Ecclesiastes 12 1

Ecclesiastes 12:1 kjv

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Ecclesiastes 12:1 nkjv

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":

Ecclesiastes 12:1 niv

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"?

Ecclesiastes 12:1 esv

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";

Ecclesiastes 12:1 nlt

Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore."

Ecclesiastes 12 verses

Ecclesiastes 12 1 Meaning

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days arrive and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them."

Ecclesiastes 12 1 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 12 serves as the concluding chapter of the book. This verse marks a pivotal point in Qoheleth's (the author's) discourse. Having explored the vanities and existential struggles of life under the sun, he shifts towards a final exhortation. The preceding verses in chapter 11 advised on diligence and enjoying life's pleasures while one is young and capable, acknowledging that death and judgment are inevitable. Chapter 12 continues this theme by emphasizing the urgency of remembering God before the infirmities of old age and the finality of death arrive. The historical and cultural context involves a Hebrew audience familiar with wisdom literature that often juxtaposed the benefits of serving God with the consequences of straying. There's no direct polemic here, but the counsel stands in contrast to any belief system that neglects a Creator or disregards the future accountability.

Ecclesiastes 12 1 Word Analysis

• "Remember" (זָכֹר - zakhor): A strong imperative in Hebrew, meaning to recall, keep in mind, and more importantly, to be mindful of and actively acknowledge. It's not just passive recollection but an active engagement.

• "your Creator" (אֶת־בּוֹרְאֶךָ - et-bore'ekha): "Et" is a direct object marker. "Bore'ekha" comes from the root "bara" (בָּרָא), meaning to create, to bring into existence something that did not exist before. It signifies the absolute power of God as the origin of all things. This is God's primary identifying attribute in relation to humanity as their maker.

• "in the days" (בִּימֵי - biyemey): "Biyemey" means "in the days of."

• "of your youth" (בְּצַלְמָוֶת הַנְּעוּרִים — b'tsalmavet ha-ne'urim): This phrase is key. "Ha-ne'urim" means youth, the period of vigor and strength. The inclusion of "b'tsalmavet" (בְּצַלְמָוֶת), literally "in the shadow of death" or "in the shadow of the well," is highly interpretative. It suggests that youth, while vibrant, is a period of vulnerability or that even in the most robust stage, the shadow of death is present, urging remembrance. Some scholars connect "tsalmavet" more directly to a life not lived with the Creator.

• Grouped Words Analysis:

  • "Remember your Creator": This imperative links the active remembrance of God with His role as the ultimate Maker and sustainer. It's a call to acknowledge God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him, especially when life's vigor is at its peak.
  • "in the days of your youth": This specifies the opportune time for this remembrance. Youth is often characterized by energy, hope, and less burden, making it an ideal season to establish a deep relationship with God before life's complexities and declining strength emerge.
  • "before the difficult days arrive": This introduces the contrasting reality of aging and its associated struggles, providing a powerful motivation for acting now.

Ecclesiastes 12 1 Bonus Section

The Hebrew word "bara" (בָּרָא) used for "Creator" is significant because it's exclusively used for God's creative acts in the Old Testament. It speaks of an absolute, ex nihilo creation, highlighting God's unique power. The phrase "difficult days" (יָמִים רָעִים — yamim ra'im) can encompass not only physical decline but also a spiritual weakening or loss of joy in life's experiences, often due to neglecting the Creator earlier. The entire book of Ecclesiastes leads up to this climactic exhortation, framing all the earlier discussions on vanity and futility as a prelude to understanding the enduring value of a life lived with God.

Ecclesiastes 12 1 Commentary

This verse is a crucial call to intentional discipleship from the very beginning of life. It argues that the best time to fully engage with and remember God is during youth. This is because youth is the season of maximum vitality and potential, a time when one can invest deeply in a relationship with their Creator before the inevitable physical, mental, and emotional challenges of old age set in. These "difficult days" are characterized by declining strength and increasing dependency, making it harder to fully engage with God in the same robust manner. Therefore, the verse is not just a reminder of God's existence but a compelling directive to build a strong, foundational relationship with Him while one has the energy and opportunity. It emphasizes that remembering God is a proactive choice that should precede the limitations that age and trials will bring.