Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die! New Living Translation For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten. English Standard Version For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! Berean Standard Bible For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! King James Bible For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. New King James Version For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool! New American Standard Bible For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, along with the fool, since in the coming days everything will soon be forgotten. And how the wise and the fool alike die! NASB 1995 For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! NASB 1977 For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! Legacy Standard Bible For there is no remembrance of the wise man along with the fool forever, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man dies with the fool! Amplified Bible For there is no [more] lasting remembrance of the wise man than of the fool, since in the days to come all will be long forgotten. And how does the wise man die? Even as the fool! Christian Standard Bible For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool? Holman Christian Standard Bible For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise man dies just like the fool? American Standard Version For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. And how doth the wise man die even as the fool! Contemporary English Version Wise or foolish, we all die and are soon forgotten." English Revised Version For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will have been already forgotten. And how doth the wise man die even as the fool! GOD'S WORD® Translation Neither the wise person nor the fool will be remembered for long, since both will be forgotten in the days to come. Both the wise person and the fool will die. Good News Translation No one remembers the wise, and no one remembers fools. In days to come, we will all be forgotten. We must all die--wise and foolish alike. International Standard Version For neither the wise nor the fool will be long remembered, since in days to come everything will be forgotten. The wise man dies the same way as the fool, does he not? Majority Standard Bible For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! NET Bible For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long, because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten. Alas, the wise man dies--just like the fool! New Heart English Bible For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool. Webster's Bible Translation For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. World English Bible For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory forever, since in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool! Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThat there is no remembrance to the wise—with the fool—for all time, for that which [is] already, [in] the days that are coming is all forgotten, and how dies the wise? With the fool! Young's Literal Translation That there is no remembrance to the wise -- with the fool -- to the age, for that which is already, in the days that are coming is all forgotten, and how dieth the wise? with the fool! Smith's Literal Translation For no remembrance for the wise with the foolish one forever, since in the days coming, all being forgotten. And how will the wise die? with the foolish one. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor there shall be no remembrance of the wise no more than of the fool for ever, and the times to come shall cover all things together with oblivion: the learned dieth in like manner as the unlearned. Catholic Public Domain Version For there will not be a remembrance in perpetuity of the wise, nor of the foolish. And the future times will cover everything together, with oblivion. The learned die in a manner similar to the unlearned. New American Bible The wise person will have no more abiding remembrance than the fool; for in days to come both will have been forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies like the fool! New Revised Standard Version For there is no enduring remembrance of the wise or of fools, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How can the wise die just like fools? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe fool speaks superficially, but there is no remembrance of the wise man more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is, in the days to come shall be forgotten. And just as the wise man dies, so the fool. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated For the fool speaks from excess, because there is no remembrance of the wise with the fool for eternity, like days which already are coming and all are forgotten, and so the wise will die with the fool . OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will long ago have been forgotten. And how must the wise man die even as the fool! Brenton Septuagint Translation For there is no remembrance of the wise man with the fool for ever; forasmuch as now in the coming days all things are forgotten: and how shall the wise man die with the fool? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Wise and the Foolish…15So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. 16For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! 17So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.… Cross References Psalm 49:10 For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. Psalm 49:12 But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 49:20 A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 146:4 When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish. Job 14:21 If his sons receive honor, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he is unaware. Job 21:21 For what does he care about his household after him, when the number of his months has run out? Isaiah 14:22 “I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 26:14 The dead will not live; the departed spirits will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them; You have wiped out all memory of them. Daniel 12:2 And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. / When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” James 1:10-11 But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. James 4:14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 1 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, Treasury of Scripture For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dies the wise man? as the fool. there is Ecclesiastes 1:11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. Exodus 1:6,8 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation… Psalm 88:12 Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? how Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living? 