Ecclesiastes 3:15 web — That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed aw…

World English Bible

"That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away."

— Ecclesiastes 3:15, World English Bible

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Ecclesiastes 3:15 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 3 — Context

12

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.

13

Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

14

I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.

15

That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.

16

Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

17

I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."

18

I said in my heart, "As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals.

Ecclesiastes 3:15 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 3:15 say?
Ecclesiastes 3:15 in the World English Bible reads: “That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.”
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 (WEB): “That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.” 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.
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