◄ Ecclesiastes 1:11 ►
There is no remembrance of those who came before, and those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow after.
Study Bible
No remembrance
The Hebrew word for "remembrance" is "זִכָּרוֹן" (zikaron), which implies a memorial or a record. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this phrase suggests the fleeting nature of human memory and legacy. Historically, many great civilizations and individuals have risen and fallen, leaving little trace behind. This reflects the biblical theme of human life’s transience and the futility of seeking lasting significance apart from God.

of those who came before
This phrase emphasizes the generations that have preceded us. The Hebrew word "לְרִאשֹׁנִים" (lerishonim) refers to the ancestors or those who have lived in the past. The Bible often speaks of the importance of remembering the deeds of God and His people, yet here, Solomon points out the sobering reality that human achievements are often forgotten. This serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that honors God, as He is the ultimate keeper of our legacy.

and those to come
The phrase "those to come" refers to future generations. The Hebrew "וְאַחֲרוֹנִים" (ve'acharonim) indicates those who will live after the current generation. This highlights the cyclical nature of human existence, where each generation rises and falls, often repeating the mistakes of the past. It underscores the biblical teaching that true wisdom and purpose are found in fearing God and keeping His commandments, as stated later in Ecclesiastes.

will not be remembered
The inevitability of being forgotten is a humbling truth. The Hebrew "לֹא־יִזָּכְרוּ" (lo yizacheru) suggests a lack of lasting impact or recognition. This can be seen throughout history, where even the most influential figures eventually fade from collective memory. This serves as a call to focus on eternal values and the impact we have on others' spiritual lives, rather than seeking temporal fame or success.

by those who follow after
This final phrase, "those who follow after," refers to the subsequent generations. The Hebrew "בַּאֲשֶׁר יִהְיוּ אַחֲרֵיהֶם" (ba'asher yihyu acharehem) speaks to the continuity of life and the ongoing cycle of birth and death. It is a reminder that while human achievements may be forgotten, God's eternal plan continues. This encourages believers to invest in what is eternal, such as faith, hope, and love, which have lasting significance in God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.

2. Jerusalem
- The central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign, often associated with his reflections and teachings.

3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
- The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the human condition.

4. Ancient Israel
- The cultural and historical context in which Ecclesiastes was written, providing a backdrop for its themes of wisdom and futility.

5. Future Generations
- Those who will come after, mentioned in the verse, highlighting the transient nature of human memory and legacy.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Human Memory
Human achievements and memories are fleeting. We should focus on what is eternal rather than seeking lasting legacy through earthly means.

The Futility of Earthly Pursuits
Earthly pursuits often lead to frustration and disappointment. True fulfillment is found in a relationship with God and living according to His purposes.

Eternal Perspective
An eternal perspective helps us prioritize our lives according to God's will, focusing on spiritual growth and heavenly treasures.

Humility and Dependence on God
Recognizing our limitations and the temporary nature of life should lead us to humility and a deeper dependence on God for meaning and purpose.

Legacy of Faith
While earthly memories fade, a legacy of faith and obedience to God can impact future generations in ways that transcend time.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "no remembrance of former things" challenge our understanding of legacy and achievement?

2. In what ways can we shift our focus from earthly pursuits to eternal values, as suggested by Ecclesiastes 1:11 and related scriptures?

3. How can the fleeting nature of life, as described in Ecclesiastes, influence our daily decisions and priorities?

4. What practical steps can we take to build a legacy of faith that impacts future generations, despite the transient nature of human memory?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 complement the message of Ecclesiastes 1:11 regarding the pursuit of lasting treasures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 103:15-16
- This passage also speaks to the fleeting nature of human life and memory, emphasizing the temporary nature of our existence.

James 4:14
- James echoes the theme of life's brevity, comparing it to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Isaiah 40:6-8
- Isaiah contrasts the temporary nature of human life with the enduring word of God, reinforcing the theme of transience.

Matthew 6:19-21
- Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, aligning with the idea that earthly achievements and memories are temporary.
Sermons
Oblivion and its ConsolationsW. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 1:11
The Summary of a Life's ExperienceJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
People
David, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Afterwards, Earlier, Follow, Former, Generations, Later, Latter, Memory, Occur, Remembered, Remembrance, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 1:11

     5864   futility

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

     5916   pessimism

Library
Two views of Life
'This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith.--ECCLES. i. 13. 'He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.'--HEBREWS xii. 10. These two texts set before us human life as it looks to two observers. The former admits that God shapes it; but to him it seems sore travail, the expenditure of much trouble and efforts; the results of which seem to be nothing beyond profitless exercise. There is an immense activity and nothing to show for it at the end …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Past and the Future
'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.'--ECCLES. i. 9. 'That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.'--l PETER iv. 2, 3. If you will look at these two passages carefully you will, I think, see that they imply two different, and in some respects …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea Until the Outbreak of the Persecution.
Our author was commonly known among the ancients as Eusebius of Cæsarea or Eusebius Pamphili. The former designation arose from the fact that he was bishop of the church in Cæsarea for many years; the latter from the fact that he was the intimate friend and devoted admirer of Pamphilus, a presbyter of Cæsarea and a martyr. Some such specific appellation was necessary to distinguish him from others of the same name. Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biography mentions 137 …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
(Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim to rank as a work of Athanasius. If that claim were undisputed, no apology would be needed for its presence in this volume. If on the other hand its spurious and unhistorical character had been finally demonstrated, its insertion would …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Literature.
In making the following thread to the rich literature on Constantine the plan has been to confine almost wholly to Monographs, since to refer to all histories, encyclopædias, and the like which treat of him would be endless. Only such few analyzed references are introduced as have special reasons. Even with this limit it cannot be at all hoped that the list is exhaustive. Considerable pains has been taken, however, to make it full, as there is no really extended modern list of works on Constantine, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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