Ecclesiastes 1:4
Ecclesiastes 1:4 in Multiple Translations
Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever.
One generation goes and another comes; but the earth is for ever.
People come, and people go, but the earth lasts forever!
One generation passeth, and another generation succeedeth: but the earth remaineth for euer.
A generation is going, and a generation is coming, and the earth to the age is standing.
One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth standeth for ever.
Each year old people die and babies are born, but the earth never changes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 1:4
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 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דּ֤וֹר
הֹלֵךְ֙
וְ/ד֣וֹר
בָּ֔א
וְ/הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
לְ/עוֹלָ֥ם
עֹמָֽדֶת
דּ֤וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
N-ms
הֹלֵךְ֙
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
וְ/ד֣וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Conj | N-ms
בָּ֔א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
וְ/הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | Art | N-cs
לְ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
עֹמָֽדֶת
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal
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 1:4
דּ֤וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
הֹלֵךְ֙
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/ד֣וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
בָּ֔א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וְ/הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לְ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
עֹמָֽדֶת
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 1:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 1:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:4
Context — Everything Is Futile
2“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!”
3What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun?
4Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.
5The sun rises and the sun sets; it hurries back to where it rises. 6The wind blows southward, then turns northward; round and round it swirls, ever returning on its course.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:5 | He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved. |
| 2 | Zechariah 1:5 | Where are your fathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever? |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 6:12 | For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun? |
| 4 | Matthew 24:35 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:90–91 | Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures. Your ordinances stand to this day, for all things are servants to You. |
| 6 | Psalms 89:47–48 | Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men! What man can live and never see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah |
| 7 | Psalms 102:24–28 | I say: “O my God, do not take me in the midst of my days! Your years go on through all generations. In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. The children of Your servants will dwell securely, and their descendants will be established before You.” |
| 8 | 2 Peter 3:10–13 | But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. |
| 9 | Psalms 90:9–10 | For all our days decline in Your fury; we finish our years with a sigh. The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty if we are strong— yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. |
| 10 | Genesis 5:3–31 | When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son in his own likeness, after his own image; and he named him Seth. And after he had become the father of Seth, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. So Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died. When Seth was 105 years old, he became the father of Enosh. And after he had become the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters. So Seth lived a total of 912 years, and then he died. When Enosh was 90 years old, he became the father of Kenan. And after he had become the father of Kenan, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and daughters. So Enosh lived a total of 905 years, and then he died. When Kenan was 70 years old, he became the father of Mahalalel. And after he had become the father of Mahalalel, Kenan lived 840 years and had other sons and daughters. So Kenan lived a total of 910 years, and then he died. When Mahalalel was 65 years old, he became the father of Jared. And after he had become the father of Jared, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters. So Mahalalel lived a total of 895 years, and then he died. When Jared was 162 years old, he became the father of Enoch. And after he had become the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. So Jared lived a total of 962 years, and then he died. When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he had become the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. So Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away. When Methuselah was 187 years old, he became the father of Lamech. And after he had become the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters. So Methuselah lived a total of 969 years, and then he died. When Lamech was 182 years old, he had a son. And he named him Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.” And after he had become the father of Noah, Lamech lived 595 years and had other sons and daughters. So Lamech lived a total of 777 years, and then he died. |
Ecclesiastes 1:4 Summary
[Ecclesiastes 1:4 is saying that people are born, live, and die, but the earth keeps going, as seen in Psalm 90:3. This reminds us that our lives are short, but the earth is a permanent home created by God, as stated in Psalm 104:5. We should use our short time on earth to live for things that will last forever, like our relationship with God and our service to others, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 4:18. By doing so, we can make the most of our time and leave a lasting impact.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'generations come and generations go' mean in Ecclesiastes 1:4?
This phrase refers to the cycle of human life, where one generation is born, lives, and dies, and another takes its place, as seen in Psalm 90:3, where it says 'You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.”'
Why does the verse say 'the earth remains forever'?
The earth remains forever because God created it to be a permanent dwelling place for humanity, as stated in Psalm 104:5, which says 'He laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be moved forever.'
Is Ecclesiastes 1:4 saying that human life is meaningless because the earth will outlast us?
While the verse does highlight the fleeting nature of human life, it is not saying that human life is meaningless, but rather that our lives are short and transient, as stated in James 4:14, which says 'You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes.'
How can I apply the truth of Ecclesiastes 1:4 to my own life?
You can apply this verse by recognizing the brevity of life and the importance of living for eternal purposes, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says 'while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.'
Reflection Questions
- What does the cycle of generations coming and going reveal about the nature of human existence?
- In what ways do you see the earth remaining forever, even as human generations rise and fall?
- How does the contrast between the transience of human life and the permanence of the earth challenge your priorities and values?
