Ecclesiastes 3:15 bbe — Whatever is has been before, and what is to be is now; because God makes search for the things which are past.

Bible in Basic English

"Whatever is has been before, and what is to be is now; because God makes search for the things which are past."

— Ecclesiastes 3:15, Bible in Basic English

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 3:15 in Other Translations

1 version All translations

Ecclesiastes 3 — Context

12

I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to be glad, and to do good while life is in him.

13

And for every man to take food and drink, and have joy in all his work, is a reward from God.

14

I am certain that whatever God does will be for ever. No addition may be made to it, nothing may be taken from it; and God has done it so that man may be in fear before him.

15

Whatever is has been before, and what is to be is now; because God makes search for the things which are past.

16

And again, I saw under the sun, in the place of the judges, that evil was there; and in the place of righteousness, that evil was there.

17

I said in my heart, God will be judge of the good and of the bad; because a time for every purpose and for every work has been fixed by him.

18

I said in my heart, It is because of the sons of men, so that God may put them to the test and that they may see themselves as beasts.

Ecclesiastes 3:15 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 3:15 say?
Ecclesiastes 3:15 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “Whatever is has been before, and what is to be is now; because God makes search for the things which are past.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 3:15 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 3:15 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verse 15.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 3:15.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 3:15 in?
Ecclesiastes 3:15 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 3:15?
Ecclesiastes 3:15 reads (BBE): “Whatever is has been before, and what is to be is now; because God makes search for the things which are past.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2