when it is given unto the One who governs all things. May you find peace in knowing that though all passes, He remains. May your days be filled with purpose, and may your heart rest in the assurance that what is truly good is not bound by time, but is held eternally in the hands of the Righteous One. Be strengthened, be steadfast, and be ever faithful, for He who watches over all is unchanging and victorious. May His grace abound in you always.

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O Sovereign and Eternal One, who reigns from everlasting to everlasting, we lift our hearts before You, acknowledging that all things exist by Your decree. You have set the foundations of the earth, established the course of time, and ordained all that unfolds within creation. Before You, no mystery remains hidden, and before Your wisdom, nothing is truly new. That which seems fresh to our eyes has already been known to You, for You are before all things, and through You all things endure. 

Grant us, O Lord, the understanding to see beyond the illusions of fleeting wonders. Let not our hearts be drawn to the passing glories of this world, nor let our minds be deceived by the idea that man’s endeavors exist apart from Your divine order. What appears before us has already been, and what is declared as new has already passed through the ages. Help us to recognize that all wisdom, all knowledge, all pursuit of meaning finds its fulfillment in You alone. 

Guard our spirits from the restless striving that seeks fulfillment in earthly things. May we not labor in vanity, nor set our hope upon foundations that do not endure. Lead us instead into the everlasting truth, that we may grasp what is eternal and walk in the light of understanding. You alone establish that which does not fade, You alone uphold that which is steadfast. Our desires waver, our thoughts shift, but You remain unshaken, unchanging, forever wise. 

Strengthen those who grow weary in the pursuits of this life, that they may rest in Your peace. Let those who seek knowledge find their answers in You, and let those who feel lost recognize that You have already prepared the way. Teach us not to chase after novelty, but to anchor ourselves in what has been true from the beginning. May we discern what is lasting, embrace what is good, and set our hearts upon what will never pass away. 

Let Your name be glorified in all generations, and let Your wisdom be known throughout the earth. May those who seek You walk with confidence, knowing that You are before all things and beyond all time. You are the Author of life, the Keeper of truth, the One who governs all that is and all that will be. To You be all praise, all honor, and all glory forever. Amen.