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Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/21_Ecc_02_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 2:16 - The Wise and the Foolish" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:15">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:16 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New International Version</a> For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die! <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a> For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool! <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, along with the fool, since in the coming days everything will soon be forgotten. And how the wise and the fool alike die! <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For there is no remembrance of the wise man along with the fool forever, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man dies with the fool! <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For there is no [more] lasting remembrance of the wise man than of the fool, since in the days to come all will be long forgotten. And how does the wise man die? Even as the fool! <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies just like the fool? <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise man dies just like the fool? <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. And how doth the wise man die even as the fool! <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Wise or foolish, we all die and are soon forgotten." <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will have been already forgotten. And how doth the wise man die even as the fool! <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Neither the wise person nor the fool will be remembered for long, since both will be forgotten in the days to come. Both the wise person and the fool will die. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> No one remembers the wise, and no one remembers fools. In days to come, we will all be forgotten. We must all die--wise and foolish alike. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> For neither the wise nor the fool will be long remembered, since in days to come everything will be forgotten. The wise man dies the same way as the fool, does he not? <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long, because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten. Alas, the wise man dies--just like the fool! <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory forever, since in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool! <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> That there is no remembrance to the wise—with the fool—for all time, for that which [is] already, [in] the days that are coming is all forgotten, and how dies the wise? With the fool! <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> That there is no remembrance to the wise -- with the fool -- to the age, for that which is already, in the days that are coming is all forgotten, and how dieth the wise? with the fool! <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For no remembrance for the wise with the foolish one forever, since in the days coming, all being forgotten. And how will the wise die? with the foolish one.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For there shall be no remembrance of the wise no more than of the fool for ever, and the times to come shall cover all things together with oblivion: the learned dieth in like manner as the unlearned. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For there will not be a remembrance in perpetuity of the wise, nor of the foolish. And the future times will cover everything together, with oblivion. The learned die in a manner similar to the unlearned. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a> The wise person will have no more abiding remembrance than the fool; for in days to come both will have been forgotten. How is it that the wise person dies like the fool! <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For there is no enduring remembrance of the wise or of fools, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How can the wise die just like fools?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The fool speaks superficially, but there is no remembrance of the wise man more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is, in the days to come shall be forgotten. And just as the wise man dies, so the fool. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> For the fool speaks from excess, because there is no remembrance of the wise with the fool for eternity, like days which already are coming and all are forgotten, and so the wise will die with the fool .<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance for ever; seeing that in the days to come all will long ago have been forgotten. And how must the wise man die even as the fool! <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For there is no remembrance of the wise man with the fool for ever; forasmuch as now in the coming days all things are forgotten: and how shall the wise man die with the fool? <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=326" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a> …15So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. 16<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: lə·‘ō·w·lām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">lasting</a> <a href="/hebrew/2146.htm" title="2146: ziḵ·rō·wn (N-msc) -- Memorial, remembrance. From zakar; a memento.">remembrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: le·ḥā·ḵām (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">just as with</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: hak·kə·sîl (Art:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">the fool,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3528.htm" title="3528: bə·šek·kə·ḇār (Prep-b, Pro-r:: Adv) -- Already. From kabar; properly, extent of time, i.e. A great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto.">seeing that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: hak·kōl (Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">both</a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: niš·kāḥ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">will be forgotten</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yā·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">in the days</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hab·bā·’îm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">to come.</a> <a href="/hebrew/349.htm" title="349: wə·’êḵ (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- How?. Also eykah; and teykakah; prolonged from 'ay; how? Or how!; also where.">Alas,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: he·ḥā·ḵām (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">the wise man</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">will die</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">just like</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: hak·kə·sîl (Art:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">the fool!