Ecclesiastes 3:15
Ecclesiastes 3:15 in Multiple Translations
What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
That which is hath been long ago; and that which is to be hath long ago been: and God seeketh again that which is passed away.
Whatever is has been before, and what is to be is now; because God makes search for the things which are past.
Whatever was, is; and whatever will be, has been, and God examines the whole of time.
What is that that hath bene? that is nowe: and that that shalbe, hath now bene: for God requireth that which is past.
What is that which hath been? already it is, and that which [is] to be hath already been, and God requireth that which is pursued.
That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago. God seeks again that which is passed away.
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
That which hath been made, the same continueth: the things that shall be, have already been: and God restoreth that which is past.
Things that exist now have already existed previously, and things that will happen in the future have already happened previously; God causes the same things to happen many times.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 3:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
שֶּֽׁ/הָיָה֙
כְּבָ֣ר
ה֔וּא
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לִ/הְי֖וֹת
כְּבָ֣ר
הָיָ֑ה
וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
אֶת
נִרְדָּֽף
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
שֶּֽׁ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כְּבָ֣ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
already
Adv
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Rel
לִ/הְי֖וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כְּבָ֣ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
already
Adv
הָיָ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | Art | N-mp
יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נִרְדָּֽף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Niphal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 3:15
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
שֶּֽׁ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּבָ֣ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
"already"
Adv
Already refers to something that has happened in the past or has been true for a long time, such as in Genesis where it says God had already created the world.
Definition: already, long ago, a great while
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: already, (seeing that which), now. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:10; Ecclesiastes 4:2; Ecclesiastes 9:7.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לִ/הְי֖וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּבָ֣ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
"already"
Adv
Already refers to something that has happened in the past or has been true for a long time, such as in Genesis where it says God had already created the world.
Definition: already, long ago, a great while
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: already, (seeing that which), now. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:10; Ecclesiastes 4:2; Ecclesiastes 9:7.
הָיָ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
וְ/הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נִרְדָּֽף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Niphal-Inf-c
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 3:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 3:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:15
Context — God’s Works Remain Forever
13and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.
14I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.
15What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.
16Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. 17I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:9–10 | What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 6:10 | Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. |
Ecclesiastes 3:15 Summary
This verse is saying that everything that happens has already been seen by God, and what will happen in the future is also already known to Him (Isaiah 46:10). It's a reminder that God is in control of all time and will judge all our actions. This means we can trust Him with our lives, even when things seem confusing or unfair, because He sees the whole picture (Psalm 103:19). By remembering that God will call us to account for what we've done, we can live with purpose and integrity, knowing that our actions have consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'what exists has already been'?
This phrase suggests that God is outside of time and sees all things, past, present, and future, as already existing (Isaiah 46:10, Revelation 1:8).
Is the writer saying that history is doomed to repeat itself?
While the writer is noting a pattern of repetition in human experience, the emphasis is on God's sovereignty and accountability, rather than a fatalistic view of history (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Romans 14:12).
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment?
The verse indicates that God will call to account what has passed, implying that all human actions will be judged by God, which is reinforced in other scriptures like Psalm 96:13 and Matthew 12:36.
What comfort can be taken from this verse?
The comfort comes from knowing that God is in control, and despite the seeming chaos and injustice in the world, He will ultimately bring all things to account and judge righteously (Psalm 37:28, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
Reflection Questions
- How does the reality of God's sovereignty over time affect my daily decisions and worries about the future?
- In what ways can I trust God's plan and timing, even when things seem repetitive or unjust?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to remember that God will call to account what has passed?
