What does it mean that there is nothing new under the sun?

Response

Ecclesiastes 1:9 serves as the source of a well-known proverb, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” The verse states: “What has been will be again, / what has been done will be done again; / there is nothing new under the sun.” In contemporary language, “there’s nothing new under the sun” is commonly used to express a sense of weariness towards life’s repetitiveness. Solomon, when writing this statement, aimed to highlight the cyclical nature of human existence on earth and the futility of living solely for the “rat race.”

The expression “under the sun” appears 29 times in Ecclesiastes and nowhere else in the Scriptures. In Ecclesiastes, it conveys the idea that events occurring “under the sun” in a life devoid of God are universal—the perspective presented in Ecclesiastes is grounded in earthly matters.

Stating that there is nothing new under the sun implies that there are no truly novel occurrences on earth. All of a person’s endeavors throughout their life are insignificant in the broader scope of things and will soon be forgotten. “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.”, (Ecclesiastes 1:11).

This assertion does not discount inventions or technological advancements; rather, these progressions do not bring about any fundamental change in the world. In Solomon’s era, society witnessed numerous advancements, yet, from a broader life perspective, human nature has remained constant and will continue to do so.

The context of Ecclesiastes 1 delves into the functioning of the earth. The sun (verse 5), wind (verse 6), and water (verse 7) continue to operate as they always have. Despite human endeavors (verse 2), the world remains unaltered. The writer’s frustration stems from the fact that “no one remembers the former generat

Actions, and even those yet to come, will not be remembered by those who follow them” (verse 11). People tend to forget the past, repeating its mistakes as a result.

Does the fact that there is nothing new under the sun mean that people should not try to improve themselves, the lives of others, or the world around them? The entire book of Ecclesiastes should be read before jumping to any conclusion. In the end, Solomon writes this: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

In other words, life involves more than what happens “under the sun.” Living for God and His glory is the goal of life. Those who do not seek this goal will be judged. Even our good deeds that have gone unnoticed in this life are seen by God and will be rewarded in the future. This knowledge should result in a life lived for God, with a deep love for others and a desire to make a difference.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” The Great Commission also gives a specific mission for the Christian life: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The Christian life is not meaningless. There may be nothing new under the sun, but Jesus promises, someday, to make all things new «And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. », (Revelation 21:5).