</a> 17So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10</a> For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. <a href="/psalms/49-12.htm">Psalm 49:12</a> But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. <a href="/psalms/49-20.htm">Psalm 49:20</a> A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. <a href="/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4</a> When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish. <a href="/job/14-21.htm">Job 14:21</a> If his sons receive honor, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he is unaware. <a href="/job/21-21.htm">Job 21:21</a> For what does he care about his household after him, when the number of his months has run out? <a href="/isaiah/14-22.htm">Isaiah 14:22</a> “I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/26-14.htm">Isaiah 26:14</a> The dead will not live; the departed spirits will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them; You have wiped out all memory of them. <a href="/daniel/12-2.htm">Daniel 12:2</a> And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-21.htm">1 Corinthians 15:21-22</a> For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">1 Corinthians 15:42-44</a> So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-53.htm">1 Corinthians 15:53-54</a> For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. / When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” <a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10-11</a> But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a> You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a> For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dies the wise man? as the fool.there is<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:11</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/1-6.htm">Exodus 1:6,8</a> And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation… <a href="/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12</a> Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?how<a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:8</a> For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?<a href="/2_samuel/3-33.htm">2 Samuel 3:33</a> And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?<a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10</a> For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-15.htm">Alike</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Already</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">Die</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Enduring</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Forgotten</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-2.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Lasting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-11.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-11.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-11.htm">Remembrance</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Alike</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Already</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Die</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-15.htm">Enduring</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm">Forgotten</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-5.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-13.htm">Lasting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Remembrance</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a> 12. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a> 18. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a> 24. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool This phrase highlights the transient nature of human memory and legacy. In the context of ancient Israel, where oral tradition was a primary means of preserving history, the idea that both the wise and the foolish would be forgotten underscores the futility of human endeavors apart from God. The Bible often contrasts wisdom and folly, as seen in Proverbs, yet here both are subject to the same fate. This echoes the theme of vanity found throughout Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that earthly achievements and wisdom do not guarantee eternal remembrance. The New Testament reinforces this idea, as seen in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which describes life as a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes.seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come This part of the verse reflects the inevitability of being forgotten over time, a common theme in wisdom literature. Historically, even great kings and scholars of the ancient Near East, despite their accomplishments, often faded into obscurity. This serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and the fleeting nature of worldly success. The phrase also points to the ultimate leveling effect of death, which does not discriminate between the wise and the foolish. In a broader biblical context, this can be contrasted with the eternal remembrance promised to those who are in Christ, as seen in <a href="/revelation/3-5.htm">Revelation 3:5</a>, where believers' names are written in the Book of Life.Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! This conclusion underscores the inevitability of death for all, regardless of one's wisdom or folly. In the cultural context of the ancient world, where wisdom was highly valued and often associated with divine favor, this statement is particularly striking. It challenges the assumption that wisdom alone can secure a meaningful or lasting legacy. The universality of death is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding readers of the need for a perspective that transcends earthly life. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who conquers death and offers eternal life, as seen in <a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a>, where Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. <a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man</a> Represents those who seek and apply wisdom in their lives, often associated with understanding and discernment. 3. <a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a> Represents those who live without wisdom, often characterized by ignorance and poor decision-making. 4. <a href="/topical/d/death.htm">Death</a> The inevitable event that equalizes all people, regardless of their wisdom or folly. 5. <a href="/topical/m/memory.htm">Memory</a> The concept of being remembered or forgotten after death, which is a central theme in this verse.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_death.htm">The Universality of Death</a> Death is the great equalizer, affecting both the wise and the foolish. This reality should humble us and remind us of our mortality. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_earthly_pursuits.htm">The Futility of Earthly Pursuits</a> Earthly wisdom and achievements, while valuable, do not grant eternal remembrance. Our focus should be on eternal values and God's kingdom. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_legacy.htm">The Importance of Legacy</a> While human memory fades, the impact of a life lived for God endures. We should strive to leave a spiritual legacy that honors God. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_light_of_eternity.htm">Wisdom in Light of Eternity</a> True wisdom considers eternal perspectives. We should seek wisdom that aligns with God's will and purposes. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a> Understanding the temporary nature of life should motivate us to live purposefully, making choices that reflect our faith and values.