2 Samuel 3:33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Psalm 49:10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Jump to Previous Ago Alike Already Death Die Dies Dieth Enduring Fool Forgotten Inasmuch Indeed Lasting Memory Remembered Remembrance WiseJump to Next Ago Alike Already Death Die Dies Dieth Enduring Fool Forgotten Inasmuch Indeed Lasting Memory Remembered Remembrance WiseEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool This phrase highlights the transient nature of human memory and legacy. In the context of ancient Israel, where oral tradition was a primary means of preserving history, the idea that both the wise and the foolish would be forgotten underscores the futility of human endeavors apart from God. The Bible often contrasts wisdom and folly, as seen in Proverbs, yet here both are subject to the same fate. This echoes the theme of vanity found throughout Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that earthly achievements and wisdom do not guarantee eternal remembrance. The New Testament reinforces this idea, as seen in James 4:14, which describes life as a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Wise Man Represents those who seek and apply wisdom in their lives, often associated with understanding and discernment. 3. Fool Represents those who live without wisdom, often characterized by ignorance and poor decision-making. 4. Death The inevitable event that equalizes all people, regardless of their wisdom or folly. 5. Memory The concept of being remembered or forgotten after death, which is a central theme in this verse. Teaching Points The Universality of DeathDeath is the great equalizer, affecting both the wise and the foolish. This reality should humble us and remind us of our mortality. The Futility of Earthly Pursuits Earthly wisdom and achievements, while valuable, do not grant eternal remembrance. Our focus should be on eternal values and God's kingdom. The Importance of Legacy While human memory fades, the impact of a life lived for God endures. We should strive to leave a spiritual legacy that honors God. Wisdom in Light of Eternity True wisdom considers eternal perspectives. We should seek wisdom that aligns with God's will and purposes. Living with Purpose Understanding the temporary nature of life should motivate us to live purposefully, making choices that reflect our faith and values.(16) It might be urged on behalf of the Solomonic authorship that Solomon himself might imagine that in the days to come he and his wisdom would be forgotten, but that such a thought does not become a long subsequent writer who had been induced by Solomon's reputation for wisdom to make him the hero of his work. It would seem to follow that the writer is here only giving the history of Solomon's reflections, and not his ultimate conclusions. Better to omit the note of interrogation after "wise man," and put a note of exclamation after "fool," the "how" being used as in Isaiah 14:4; Ezekiel 26:17.Verse 16. - For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool forever; Revised Version, more emphatically, for of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance forever. This, of course, is not absolutely true. There are men whose names are history, and will endure as long as the world lasts; but speaking generally, oblivion is the portion of all; posterity soon forgets the wisdom of one and the folly of another. Where the belief in the future life was not a strong and animating motive, posthumous fame exercised a potent attraction for many minds. To be the founder of a long line of descendants, -r to leave a record which should be fresh in the minds of future generations, these were objects of intense ambition, and valued as worthy of highest aspirations and best efforts. The words of classical poets will occur to our memory; e.g. Horace, 'Carm.,' 3:30. "Exegi monumentum aere perennius... "Ergo etiam, cum me supremus adederit ignis, Hebrew Forכִּי֩ (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction there is no אֵ֨ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle lasting לְעוֹלָ֑ם (lə·‘ō·w·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always remembrance זִכְר֧וֹן (ziḵ·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2146: Memorial, remembrance of the wise, לֶחָכָ֛ם (le·ḥā·ḵām) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise just as with עִֽם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the fool, הַכְּסִ֖יל (hak·kə·sîl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool seeing that בְּשֶׁכְּבָ֞ר (bə·šek·kə·ḇār) Preposition-b, Pronoun - relative | Adverb Strong's 3528: Extent of time, a great while, long ago, formerly, hitherto both הַכֹּ֣ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every will be forgotten נִשְׁכָּ֔ח (niš·kāḥ) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7911: To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention in the days הַיָּמִ֤ים (hay·yā·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day to come. הַבָּאִים֙ (hab·bā·’îm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go Alas, וְאֵ֛יךְ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 349: How?, how!, where the wise man הֶחָכָ֖ם (he·ḥā·ḵām) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise will die יָמ֥וּת (yā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill just like עִֽם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the fool! הַכְּסִֽיל׃ (hak·kə·sîl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool Links Ecclesiastes 2:16 NIVEcclesiastes 2:16 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:16 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:16 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:16 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:16 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:16 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:16 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:16 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:16 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:16 For of the wise man even as (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
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