- What eternal purposes can you pursue in your life, in light of the fleeting nature of human existence?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 1:4
[One] generation passeth away, and [another] generation cometh,.... This shows that a man can have no profit of all his labour under the sun, because of his short continuance; as soon almost as he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 1:4
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. (One) generation passeth away, and (another) generation cometh: but the earth abideth forever.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: men continue but for one, and that a short age, and then they leave all their possessions to the succeeding age; and therefore they cannot be happy here, because happiness must needs be unchangeable and eternal; or else the perpetual fear and certain knowledge of the approaching loss of all these things will rob a man of all solid contentment in them. The earth abideth for ever, i.e. through all successive generations of men; and therefore man in this respect is more mutable and miserable than the very earth upon which he stands; and which, together with all the glories and comforts which he enjoyed in it, he leaveth behind him to be possessed by others.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
Ecclesiastes 1:4 [One] generation passeth away, and [another] generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.Ver. 4. One generation passeth away, &c.] Therefore, no happiness here, because no assurance of life or long continuance: - “ Omnia sunt hominum tenui pendentia filo: Et subito casu, quae valuere ruunt. ” Xerxes, looking upon his huge army, wept to think that, within less than a hundred years, not one of those many should be left alive. Mortality is the stage of mutability; mere man is but the dream of a dream, but the generation of a fancy, but an empty vanity, but the curious picture of nothing, a poor feeble, unable, dying flash. How then can he here work out unto himself a happiness worth having? Why should he lay up and "load himself with thick clay," as if his life were riveted upon eternity? But the earth endureth for ever.] As a stage, whereon the several generations act their parts and go off; as the centre of the world and seat of living creatures, it stands firm and unmovable. That was an odd conceit of Plato’ s that the earth was a kind of living creature, having stones for bones, rivers for veins, trees for hairs, &c. And that was worse of Aristotle, teaching the world’ s eternity; which some smatterers in philosophy fondly strive to maintain out of this text, not rightly understanding the force of the Hebrew phrase for ever, which ofttimes, and here, signifies a periodical perpetuity, a long indefinite time, not an infinite. The whole engine shall be changed. By ever then is meant, till the end of all things.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
(4) Comp. Sir 14:19.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
Verse 4. One generation passeth away] Men succeed each other in unceasing generations: but the earth is still the same; it undergoes no change that leads to melioration, or greater perfection. And it will continue the same לעולם leolam, during the whole course of time; till the end of all things arrives.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 1:4
4. One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh] The sentence loses in strength by the words inserted in italics. Better, generation passeth and generation cometh. This is, as it were, the first note of vanity. Man, in idea the lord of the earth, is but as a stranger tarrying for a day. As in the touching parable of the Saxon chief, he comes from the darkness as into the light of a festive hall, and then passes into the darkness once again (Bede, Eccl. Hist. ii. c. 14), but the earth which is in idea subject to him boasts a permanence which he cannot claim. In the Hebrew word which answers to “for ever” we have, as elsewhere, an undefined rather than an absolutely infinite duration. Parallelisms of thought present themselves in Sir 14:19; Job 10:21; Psalms 39:13, and, we may add, in Homer, Il. vi. 146, οἴηπερφύλλωνγενεή, τοιήδεκαὶἀνδρῶν.φύλλατὰμέντʼ ? ἄνεμοςχαμάδιςχέει, ἄλλαδέθʼ ? ὓλητηλεθόωσαφύει, ἒαροςδʼ ? ἐπιγίγνεταιὣρηὣςἀνδρῶνγενεὴἡμὲνφύει, ἡδʼ ? ἀπολήγει.“As are the leaves, so is the race of men;Some the wind scatters on the ground, and someThe fruitful forest, when the springtide comes,Puts forth; so note we also with mankind;One comes to life, another falls away.”It is significant that these lines were ever in the mouth of Pyrrho, the founder of the Greek school of Sceptics (Diog. Laert. ix. 11. 6).
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 1:4
Vanity is shown in mankind, the elements, and all that moves on earth; the same course is repeated again and again without any permanent result or real progress; and events and people alike are forgotten.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:4
4. A view is now given of the race whom the inquiry concerns, and of the visible forms of nature — the solemn decorations of their dwelling — the self-renewing sun, wind, and streams.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 1:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Doctrine of the Wheels, in the Visions of Ezekiel, Opened and Explained. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the significance of the wheels in Ezekiel's visions, interpreting them as representations of the churches of Christ under the Gospel dispensation. He emphasiz |
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(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Reconcilation by Willie Mullan | In the video, the preacher mentions various topics that have been covered in previous sermons, such as redemption, atonement, and the Lord's words for the resurrection. He then int |
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Of the Creation of Angels. by John Gill | John Gill discusses the creation of angels, emphasizing their significance as the chief of God's works in the heavens. He notes that while the creation of angels is not explicitly |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 6, verse 12. He emphasizes the uncertainty and brevity of life, highlighting |
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The Adam by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the focus is on the book of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the ultimate duty of man to fear God and keep His commandments. The term 'the Adam' is used to |
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The Great Contradiction and Failure. 6:1-12 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the futility and emptiness of pursuing worldly riches, honor, and pleasures, ultimately finding them to be vanity and a chas |