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The phrase “this too shall pass” is often used to describe the impermanence of life and the need for longanimity in the face of suffering. Many people simply assume that the phrase comes from Sacred Scripture, but in fact it appears nowhere in the Bible. So where does it come from?
At first glance, the phrase sounds like it could be an aphorism from the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who believed the world to be in a state of constant flux. “You can’t step into the same river twice,” he said. Despite the similarities, however, the phrase “this too shall pass” is not found in the writings of Heraclitus.
Instead, many etymologists suspect the phrase was invented by medieval Persian poets belonging to a mystical branch of Islam called Sufism. It is interesting to note, however, that Jewish folklore also contains stories suggesting that the phrase originated with King Solomon.
In terms of its English usage, the phrase has been a part of our language since at least the mid-1800s. In 1852, for example, the English poet Edward FitzGerald wrote a story called Solomon’s Seal, based on some Persian fables he had been reading. In his story, FitzGerald describes how King Solomon was asked to devise a phrase which would always hold true, in good times and bad. In response, the King supplied the adage, “This too will pass away.”
While the Bible never records this event taking place, the phrase does fit nicely with a famous set of verses from Ecclesiastes 3, which are traditionally attributed to King Solomon: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccles 3:1,4).
Biblical Parallels
Continued below.
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At first glance, the phrase sounds like it could be an aphorism from the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who believed the world to be in a state of constant flux. “You can’t step into the same river twice,” he said. Despite the similarities, however, the phrase “this too shall pass” is not found in the writings of Heraclitus.
Instead, many etymologists suspect the phrase was invented by medieval Persian poets belonging to a mystical branch of Islam called Sufism. It is interesting to note, however, that Jewish folklore also contains stories suggesting that the phrase originated with King Solomon.
In terms of its English usage, the phrase has been a part of our language since at least the mid-1800s. In 1852, for example, the English poet Edward FitzGerald wrote a story called Solomon’s Seal, based on some Persian fables he had been reading. In his story, FitzGerald describes how King Solomon was asked to devise a phrase which would always hold true, in good times and bad. In response, the King supplied the adage, “This too will pass away.”
While the Bible never records this event taking place, the phrase does fit nicely with a famous set of verses from Ecclesiastes 3, which are traditionally attributed to King Solomon: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccles 3:1,4).
Biblical Parallels
Continued below.
Is “This Too Shall Pass” in the Bible?
By Clement Harrold February 6, 2025 The phrase "this too shall pass" is often used to describe the impermanence of life and the need for longanimity in the face of suffering. Many people simply assume that the phrase comes from Sacred Scripture, but in fact it appears nowhere in the Bible. S
stpaulcenter.com
