Ecclesiastes 12:4

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

And the doors {H1817} shall be shut {H5462} in the streets {H7784}, when the sound {H6963} of the grinding {H2913} is low {H8217}, and he shall rise up {H6965} at the voice {H6963} of the bird {H6833}, and all the daughters {H1323} of musick {H7892} shall be brought low {H7817};

when the doors to the streets are kept shut; when the noise from the grain-mill fades; when a person is startled by the chirp of a bird, yet their singing is hard to hear;

when the doors to the street are shut and the sound of the mill fades away, when one rises at the sound of a bird and all the daughters of song grow faint,

and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;

Commentary

This verse from Ecclesiastes 12:4 is part of a poignant allegorical description of the physical decline associated with old age, serving as a powerful reminder within the book's broader theme of the vanity of life apart from God. The passage (verses 1-8) uses vivid metaphors to depict the aging process leading up to death.

Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 12 opens with an exhortation to remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the "evil days" of old age arrive. Verses 2-7 paint a picture of this decline using various physical symbols. Verse 4 specifically focuses on the diminishing capacity of the senses and the body's overall slowing down, contrasting the vigor of youth with the frailty of advanced years. It sets the stage for the final return of the body to dust, mentioned later in the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Physical Decline: The verse vividly portrays the loss of physical functions and senses that come with aging.
  • Loss of Capacity: It speaks to the reduction in ability to perform basic actions (like eating) and enjoy pleasures (like music or sleep).
  • The Approach of Death: This physical decay is presented as the prelude to the end of earthly life.
  • Vanity Without God: Within the context of Ecclesiastes, these physical realities underscore the temporary nature of human life and pursuits, reinforcing the call to seek meaning in remembering the Creator.

Linguistic Insights

The language used in this verse is highly symbolic:

  • "the doors shall be shut in the streets": This is widely interpreted as referring to the mouth, specifically the lips and teeth. As teeth are lost and eating becomes difficult, the mouth ("doors") is less used or "shut" publicly ("in the streets") during meals.
  • "the sound of the grinding is low": Refers to the difficulty or inability to chew food properly due to missing teeth. The "grinding" (chewing) becomes quiet or ineffective.
  • "he shall rise up at the voice of the bird": Describes the common pattern of disturbed sleep in old age, where the elderly often wake early at the first sounds of birds singing in the morning.
  • "all the daughters of musick shall be brought low": This metaphor speaks to the decline of hearing, making it difficult to appreciate music or even follow conversations. The ability to fully experience pleasant sounds diminishes.

Reflection

Ecclesiastes 12:4 offers a stark, yet poetic, look at the inevitable process of aging. It reminds us that the physical body is temporary and subject to decay. The loss of strength, senses, and abilities is a natural part of life's journey towards its end, described in Ecclesiastes 12:7 where the dust returns to the earth. This verse, within its context, serves not as a lament for old age itself, but as a compelling reason to heed the Preacher's central message: that true meaning and purpose are found not in fleeting earthly pleasures or accomplishments, but in fearing God and keeping His commandments, especially while we still have the strength and capacity to do so.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 25:10

    Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

  • 2 Samuel 19:35

    I [am] this day fourscore years old: [and] can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

  • Revelation 18:22

    And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
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