- How can I live in the light of God's judgment, and what difference should this make in my relationships and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:15
That which hath seen is now; and that which is to be hath already been,.... That which has been from the beginning now is; that which cometh, and what shall be in the end of days, has been already, as the Targum.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:15
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. That which hath been is now. That which bath been in the mind of God from eternity is now realized in time.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; things past, present, and to come, are all of the same nature, and all ordered in the same manner by one constant counsel and settled course in all parts and ages of the world. There is a continual return of the same motions and influences of the heavenly bodies, of the same seasons of the year, and a constant succession of new generations of men and beasts, but all of the same quality. The same thing in substance was said before, . Requireth, i.e. reneweth, as this word is used, . That which is past; that time and those things which are irrecoverably gone in themselves, but are as it were recalled, because others of the same kind arise and come in their stead. Heb. that which is driven away with a mighty, force, as time present is violently thrust away by that which comes after it.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
Ecclesiastes 3:15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.Ver. 15. That which hath been is now, &c., ] viz., With God, to whom all things are present. Hence God is said to know future things, not to foreknow them. For indeed neither foreknowledge nor remembrance are properly in God, since his whole essence is wholly an eye or a mind; it is the example or pattern of all things, so that he needs but to look upon himself, and then he seeth all things, as in a glass. The eye of man beholds many things at once, as ants in a mole hill; but if it will see other things at the same time, it must remove the sight. The mind of man can take in a larger circuit, even a city, a country, a world; but this it doth only in the lump or whole mass of it, for else it must remove from form to form, and from thought to thought. But God takes all at once most steadfastly and perfectly. All things without him are but as a point or ball, which with as much ease he discerneth as we turn our eyes. And God requireth that which is past.] Or, Inquireth, asketh, that which is bygone; he bespeaks it as present, "calling those things that are not as if they were." Non aliter scivit Deus creata quam creancla, saith Augustine. God knew things to be created, as if they had been before created.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
(15) Is now.—Rather, was long ago. Requireth.—Seeketh again: i.e., recalleth the past. The writer has not been speaking of the bringing the past into judgment, but of the immutable order of the universe, which constantly repeats itself. But it would seem that the word suggesting the thought of seeking for the purpose of judgment leads on to the next topic.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
Verse 15. That which hath been is now] God governs the world now, as he has governed it from the beginning; and the revolutions and operations of nature are the same now, that they have been from the beginning. What we see now, is the same as has been seen by those before us. And God requireth that which is past] i.e., That it may return again in its proper order. The heavens themselves, taking in their great revolutions, show the same phenomena. Even comets are supposed to have their revolutions, though some of them are hundreds of years in going round their orbits. But in the economy of grace, does not God require that which is past? Whatever blessing or influence God gives to the soul of man, he intends shall remain and increase; and it will, if man be faithful. Reader, canst thou produce all the secret inspirations of his Spirit, all the drawings of his love, his pardoning mercy, his sanctifying grace, the heavenly-mindedness produced in thee, thy holy zeal, thy spirit of prayer, thy tender conscience, the witness of the Spirit, which thou didst once receive and enjoy? WHERE are they?
God requireth that which is past.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:15
15. God requireth that which is past] Better, seeks after that which is put to flight. The old thought of the uniformity of sequence in nature and in history which had before seemed oppressive in its monotony, has been balanced by the thought of God’s perfection and the beauty of His order, and by the “fear” which grows out of it. It is followed up by a new aspect of the same truth. The past is thought of as vanishing, “put to flight,” receding into the dim distance. It might seem to be passing into the abyss of oblivion, but God recalls it (this is obviously the meaning of “require” as used by the translators of the A. V. in its strict etymological sense), brings back the same order, or an analogous order of events, and so history repeats itself. The strange rendering adopted by the Targum and some modern interpreters, “God seeks the persecuted,” i.e. visits and protects them, though tenable as a translation, introduces an idea quite foreign to the train of thought.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 3:15
Rather, What has been - what was before, and what shall be has been before.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:15
15. Hath been is — Illustrative of this uniformity. A better rendering is, What has been was long ago — was a repetition of something still earlier — and what shall be was, also, long ago.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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K-067b the Holocaust 2 of 4 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the absence of God in the face of death and devastation. He emphasizes the refusal of people to come to the end of themselves and instead r |
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K-483 True Sending for True Ministry (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the superficiality of a church that is seeking external sources to bring meaning and redemption to their lives. He emphasizes that the true es |
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K-504 the Culpability of Sin (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and repenting for the sins of the past. He argues that the past cannot be swept under the carpet, especially |
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Ecclesiastes 3:15 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that our past is filled with sin, and while many wish to forget it or attempt to reform themselves, they often find it challenging to break free from habitua |
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The Early and Latter Rain by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment and not being deceived by glamorous image advertising. He believes that we are living in a time where image ad |
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The History of Free Masonry - Part 1 by John Daniel | In this sermon, Dr. Stan discusses the battle for the survival of Western civilization and emphasizes the importance of reality over illusion or delusion. He introduces his guest, |
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What Is Your Life - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the themes of materialism, the inevitability of progress, and the sufficiency of man, reflecting on historical events like World War I and II, the devastati |