Last week, we looked at Ecclesiastes 3:1–10. We learned how God makes everything beautiful in His time, especially when facing difficult, unexpected circumstances. This week, we are going to look at verses 11–15. Verse 15 is considered one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to interpret. Join me as we dive into this masterpiece of theology and learn why verse 15 is so relevant for our day:
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world (eternity) in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away” (Eccles. 3:11–15, KJV).
I believe verse 15 is the key to understanding this difficult portion of Scripture: “God seeks what has been driven away” or "God requires that which is past."
While Bible commentators often view Ecclesiastes 3:15 through the lens of God’s unchanging sovereignty throughout time, it makes sense to interpret this verse in the context of verses 12 through 14. Like any story, what is said before must be considered in order to understand what is stated afterward.
Verses 12–14 emphasize that God has given us work as a gift. With this gift, we are to do good all the days of our lives and enjoy our accomplishments:
“I know that there is no good in them (there is nothing better), but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I 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” (Eccles. 3:12–14, KJV, italics mine).
Thus far, this story makes perfect sense. In the beginning of the chapter, we learn that God has orchestrated a time for everything—“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose (pleasure) under the heaven.” Verses 1–11 teach us that there is a time for everything—even unexpected, undesirable events; all of which are under the sovereign plan and oversight of an all-wise and loving God. When faced with these unexpected and undesirable circumstances, we are to trust that God makes everything beautiful in His time.
In verses 12–14 of Ecclesiastes 3, we learn that since we can’t control the circumstances in our lives, we are to do good and enjoy our work—it is a gift of God.
Now for the difficult verse 15. Below are several translations:
That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away. (ESV)
That which is has already been, And what is to be, has already been; And God requires an account of what is past. (NKJV)
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. (KJV)
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. (NIV)
Though I am not a fan of the NIV or the NKJV, I believe these translations give clarity to the intended meaning, especially considering the context of verses 11–14. Since God has given mankind the gift of work, we will be held accountable for the opportunities to do good, enjoy our food, be productive, rejoice, take pleasure, and fear God.
“God requires an account of what is past.” Because of that requirement, we are to take responsibility for the gifts He has given with the utmost seriousness and faithfulness. For me, when I understood that eating, drinking, and laboring were gifts from God, there was a radical transformation in the way I lived life.
Many opportunities vanish through the hourglass of time, but they are never forgotten by God. Thankfully, neither is the productive and faithful use of our time ever forgotten! The author of the book of Hebrews writes:
"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb 6:10-12).
We are stewards of His gifts, and He will hold us responsible when we are called to give an account of our stewardship—“God requires an account of what is past” (NKJV). Thankfully, He will also not “forget your work and labor of love”!
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
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