This famous proverb has traveled all over the world with a message of wisdom.
We have heard it thousands of times in our lives, but the truth is that its meaning reveals a deep secret.
This expression invites us to reflect that everything has an end.
This Too Shall Pass Meaning
“This too shall pass” is a Persian adage that ensures that our life is made of little and passing moments.
It is a reminder that connects us with our present and helps us to value every second as if it were the last.
It is associated with the concept of ephemerality, which means everything in nature is transitory, everything passes away, even memorable moments.
This Too Shall Pass Origin
We can find these words in a Persian poem, written by Farid al-Din Attar of Nishapur, around the 13th-century.
In the poem appears the story of a King who wanted to avoid the unhappiness. To achieve this purpose, the monarch asked his wise council to create a ring that would make him happy when he was sad.
Based on this request, the servants had the idea of engraving the mythical words “This too shall pass” on the King´s ring.
This Too Shall Pass Story
But if we want to know about the surrounding mysticism of the adage, we have to go to the roots. The Persian tradition keeps alive the King´s fable, since 9th-century b.C.
The story tells us how Salomon lost a chess game against Bandaiah, his wisest servant. To give the page a lesson in humility, he ordered him to find a magic ring that could make sad men happy and happy men sad.
Bandaiah began his search, but the jewel didn’t appear. Until one day, without any expectations, he arrived at a small goldsmith shop in the middle of the kingdom.
Talking to the goldsmith and entrust him every detail, the old man offered to create a ring with the words “This too shall pass” engraved on it.
With the jewel on his hands, the servant went to meet the King to show the finding. Salomon, the unbeliever from page success, was very surprised when he could contemplate the beautifully engraved piece.
From that moment on, the monarch could feel the positive effect in his kingdom.
But he would soon realize that even that happiness could also be something transitory.
Presence Of “This Too Shall Pass” In The Bible
The words “This too shall pass” don’t appear textually in Bible scriptures. But we can read a sequence of references that shows us how the concept of the temporary exists even on the most antique books of our History.
Some of the references that remit us to this idea are:
- Deuteronomy 28:1 “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth”.
- Isaiah 65:24 “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear”.
- Acts 2:21 “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”.
Who Said This Too Shall Pass
One of the most famous characters of History used these words to include them in his political speech. We are talking about Abraham Lincoln, who spoke in front of the audience of agricultural Society of Wisconsin, in 1859.
Lincoln went president of the United States from 1861 to 1865, which means that speech was pronounced before his presidential nomination.
On that occasion, he mentioned the mythical Persian fable to frame his latest ideas.
This Too Shall Pass Tattoo Designs
The drawings that we can print on our bodies, speak loudly about our creativity and our life experiences. The phrase “This too shall pass” has been selected for many people to wear on their skin.
We can find calligraphically designs with:
- Birds
- Clocks
- Flowers
- Feathers
The areas of the body that people choose to tattoo are:
- Shoulders
- Feet
- Collarbones
- Legs
- Arms
Something that many don’t know is that the famous words hide a historical past, as we could see.
In the mythical sentence, we can recognize that nothing is forever, neither sorrow nor happiness.
A huge percentage of people decide to tattoo these words as a concept of transient pain and grief.
Here are the top 6 tattoo designs:
This Too Shall Pass Quotes
- “Always remember the proverb: This too shall pass. Your negative feelings won’t last forever, there’s a light at the end of every tunnel. It might not happen today or tomorrow, but you’ll feel better eventually” Paulo Coelho.
- Life has got to be lived, that’s all there is to it. At seventy, I would say the advantage is that you take life more calmly. You know that this, too, shall pass!” Eleanor Roosevelt.
- I am here in spirit with you and you are in my prayers. Remember God is with you, and have faith in the fact that this too shall pass” Michael Jackson.
- “Succes is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” Winston Churchill.
- It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult” Seneca.
- “The way to live in the present is to remember that ‘This too shall pass’. When you experience joy, remembering that ‘This too shall pass’ helps you savor the here and now” Joey Green.
This Too Shall Pass Lyrics
In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you
These trying times that are so hard to endure
In the middle of what seems to be your darkest hour
Hold fast your heart and be assured
This too shall pass
Like every night that’s come before it
He’ll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It’s in His Hands
This too shall pass
The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall
He feels your pain, His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow’s heavy chains are strong
But with His strength, you’ll overcome
This too shall pass
Like every night that’s come before it
He’ll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It’s in His Hands
This too shall pass
Last Updated : 09 October, 2023
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
The variety of quotes that reflect the essence of ‘This too shall pass’ demonstrates the enduring relevance of this timeless message.
Very true, Claire. It’s remarkable how the proverb continues to inspire people across different cultures and time periods.
The proverb ‘This too shall pass’ encapsulates a profound understanding of the impermanence of human emotions, emphasizing the importance of resilience.
I completely agree, Frank28. It’s a powerful statement that inspires strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The story surrounding the fable of King Salomon and the magical ring is a captivating tale that offers much to contemplate.
It is fascinating how the message of the proverb extends far beyond its Persian roots.
Indeed, the lesson in humility is an important aspect of that fable.
The proverb ‘This too shall pass’ is a powerful message that reminds us that everything, whether good or bad, is temporary.
It’s amazing to see how historical figures like Abraham Lincoln have incorporated the message into their speeches, demonstrating the proverb’s universality.
The topic of tattoo designs inspired by this proverb is quite intriguing. It makes me consider the significance of different symbols in relation to the message.
I agree, Klloyd. The choice of tattoo elements adds layers of meaning to the message ‘This too shall pass’.
The emblematic nature of the phrase ‘This too shall pass’ resonates deeply with individuals, offering solace and hope during challenging times.
Absolutely, Imorris. It serves as a timeless reminder of the transient nature of life’s experiences.
The origins of the proverb are quite fascinating. It is interesting to see how various cultures have interpreted and internalized its message throughout history.
Absolutely, Yturner. The idea of ephemerality is something that resonates deeply with me.
The absence of the exact phrase ‘This too shall pass’ in the Bible is interesting, but the influence of the concept is clear in the scriptures cited.
The symbolic representation of transient emotions through tattoo art is a unique expression of the proverb’s sentiment.
Indeed, Drobinson. It highlights the underlying themes of the proverb through art and personal affirmation.