Ecclesiastes 3:15 Meaning
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
Context Explained
13And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
15That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Isaiah 46:10
Both verses affirm God's sovereignty over time and events.
Romans 8:28
Both verses suggest that God works through history for good.
Hebrews 13:8
God's unchanging nature is reflected in the continuity of history.
Source: Ecclesiastes 3:15