Ecclesiastes 6:3

If a man beget an hundred [children], and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also [that] he have no burial; I say, [that] an untimely birth [is] better than he.

If a man {H376} beget {H3205} an hundred {H3967} children, and live {H2421} many {H7227} years {H8141}, so that the days {H3117} of his years {H8141} be many {H7227}, and his soul {H5315} be not filled {H7646} with good {H2896}, and also that he have no burial {H6900}; I say {H559}, that an untimely birth {H5309} is better {H2896} than he.

Suppose a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that he has a long life, but he fails to enjoy himself; then, even if he were to [live indefinitely and therefore] never be buried, I say that it would be better to be born dead.

A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.

If a man beget a hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul be not filled with good, and moreover he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he:

Ecclesiastes 6:3 presents a stark and challenging perspective on what constitutes a truly fulfilling life, continuing the Preacher's exploration of vanity "under the sun."

Context of Ecclesiastes 6:3

Ecclesiastes, often attributed to King Solomon (referred to as "the Preacher" or "Qoheleth"), explores the meaning of life from a purely earthly perspective. Chapter 6 continues the theme of the vanity of human endeavors and the elusive nature of true satisfaction. The Preacher asserts that even apparent blessings like wealth, many children, and long life are meaningless if one does not find true enjoyment or fulfillment, a recurring message throughout the book. This verse specifically highlights the profound emptiness that can accompany a life seemingly rich in outward success but devoid of inner contentment and even lacking a dignified end.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Emptiness of Earthly Blessings Without Contentment: The verse paints a picture of a man who possesses what society often deems ultimate blessings—a large family (a hundred children is hyperbole for extreme fruitfulness) and a long life. Yet, despite these, his "soul be not filled with good." This emphasizes that true satisfaction does not come from external achievements or possessions alone, but from an inner state of contentment and ability to enjoy God's provisions. This resonates with the Preacher's conclusion in Ecclesiastes 2:24, where he suggests enjoyment of work and food is a gift from God.
  • The Dishonor of No Burial: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a proper burial was immensely important, signifying respect, dignity, and a connection to one's ancestors. To "have no burial" was a profound disgrace and considered a severe curse, implying one was forgotten, despised, or died in utter destitution. This final indignity underscores the man's miserable state, despite his seemingly successful life.
  • A Miserable Life is Worse Than Never Living: The stark conclusion that "an untimely birth is better than he" is a shocking statement. An "untimely birth" refers to a stillborn child or a miscarriage. The Preacher argues that a life lived without true enjoyment, ending in dishonor, is more tragic than a life that never began, because the latter never experienced the futility and suffering of life "under the sun." This extreme comparison highlights the depth of the Preacher's despair regarding the pursuit of happiness apart from God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "his soul be not filled with good" (לֹא־תִשְׂבַּע נַפְשׁוֹ מִטּוֹב, lo-tisba nafsho mitov) is crucial. Nafsho refers to his "soul" or "person," emphasizing an inner lack rather than just a material one. Tov means "good" and implies not just material prosperity, but also well-being, satisfaction, and enjoyment. The lack of this inner "good" renders all external blessings meaningless, reinforcing the vanity theme.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 6:3 challenges us to evaluate our definition of a "successful" life. It teaches that accumulating wealth, achieving longevity, or even having a large family, while often seen as blessings, are ultimately hollow if they do not bring true contentment and the ability to appreciate God's gifts. This verse encourages us to seek genuine satisfaction and purpose, not merely external achievements. It prompts reflection on what truly fills our "soul with good" and reminds us that a life lived without purpose or without acknowledging the source of true blessings can lead to profound emptiness, regardless of outward appearances. It points to the ultimate truth found in Ecclesiastes 12:13, that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 3:16

    Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants [which] never saw light.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:3

    Yea, better [is he] than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

  • 2 Kings 9:35

    And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of [her] hands.

  • Jeremiah 22:19

    He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

  • Genesis 47:9

    And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage [are] an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

  • Isaiah 14:19

    But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, [and as] the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

  • Isaiah 14:20

    Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, [and] slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.
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