Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. New Living Translation Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. English Standard Version Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. 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. New King James Version Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us. New American Standard Bible Is there anything of which one might say, “See this, it is new”? It has already existed for ages Which were before us. NASB 1995 Is there anything of which one might say, “See this, it is new “? Already it has existed for ages Which were before us. NASB 1977 Is there anything of which one might say, “See this, it is new”? Already it has existed for ages Which were before us. Legacy Standard Bible Is there anything of which one might say, “See this, it is new”? Already it has been for ages Which were before us. Amplified Bible Is there anything of which it can be said, “See this, it is new”? It has already existed for [the vast] ages [of time recorded or unrecorded] Which were before us. Christian Standard Bible Can one say about anything, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us. Holman Christian Standard Bible Can one say about anything,” Look, this is new"? It has already existed in the ages before us. American Standard Version Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us. Contemporary English Version Someone might say, "Here is something new!" But it happened before, long before we were born. English Revised Version Is there a thing whereof men say, See, this is new? it hath been already, in the ages which were before us. GOD'S WORD® Translation Can you say that anything is new? It has already been here long before us. Good News Translation "Look," they say, "here is something new!" But no, it has all happened before, long before we were born. International Standard Version Does anything exist about which someone might say, "Look at this! Is this new?" It happened ages ago; it existed before we did. NET Bible Is there anything about which someone can say, "Look at this! It is new!"? It was already done long ago, before our time. New Heart English Bible Is there a thing of which it may be said, "Look, this is new?" It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us. Webster's Bible Translation Is there any thing of which it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIs there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us. World English Bible Is there a thing of which it may be said, “Behold, this is new?” It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThere is a thing of which [one] says: “See this, it [is] new!” Already it has been in the ages that were before us! Young's Literal Translation There is a thing of which one saith: 'See this, it is new!' already it hath been in the ages that were before us! Smith's Literal Translation Is there a word will be said, See, this is new? This was already to a long time which was before us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNothing under the sun is new, neither is any man able to say: Behold this is new: for it hath already gone before in the ages that were before us. Catholic Public Domain Version There is nothing new under the sun. Neither is anyone able to say: “Behold, this is new!” For it has already been brought forth in the ages that were before us. New American Bible Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!” has already existed in the ages that preceded us. New Revised Standard Version Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has already been, in the ages before us. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhosoever speaks and says, Look, this is new, should know that it already has been in the ages which were before us. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Everyone who will speak and will say, "see, this is new", surely it was from the ages which were before us OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Is there a thing whereof it is said: 'See, this is new'?--it hath been already, in the ages which were before us. Brenton Septuagint Translation Who is he that shall speak and say, Behold, this is new? it has already been in the ages that have passed before us. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Everything is Futile…9What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. 10Is there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us. 11There is no remembrance of those who came before, and those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow after.… Cross References Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. 2 Peter 3:4 “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” Acts 17:21 Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas. Jeremiah 31:22 How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land—a woman will shelter a man.” Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. Isaiah 65:17 For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Revelation 21:5 And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” 1 Corinthians 8:2 The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. Isaiah 48:6-7 You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you. / They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot claim, ‘I already knew them!’ 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! Romans 8:20-21 For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Psalm 102:25-27 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. Hebrews 1:10-12 And: “In the beginning, O Lord, 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. / You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” Romans 11:33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Treasury of Scripture Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it has been already of old time, which was before us. it hath Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 23:30-32 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets… Luke 17:26-30 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man… Jump to Previous Ages Ago Already Existed New Something Time WhereofJump to Next Ages Ago Already Existed New Something Time WhereofEcclesiastes 1 1. the preacher shows that all human courses are vain4. because the creatures are restless in their courses 9. they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten 12. and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdom 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the nature of life and human endeavors. 2. Jerusalem - The central place of Solomon's reign and the spiritual heart of Israel, where much of his wisdom literature was likely composed or shared. 3. The Ages Before Us - Refers to the historical continuum of human existence, emphasizing the repetitive nature of human experiences and endeavors. Teaching Points The Illusion of NoveltyHuman nature often seeks novelty, yet Ecclesiastes reminds us that what seems new is often a repetition of past patterns. This can encourage humility and a deeper understanding of history. God's Sovereignty Over Time While human experiences may seem repetitive, God is sovereign over time and history. Trusting in His eternal plan can bring peace amidst life's cycles. Contentment in the Present Recognizing the repetitive nature of life can lead to contentment. Instead of constantly seeking the next new thing, we can find joy and purpose in the present moment. Wisdom in Perspective Ecclesiastes encourages us to gain wisdom by understanding the cyclical nature of life. This perspective can help us prioritize what truly matters, such as relationships and spiritual growth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 1:10?2. How does Ecclesiastes 1:10 challenge our understanding of human innovation and progress? 