This Too Shall Pass: The Anthem That Always Works
By Shahnawaz Alam
20 February, 2023
Lifestyle
Last Updated on: December 8th, 2023
This too shall pass.
No matter what you are going through, it will pass…soon.
The process of staying alive is more than the daily hassle that tires us to our cores and tears us down.
That is why it is often hard to put up a fight. But, when you are pinned down to the wall or falling flat on the ground, life comes with another heavy blow. It is hard to keep up the courage and comfort of your soul on such occasions.
But, this too shall pass. It will eventually end, and you will see a better day. Such is the power in the phrase – this too shall pass. Why is this phrase so popular and relatable? Let’s take a deep dive and learn about it.
This Too Shall Pass: The Origin And The History Behind
Who Said This Too Shall Pass? Or why is it so famous? Here are a few questions answered about this topic.
King Solomon’ Story
The origin of this phrase dates back to king Solomon’s reign. Rabbi Lisa Rubin states that King Solomon once was trying to help one of his wisest servants. Solomon asked an impossible task of him.
He asked the servant to bring a ring that would make a sad man happy when he wore it. The same ring, once worn by a happy man, should turn him into a sad man. According to the story, the servant could not find anything of such potential. So, king Solomon decided to go to the jeweler and make a ring with the Hebrew inscription “Gam ze ya’avor,” written on it. The meaning of this inscription was ‘this too shall pass.’
Abraham Lincoln’s Speech
Although the phrase dates back to king Solomon’s time, it was made famous by none other than the great leader Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s speech made this phrase more popular when he said –
It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: “And this, too, shall pass away”
In Bible & Scriptures
While many associates this phrase with the bible, it does not seem to have any exact use of this phrase in the bible. However, similar sentences are visible in the bible and in other scriptures. Here are some examples –
Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth”
– Documentary 28: 1?
“But it shall come to pass if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God”
– Documentary 28: 15 ?
“It shall come to pass, That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear”
– Isaiah 65: 24
This Too Shall Pass: The Anthem Of Healing
Life is not easy. We go about our lives with the belief that life is hard. But, often, we come across terrible experiences and days when the pain of being alive is unimaginable. We feel as if there is nothing positive in life that could keep us sane and away from ending ourselves. But we need to remember that this, too, shall pass.
You Are Tougher Than You Think
Nothing lasts forever – not even your troubles.”
– Arnold H. Glasow
Whether it is a bad day at work, a bad phase in your romantic or other relationships or you are mourning someone’s loss, you are capable of handling it. No matter how hard it seems, this too shall pass.
If you look down memory lane, you will find moments that were far darker and more hopeless than the ones you are facing now. Like those moments, this moment too shall pass. Because nothing lasts forever.
A Failure Is Where A New Trial Begins
When the morning comes, let it go, this too shall pass.”
– OK Go
Failing once does not mean the end of the world. Maybe you failed at something now, you can give it another try as well. Even if it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we never know which way our lives will take us. One failure might prepare you for a different quest in life than the one you ever imagined of.
Life Is Full Of Ups And Downs
Whether we withstand life’s blow or not depends on how much we can accept something. Life is full of ups and downs, and it is best for us to accept it as soon as we can. If you don’t believe me, try making a fist and look at the knuckles.
You will see many peaks and valleys there. Being in the position you are in right now means that you are in the valley or the lows of life. This too shall pass, and you know it.
3 Origins Of This Too Shall Pass
This too shall pass is known as the adage. This expresses the impermanence of both joy and hardship. Below, I will discuss the three origins of This Too Shall Pass.
1) Jewish Folklore
“This too shall pass” doesn’t originate in ancient Jewish scripture. This Jewish folklore first appeared in Jewish literature in the nineteenth century. The phrase was first accredited to King Solomon.
King Solomon later wished to be humble as one of his ministers, Benaiah, requested that Benaiah bring him the ring. His magic powers can make a happy man. Also, it can make a sad man.
2) Abraham Lincoln
More mention of the phrase needs to be from the 13th century to the 17th century. Then, it suddenly started appearing in American periodicals around 839 BC. Abraham Lincoln picked this up and recounted the story.
3) Persian Folklore
Persian folklore recounted the fable of the king who asked the group of wise men. This will make him happy when he is sad and happy. The wise men debate amongst themselves and then say, “This too shall pass.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
No matter what you are going through in life, it will come to pass. Here are some questions and their answers on the topic we have discussed in this article.
3 Origins Of This Too Shall Pass
This too shall pass is known as the adage. This expresses the impermanence of both joy and hardship. Below, I will discuss the three origins of This too shall pass.
1) Jewish Folklore
“This too shall pass” doesn’t originate in ancient Jewish scripture. This Jewish folklore first appeared in Jewish literature in the nineteenth century. The phrase was first accredited to King Solomon.
King Solomon later wished to be humble as one of his ministers, Benaiah, requested that Benaiah bring him the ring. His magic powers can make a happy man. Also, it can make a sad man.
2) Abraham Lincoln
More mention of the phrase needs to be from the 13th century to the 17th century. Then, it suddenly started appearing in American periodicals around 839 BC. Abraham Lincoln picked this up and recounted the story.
3) Persian Folklore
Persian folklore recounted the fable of the king who asked the group of wise men. This will make him happy when he is sad and happy. The wise men debate amongst themselves and then say, “This too shall pass.”
Ans: Abraham lincoln said the phrase, and it became popular. This phrase is so powerful and can comfort or empower us during any difficult situation. This phrase is applicable to any difficult situation.
Ans: This quote is not exactly inspired by the bible. The Bible has several similar sentences. Several scriptures, like Isiah and Genesis, have this term written in there. However, it became popular after Abraham Lincoln said it.
Ans: Ultimately, the phrase “this too shall pass” is a powerful reminder that life is a constantly changing journey and that all experiences, both good and bad, are a part of that journey. This phrase reminds us no matter what happens in life, or whatever hardship we are going through, it is temporary, and it will end.
This Too Shall Pass!
If you had a bad day or going through a tough time, you should know that it is a bad time, not a bad life. Eventually, all the dark times pass. We just need to be strong and go through dark situations in life. If you need a healing word, then this term should work like magic.
I hope all of your bad days come to an end. However, if you need to ask us any questions, you can do so by going to the comment section below.
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