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2</a> <a href="/q/what's_ecclesiastes'_main_theme.htm">What is the main theme of Ecclesiastes?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_'all_is_vanity'.htm">What is the meaning of "All Is Vanity"?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'give_thanks'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of 'All Is Vanity'?</a> <a href="/q/is_wisdom_futile_in_ecclesiastes_2_15-16.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) It might be urged on behalf of the Solomonic authorship that Solomon himself might imagine that in the days to come he and his wisdom would be forgotten, but that such a thought does not become a long subsequent writer who had been induced by Solomon's reputation for wisdom to make him the hero of his work. It would seem to follow that the writer is here only giving the history of Solomon's reflections, and not his ultimate conclusions. Better to omit the note of interrogation after "wise man," and put a note of exclamation after "fool," the "how" being used as in <a href="/isaiah/14-4.htm" title="That you shall take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How has the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!">Isaiah 14:4</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/26-17.htm" title="And they shall take up a lamentation for you, and say to you, How are you destroyed, that were inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which were strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it!">Ezekiel 26:17</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool forever; Revised Version, more emphatically, for of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no remembrance forever. This, of course, is not absolutely true. There are men whose names are history, and will endure as long as the world lasts; but speaking generally, oblivion is the portion of all; posterity soon forgets the wisdom of one and the folly of another. Where the belief in the future life was not a strong and animating motive, posthumous fame exercised a potent attraction for many minds. To be the founder of a long line of descendants, -r to leave a record which should be fresh in the minds of future generations, these were objects of intense ambition, and valued as worthy of highest aspirations and best efforts. The words of classical poets will occur to our memory; e.g. Horace, 'Carm.,' 3:30. "Exegi monumentum aere perennius... Non omnis metier, multaque pars mei Vitabit Libitinam." Ovid, 'Amor.,' 1:15. 4 - "Ergo etiam, cum me supremus adederit ignis, Vivam, parsquc mei multa supersteserit." But Koheleth shows the vanity of all such hopes; they are based on sounds which experience proves to be unsubstantial. Though Solomon's own fame gives the lie to the statement received without limitation (comp. Wisd. 8:13), yet his reflections might well have taken this turn, and the writer is quite justified in putting the thought into his mouth, as the king could not know how subsequent ages would regard his wisdom and attainments. Seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. The clause has been variously translated. Septuagint, "Forasmuch as the coming days, even all the things, are forgotten;" Vulgate, "And future times shall cover all things equally with oblivion." Modern editors give, "Since in the days that are to come they are all forgotten;" "As in time past, so in days to come, all will be forgotten.... In the days which are coming [it will be said by-and-by], The whole of them are long ago forgotten.'" This is a specimen of the uncertainty of exact interpretation, where the intended meaning is well ascertained. "All" (הכל) may refer either to wise and foolish, or to the circumstances of their lives. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. Better taken as one sentence, with an exclamation, How doth the wise man die with (even as) the fool I (For "with" (ira), equivalent to "as," comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:11</a>; <a href="/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26</a>; <a href="/psalms/106-6.htm">Psalm 106:6</a>.) "How" (אֵידּ) is sarcastic, as <a href="/isaiah/14-4.htm">Isaiah 14:4</a>, or sorrowful, as <a href="/2_samuel/1-19.htm">2 Samuel 1:19</a>. The same complaint falls from a psalmist's lips, "He seeth that wise men die; the fool and the brutish together perish" (<a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10</a>). So David laments the death of the murdered leader, "Should Abner die as a fool dieth?" (<a href="/2_samuel/3-33.htm">2 Samuel 3:33</a>). Plumptre considers that the author of the Book of Wisdom expands this view with the design of exposing its fallacy, and introducing a better hope (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:1-9</a>). But that writer would not have designated Solomon's sentiments as those of "the ungodly" (ἀσεβεῖς), nor foisted these utterances of sensualists and materialists upon so honored a source. At the same time, it is only as being victims, nil miserantis Opel, the prey of the pitiless and indiscriminating grave, that the wise and foolish are placed in the same category. There is the widest difference between the death-beds of the two, as the experience of any one who has watched them will testify, the one happy with the consciousness of duty done honestly, however imperfectly, and bright with the hope of immortality; the other darkened by vain regrets and shrinking despair, or listless in brutish insensibility. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּי֩ (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction there is no אֵ֨ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle lasting לְעוֹלָ֑ם (lə·‘ō·w·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always remembrance זִכְר֧וֹן (ziḵ·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2146.htm">Strong's 2146: </a> Memorial, remembrance of the wise, לֶחָכָ֛ם (le·ḥā·ḵām) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> Wise just as with עִֽם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with the fool, הַכְּסִ֖יל (hak·kə·sîl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> Stupid fellow, dullard, fool seeing that בְּשֶׁכְּבָ֞ר (bə·šek·kə·ḇār) Preposition-b, Pronoun - relative | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3528.htm">Strong's 3528: </a> Extent of time, a great while, long ago, formerly, hitherto both הַכֹּ֣ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every will be forgotten נִשְׁכָּ֔ח (niš·kāḥ) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention in the days הַיָּמִ֤ים (hay·yā·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day to come. הַבָּאִים֙ (hab·bā·’îm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go Alas, וְאֵ֛יךְ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_349.htm">Strong's 349: </a> How?, how!, where the wise man הֶחָכָ֖ם (he·ḥā·ḵām) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> Wise will die יָמ֥וּת (yā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill just like עִֽם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with the fool! הַכְּסִֽיל׃ (hak·kə·sîl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> Stupid fellow, dullard, fool <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:16 For of the wise man even as (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>