Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 8:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done. This also is vanity.
Compare translations
And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.
What Ecclesiastes 8:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the writer reflects on the fate of the wicked. He observes that even those who have lived unrighteously and have been buried are soon forgotten by the people around them. They may have once occupied sacred spaces, but their actions lead to a legacy of emptiness. The city, where they once thrived, no longer remembers them. This observation highlights the fleeting nature of life and the ultimate futility of pursuing wickedness. The writer concludes that this situation is also meaningless, emphasizing the idea that earthly achievements and notoriety do not last. In the end, what truly matters is how we live our lives and the impact we leave behind. The pursuit of righteousness and meaningful living stands in stark contrast to the vanity of a life lived in wickedness, which fades away without a trace. This serves as a reminder to focus on what truly matters in life, rather than chasing after temporary gains or recognition that will ultimately be forgotten.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 8:10 to your life
Consider how you want to be remembered after you are gone. Focus on living a life that positively impacts others and leaves a lasting legacy. Reflect on your actions and choices, ensuring they align with values that matter. Pursue meaningful relationships and contributions rather than fleeting recognition or success. Embrace a life of purpose and integrity instead of vanity and emptiness.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ecclesiastes 8:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ecclesiastes 8:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ecclesiastes
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 8:10 mean?
Ecclesiastes 8:10 reflects on the fate of the wicked, noting that even those who have lived unrighteously are soon forgotten after death. It emphasizes the emptiness of their legacy and the fleeting nature of life, suggesting that pursuing wickedness ultimately leads to a meaningless existence.
What is the meaning of vanity in Ecclesiastes 8:10?
In Ecclesiastes 8:10, vanity refers to the futility and emptiness of life when lived in wickedness. The verse highlights that earthly achievements and notoriety do not last, and those who pursue a life of wickedness will be forgotten, making their efforts ultimately meaningless.
How does Ecclesiastes 8:10 relate to legacy?
Ecclesiastes 8:10 illustrates that a life of wickedness results in a forgotten legacy. It encourages readers to consider how they want to be remembered and to focus on living in a way that positively impacts others, rather than seeking temporary recognition.
What themes are present in Ecclesiastes 8:10?
Key themes in Ecclesiastes 8:10 include wickedness, vanity, legacy, and the fleeting nature of life. The verse contrasts the emptiness of a wicked life with the importance of righteousness and meaningful living.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.