3. What does Ecclesiastes 1:10 reveal about God's sovereignty over time and events? 4. How can Ecclesiastes 1:10 encourage contentment with God's provision in our lives? 5. In what ways does Ecclesiastes 1:10 connect with the theme of vanity in Scripture? 6. How can we apply the lesson of Ecclesiastes 1:10 to our daily pursuits? 7. How does Ecclesiastes 1:10 challenge the belief in human progress and innovation? 8. What does Ecclesiastes 1:10 imply about the uniqueness of human achievements? 9. How does Ecclesiastes 1:10 relate to the concept of history repeating itself? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 1? 11. Ecclesiastes 1:10 – If someone points to innovations as “new,” how does the text account for modern technology and entirely unprecedented achievements? 12. What is the Bible's perspective on a midlife crisis? 13. What is Continuationism? 14. Where would we be without the Lord's support? What Does Ecclesiastes 1:10 Mean Is there a case where one can saySolomon opens with a probing question. He has surveyed creation, history, and human behavior (Ecclesiastes 1:1-9) and now invites us to do the same. By asking, he highlights our habit of assuming we alone live in unprecedented times. Yet Scripture regularly confronts that assumption: • Psalm 90:2-4 reminds us that God’s perspective stretches across millennia; what feels brand-new to us is a mere moment to Him. • 1 Kings 4:33 records Solomon’s vast observations of nature—evidence that he had already examined the world’s patterns before penning this line. • Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 frames the question of human “gain” against generations that come and go, setting up the conclusion that no true novelty ever rises apart from God’s eternal oversight. Look, this is new We love to declare novelty—“a new philosophy,” “a new morality,” “a new technology.” Yet the Word exposes the recycled nature of such claims. • 1 John 2:16 shows that every supposed innovation still falls into the same old trio: desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride of life. • Luke 17:26-30 points out that end-times society will echo “the days of Noah” and “the days of Lot.” Even future rebellion will only replay earlier patterns. • Genesis 11:4’s tower builders said, “Come, let us make a name for ourselves.” Today’s self-branding and empire-building mirror that ancient cry. Bullet-point examples: – Modern ideologies still revolve around self-rule (Genesis 3:5). – New gadgets meet old cravings for convenience and control (James 4:1-3). – Fresh entertainment recycles timeless lusts (Romans 1:24-25). It has already existed Solomon’s answer demolishes the myth of originality. What we hail as cutting-edge has, in essence, “already existed.” • Genesis 8:22 promises unbroken cycles of seedtime and harvest; the Creator built repetition into the very fabric of earth. • Isaiah 46:9-10 declares God’s sovereign design from beginning to end; He alone authors history, so nothing unfolds outside His prior knowledge. • Acts 17:26 notes that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands,” confirming His pre-set order behind every human development. This teaches: – Human nature has not evolved into something fundamentally different (Jeremiah 17:9). – Sin’s strategies remain unchanged; only the packaging differs (2 Timothy 3:13). – God’s redemptive purposes march on untouched by cultural fads (Ephesians 1:11). in the ages before us The phrase anchors the argument in recorded history. We are heirs, not pioneers, of the human story. • Psalm 78:3-4 urges each generation to pass down “things we have heard and known,” underscoring continuity. • Romans 15:4 affirms that earlier Scriptures were written “for our instruction,” proving their ongoing relevance. • 2 Peter 3:4 notes scoffers who say, “Everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation,” ironically proving Solomon’s point: even scoffing is nothing new. The lesson is clear: – Study what God has already done, and today’s events will make sense (Deuteronomy 32:7). – Recognize that the same sovereign hand guiding past ages now guides ours (Hebrews 13:8). summary Ecclesiastes 1:10 dismantles the illusion of novelty. Every claim of something “new” proves, on closer inspection, to be a rerun of earlier desires, ideas, and events arranged by an unchanging God. By grasping this, we trade restless chasing after the latest thing for anchored confidence in the Lord who “has made everything appropriate in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). (10) Of old time.--The Hebrew word here is peculiar to Ecclesiastes, where it occurs eight times (Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Ecclesiastes 3:15; Ecclesiastes 4:2; Ecclesiastes 6:10; Ecclesiastes 9:6-7), but is common in later Hebrew. . . . Verse 10. - Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? The writer conceives that objection may be taken to his statement at the end of the preceding verse, so he proceeds to reiterate it in stronger terms. "Thing" is dabar (see on ver. 8). Septuagint, "He who shall speak and say, Behold, this is new," seil. Where is he? Vulgate, "Nothing is new under the sun, nor is any one able to say, Lo! this is fresh." The apparent exceptions to the rule are mistaken inferences. It hath been already of old time, which was before us. In the vast aeons of the past, recorded or unrecorded, the seeming novelty has already been known. The discoveries of earlier time are forgotten, and seem quite new when revived; but closer investigation proves their previous existence.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Is there [a case]יֵ֥שׁ (yêš) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is where one can say, שֶׁיֹּאמַ֥ר (še·yō·mar) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Look, רְאֵה־ (rə·’êh-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see this זֶ֖ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that is new”? חָדָ֣שׁ (ḥā·ḏāš) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2319: New It ה֑וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are has already כְּבָר֙ (kə·ḇār) Adverb Strong's 3528: Extent of time, a great while, long ago, formerly, hitherto existed הָיָ֣ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be in the ages לְעֹֽלָמִ֔ים (lə·‘ō·lā·mîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always before us. מִלְּפָנֵֽנוּ׃ (mil·lə·p̄ā·nê·nū) Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 6440: The face Links Ecclesiastes 1:10 NIVEcclesiastes 1:10 NLT Ecclesiastes 1:10 ESV Ecclesiastes 1:10 NASB Ecclesiastes 1:10 KJV Ecclesiastes 1:10 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 1:10 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 1:10 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 1:10 French Bible Ecclesiastes 1:10 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:10 Is there a thing of which it (Ecclesiast. 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