Brief Answer

No, the phrase “This too shall pass” is not found in the Bible. While it is often attributed to Scripture, its origins are likely from ancient Middle Eastern wisdom literature. However, the Bible teaches principles that align with the sentiment, offering encouragement that seasons of suffering and hardship are temporary, and God’s presence provides hope and strength through them.

Understanding “This Too Shall Pass” from a Biblical Perspective

Although “This too shall pass” is not a direct biblical quote, the Bible does affirm that earthly trials and difficulties are temporary in light of God’s eternal plan. Scriptures emphasize perseverance, hope, and trusting in God’s sovereignty during times of hardship.

• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
• Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
• Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

These verses reflect the biblical truth that trials are temporary and point believers to trust God’s faithfulness through every season.

Historical Context of the Phrase

The origin of the phrase “This too shall pass” is often traced to Persian literature and folklore, not the Bible. A popular story involves a Persian king who sought wisdom that would apply in both joy and sorrow. His advisors presented the phrase, “This too shall pass,” reminding him of life’s transient nature. Over time, the phrase has been widely used in literature, speeches, and even Christian teaching, despite its extrabiblical roots.

While the phrase is not biblical, its sentiment resonates with biblical themes about the fleeting nature of life and the enduring hope found in God.

Practical Implications

For Christians, the idea behind “This too shall pass” can encourage reliance on God during difficult times:

• Trust in God’s Timing: Seasons of hardship have a purpose and an end. Trusting God’s timing brings peace (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
• Focus on Eternity: Temporal struggles are put into perspective when viewed through the lens of eternal life with Christ (Romans 8:18).
• Find Strength in Scripture: Bible verses like Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all this through him who gives me strength”) remind us to rely on God’s power.

Theological Depth and Insight

Theologically, the Bible teaches that all of life, including its trials, falls under God’s sovereign control. Hardships are temporary and are used by God for the sanctification of believers:

• God’s Purpose in Suffering: Trials refine faith, producing perseverance and maturity (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5).
• Hope in Christ: Jesus Himself endured suffering and overcame it, providing hope for believers to do the same (John 16:33).
• God’s Eternal Perspective: While life on earth is fleeting, God offers eternal security and unchanging promises (Psalm 90:12).

Broader Biblical Themes

The Bible often contrasts the temporary nature of human experience with the eternal nature of God’s promises:

• Seasons of Life: Ecclesiastes 3 illustrates that life is full of changing seasons, yet God remains constant.
• God’s Faithfulness: Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
• Eternal Hope: Revelation 21:4 promises a future where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit provides comfort and strength during trials, assuring believers of God’s presence and promises:

• Comforter in Trials: Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Comforter who brings peace and guidance (John 14:26-27).
• Empowerment for Perseverance: Through the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to endure and remain steadfast (Galatians 5:22-23).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

The phrase “This too shall pass” offers a reminder of life’s impermanence, but the Bible provides a deeper hope. For Christians:

• Trials are temporary, but God’s love is eternal (Romans 8:38-39).
• Faith in God’s sovereignty brings peace, even in uncertainty (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• The ultimate hope lies not in life’s circumstances changing but in God’s unchanging character.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus Christ exemplifies enduring through temporary trials for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). His death and resurrection demonstrate that even the greatest suffering is temporary in light of God’s redemptive plan. In Christ, believers find the ultimate assurance that every trial has an end and that God’s love and salvation endure forever.

Bible Characters

• Job: Job endured unimaginable suffering yet trusted in God’s sovereignty, declaring, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21).
• Joseph: Despite years of hardship and injustice, Joseph trusted God’s plan, later saying to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
• Paul: The Apostle Paul faced persecution, imprisonment, and hardship, yet proclaimed, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does understanding the temporary nature of trials encourage you to trust in God during difficult times?
2. What Bible verses remind you of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in seasons of hardship?
3. How can the examples of Job, Joseph, or Paul inspire your response to life’s challenges?

While the phrase “This too shall pass” is not found in the Bible, its sentiment aligns with biblical truths about the impermanence of earthly struggles and the enduring hope found in God’s love and promises. Let it be a reminder to fix your eyes on Christ and trust in His faithfulness.