Understanding Ecclesiastes 1:9 in Everyday Life
Have you ever heard the phrase, “There is nothing new under the sun”? It’s from the ancient biblical book Ecclesiastes. The phrase sums up a pretty honest observation about life: things repeat themselves. This happens no matter how much we think the world is changing.
Let’s break down what this really means in plain language:
· Cyclical Time: Life moves in cycles. The seasons change. People are born, grow up, and pass away. The same challenges and joys seem to come around again. History isn’t just a straight line—it’s more like a loop.
· Repetition: Big events often remind us of past occurrences. The ups and downs people go through also seem familiar. Even new inventions remind us of something that’s happened before. Sometimes, it feels like we’re just reliving the same stories with new players.
· Vanity: The writer of Ecclesiastes noticed that chasing after things like money, fame, or success doesn’t really satisfy us. The satisfaction is short-lived. These pursuits feel empty because they’re not truly new—they’re just repeats of what others have done before.
· Timelessness of Experience: Sure, the details change. Maybe technology is different or people dress oddly compared to past generations. But deep down, the way people feel and act is pretty much the same as it’s always been.
· Context in Ecclesiastes: The author is traditionally thought to be Solomon. He takes a hard look at everything. He feels tired by it all. He sees that most things lack lasting meaning or freshness. This sets up the book’s final point. If you want true purpose in life, it’s not going to come from chasing what’s trendy. It also won’t come from what’s new. Meaning comes from something deeper, like faith or a relationship with God.
So next time you see history repeating itself, or feel like life’s just a rerun, remember this. You’re not alone. People have been wrestling with these same thoughts for thousands of years. Maybe the real “newness” we’re looking for isn’t out there in the world. It is in how we connect with something greater than ourselves.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 