Ecclesiastes 4:16 kjv
There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 4:16 nkjv
There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:16 niv
There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:16 esv
There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:16 nlt
Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless ? like chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Psa 62:9 | Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie... | Humanity's inherent vanity. |
| Psa 144:4 | Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. | Human existence is ephemeral. |
| Isa 40:6-8 | All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field... the word of our God will stand forever. | Transience of human glory vs. God's word. |
| Jas 1:10-11 | The rich man in his prosperity... will pass away like the flower of the grass. | Wealth and human glory fade. |
| 1 Pet 1:24 | For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. | Emphasizes the perishable nature of human glory. |
| 1 Jn 2:17 | The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. | Worldly desires and forms are temporary. |
| 1 Chr 29:15 | For we are sojourners before You and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. | Humanity's brief sojourn. |
| Job 14:2 | He comes forth like a flower and withers; he also flees like a shadow and does not continue. | Life's fleeting, shadowy nature. |
| Prov 27:24 | For riches are not forever; nor does a crown endure to all generations. | Riches and power are not permanent. |
| Phil 3:7-8 | But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ... I count them all rubbish so that I may gain Christ. | Earthly achievements are worthless compared to Christ. |
| Matt 6:19-21 | Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. | Earthly vs. heavenly treasures. |
| Matt 6:27 | Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? | Futility of striving for worldly things. |
| Psa 49:10-12 | For he sees that even wise men die; The fool and the senseless man alike perish, And leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is that their houses are forever... | Wise and foolish share the same end. |
| Luke 12:19-21 | And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry." But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your soul is required of you..." | Foolishness of earthly focus. |
| John 5:44 | How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? | Seeking human praise rather than God's. |
| Col 3:2 | Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. | Directs focus away from earthly futility. |
| Rom 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind... | Avoid conformity to worldly values. |
| 1 Cor 7:31 | ...and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away. | The transient nature of worldly forms. |
| Hab 2:13 | Is it not indeed from the LORD of hosts that peoples toil for fire, and nations wear themselves out for nothing? | Toiling for nothing in human efforts. |
| Jer 9:23-24 | Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom... but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me... | True boasting is in knowing God. |
Ecclesiastes 4 verses
Ecclesiastes 4 16 Meaning
Ecclesiastes 4:16 reflects the Preacher's (Qoheleth's) cynical observation regarding the fleeting nature of popularity and the inherent emptiness in worldly achievements, even great leadership. He notes that despite an individual attaining immense acclaim and countless followers in their lifetime, new generations inevitably emerge who hold no affection or esteem for that former leader. This cycle demonstrates that even widespread human admiration offers no lasting satisfaction, ultimately dissolving into meaninglessness and frustration, echoing the pervasive theme of vanity "under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 4 16 Context
Ecclesiastes chapter 4 broadly explores the meaninglessness found in various human endeavors and societal structures. The chapter opens by lamenting oppression (v. 1-3), followed by a discussion of the envy arising from diligent labor and the vanity of solitary toil (v. 4-12). Verses 13-16 then present a vivid parable or illustration concerning a wise but poor youth who succeeds a foolish and old king. This youthful leader gains immense popularity, becoming a monarch greatly celebrated by the multitude. However, verse 16 acts as the melancholic conclusion to this vignette, revealing that even this peak of human acclaim is fleeting. It underscores Qoheleth's pervasive worldview that nothing "under the sun"—no matter how successful or esteemed—offers lasting fulfillment or escapes the curse of vanity.
Ecclesiastes 4 16 Word analysis
- "There was no end" (
ʾên qēṣ):ʾên(not, there is not) andqēṣ(end, limit). Signifies an immense, seemingly limitless number of people. It's hyperbole emphasizing the overwhelming crowd. The ironic contrast is that this "no end" of people eventually does end, in terms of their devotion. - "of all the people": Refers to the vast populace, signifying universal popular appeal.
- "even of all that were before them": Implies both the current generation and those who previously followed or admired him, possibly including those who followed the previous king. It highlights the current generation's strong admiration.
- "and they also that come after" (
wəḡam-hāʾaḥarônîm):aḥarônîm(the latter ones, future generations). This term is crucial, denoting subsequent generations or rulers who arrive on the scene. It points to a generational shift. - "shall not rejoice in him" (
lōʾ yiśməḥû bô):lōʾ(not),śāmaḥ(to rejoice, be glad, delight),bô(in him). This phrase signifies a future lack of admiration, loyalty, or appreciation for the acclaimed leader. The very thing that made him glorious in one generation — widespread popular delight — disappears in the next. - "Surely this also is vanity" (
gam-zeh hebel):gam(also),zeh(this),hebel(breath, vapor, futility, emptiness, absurdity). This is Qoheleth's signature declaration, applied here to the pursuit and ultimate fate of human fame. It's not just popularity, but even this pinnacle of achievement, is ultimately empty. - "and vexation of spirit" (
reʿûṯ rûaḥ):reʿûṯ(striving after, shepherding/herding, vexation) andrûaḥ(wind, spirit). Often rendered as "striving after wind" or "chasing the wind," it implies futile, unrewarding effort that results in deep frustration and dissatisfaction. The aspiration for enduring human praise brings only disappointment.
Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:
- "There was no end of all the people, even of all that were before them": This phrase paints a picture of absolute, unparalleled popularity. The subject is enjoying the zenith of human adulation, almost appearing limitless in its scope and duration.
- "and they also that come after shall not rejoice in him": This forms a stark and sudden contrast to the preceding description. It shatters the illusion of lasting fame by introducing the inevitability of change and the forgetfulness of future generations. It underscores the impermanence of human honor.
- "Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit": This concluding refrain applies Qoheleth's central thesis directly to the entire scenario of the popular leader. It labels all the fleeting fame and striving for human acclaim as utterly meaningless and ultimately a source of frustration. It re-emphasizes the futility of seeking ultimate satisfaction in earthly accomplishments.
Ecclesiastes 4 16 Bonus section
The narrative of the young, wise king rising to power, only to eventually be forgotten, can be seen as an archetypal human story, perhaps even mirroring the trajectory of Solomon's own initial wisdom and later disillusionment despite his widespread fame. Qoheleth, often identified with Solomon, could be reflecting on the ultimate end of his own earthly glory. This verse also contains a subtle warning: even commendable qualities like wisdom and strong leadership (as seen in the "poor but wise youth") cannot transcend the reality of life's transience when the ultimate source of meaning is ignored. The "no end" of people gives way to the "no joy" of future generations, highlighting a pervasive theme in Ecclesiastes that all earthly achievements are subjected to time's eroding power. The lack of enduring memory is the final blow to earthly pursuits.
Ecclesiastes 4 16 Commentary
Ecclesiastes 4:16 powerfully illustrates one of Qoheleth's most profound and consistent observations: the transient nature of human acclaim and achievement. Even in the scenario of a wildly successful and universally admired leader, his reign, no matter how glorious, will eventually fade from memory and significance. The adulation of one generation does not guarantee the reverence of the next. This inevitable historical amnesia, where "they also that come after shall not rejoice in him," negates the perceived permanence of popularity and makes its pursuit nothing more than "vanity and vexation of spirit." It is a sharp critique of human ambition that focuses on "things under the sun," emphasizing that reliance on such temporary validations only leads to an empty striving for something that cannot be grasped. The Preacher urges a recognition that true, lasting satisfaction cannot be found in the changing tides of human opinion or achievement.