Ecclesiastes 6:4

KJV

For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he cometh {H935} in with vanity {H1892}, and departeth {H3212} in darkness {H2822}, and his name {H8034} shall be covered {H3680} with darkness {H2822}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the arrival of a stillborn baby is a futile thing, and its departure is in darkness; its name is [forgotten,] covered in darkness;

Berean Standard Bible

For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity.

American Standard Version

for it cometh in vanity, and departeth in darkness, and the name thereof is covered with darkness;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 6:4 vividly portrays the profound futility of a life devoid of purpose and lasting impact, a central lament of Qoheleth throughout his philosophical exploration. This verse paints a stark image of an existence that begins with emptiness, concludes in obscurity, and leaves no enduring legacy, emphasizing the ultimate insignificance and oblivion that awaits those who live solely "under the sun," detached from divine meaning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 6:4 continues Qoheleth's somber reflection on the unsatisfying nature of human endeavors and the limitations of worldly prosperity. Preceding this verse, Qoheleth describes a man granted immense wealth and a long life but denied the ability to enjoy his blessings, a "sore evil" and "grievous affliction" ([Ecclesiastes 6:1](/ecclesiastes/6-1 "Ecclesiastes 6:1 - A Grievous Affliction")). He then posits that a stillborn child, though never experiencing life, is arguably better off than such an unfulfilled individual, for the stillborn "comes in vanity and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness" ([Ecclesiastes 6:3](/ecclesiastes/6-3 "Ecclesiastes 6:3 - The Stillborn's Advantage")). Verse 4 echoes this sentiment, likely referring to the stillborn child or, more broadly, any life characterized by such profound meaninglessness, reinforcing the idea that an unfulfilled existence, regardless of its duration, leaves no lasting mark or memory. The verses immediately following ([Ecclesiastes 6:5](/ecclesiastes/6-5 "Ecclesiastes 6:5 - The Stillborn's Rest")) further elaborate on the stillborn's quiet rest, contrasting it with the restless dissatisfaction of the living.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a person's "name" (Hebrew: _shêm_) was far more than a mere identifier; it encapsulated their character, reputation, legacy, and memory. To have one's name "covered with darkness" was the ultimate disgrace or tragedy, signifying complete oblivion and the erasure of one's existence from the collective memory of the community. Unlike cultures that might celebrate anonymity or humble obscurity, ancient Israel placed high value on a good name and a lasting legacy, often connected to one's descendants and deeds. This cultural emphasis makes Qoheleth's declaration in Ecclesiastes 6:4 particularly poignant, as it challenges the very foundation of what was considered a successful or meaningful life from a human perspective. The book's setting, likely during a time of relative prosperity (traditionally associated with Solomon), allows Qoheleth to critique the emptiness of material pursuits when divorced from divine purpose, a common theme in ancient wisdom literature that grappled with the meaning of life.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Foremost is the pervasive theme of **_hebel_** (often translated "vanity" or "futility"), which describes the transient, ephemeral, and ultimately unsatisfying nature of all things "under the sun" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Theme of Vanity")). The life described in Ecclesiastes 6:4 is the epitome of _hebel_, beginning and ending without substance. It also underscores the theme of **human limitation and the inability to control one's destiny or find lasting satisfaction through earthly means.** The emphasis on "darkness" and a "covered name" highlights the **inevitability of death and oblivion** for those whose lives lack divine purpose, contrasting sharply with the wisdom found in other biblical texts that speak of a good name enduring ([Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name")) or the righteous being remembered ([Psalm 112:6](/psalms/112-6 "Psalm 112:6 - The Righteous Remembered")). This verse serves as a stark warning against a life lived solely for temporal gains, reinforcing Qoheleth's ultimate conclusion that true meaning is found in fearing God and keeping His commandments ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** From H1892, this term signifies emptiness, futility, or something transitory and unsatisfactory, often used as an adverb to mean "altogether vain." In Ecclesiastes 6:4, it describes the very essence of the life being discussed—it is inherently without substance or lasting value from its inception. It's a breath, a vapor, quickly dissipating, leaving nothing behind.
* **departeth (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, a primitive root meaning "to walk" or "to go." In this context, it refers to the act of leaving or dying. The choice of "departeth" emphasizes a movement out of existence, implying a quiet, unnoticed exit from life, further highlighting the lack of impact or remembrance.
* **darkness (Hebrew, _chôshek'_):** From H2822, this word denotes literal darkness, but figuratively encompasses misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, and wickedness. Here, it is used twice to powerfully symbolize oblivion, insignificance, and the absence of light, understanding, or memory. To depart "in darkness" and have one's name "covered with darkness" means vanishing into utter obscurity.
* **covered (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** From H3680, meaning "to cover" or "to conceal." This verb implies an active process of concealment or overwhelming. When applied to a "name," it suggests that the individual's identity, reputation, and memory are not merely forgotten but actively obscured or buried by an impenetrable shroud of oblivion, leaving no trace.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, an appellation representing individuality, honor, authority, and character. In ancient cultures, a name carried significant weight, embodying a person's legacy and memory. For a name to be "covered with darkness" means the complete annihilation of one's reputation and remembrance, the ultimate tragedy in a society that valued lineage and lasting renown.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he cometh in with vanity,"**: This clause describes the beginning of life. The "he" is ambiguous, possibly referring to the stillborn child from the preceding verse, or more broadly, any individual whose life is fundamentally empty from its outset. "Cometh in with vanity" means that the very entrance into existence is marked by futility, lacking inherent purpose or substance from the start. It's an existence that is, by its nature, transient and unfulfilling.
* **"and departeth in darkness,"**: This clause addresses the end of such a life. "Departeth" signifies death or departure from the world. To depart "in darkness" means that the end is characterized by obscurity, lack of recognition, and a complete absence of light or understanding. It implies a life that fades away without leaving any discernible impact or positive memory.
* **"and his name shall be covered with darkness."**: This final clause emphasizes the ultimate consequence: complete oblivion. As "name" represents one's legacy, reputation, and memory in ancient culture, for it to be "covered with darkness" means it is utterly forgotten, obscured, or erased from the collective consciousness. This is the most profound condemnation of a life lived without meaning—it leaves no lasting trace, no remembrance, no honor.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 6:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of futility. **Repetition** is evident in the double use of "darkness," which serves to intensify the sense of oblivion and insignificance. This repeated word functions as a powerful **motif**, symbolizing not just the absence of light but also the absence of memory, honor, and purpose. The phrase "covered with darkness" is a striking **metaphor**, transforming the abstract concept of being forgotten into a tangible image of being shrouded or buried in obscurity. This **personification** of darkness as an active agent that "covers" the name further emphasizes the complete and utter erasure of the individual's legacy. The entire verse functions as a form of **hyperbole**, exaggerating the negative outcome to underscore the severity of a life lived without ultimate meaning, contrasting implicitly with the value placed on a good name and lasting remembrance in other wisdom literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 6:4 offers a stark theological commentary on the human condition when divorced from transcendent purpose. It highlights the inherent ephemerality of life and the ultimate vanity of earthly pursuits that lack a divine anchor. The "darkness" that covers the name serves as a powerful reminder that without God, human existence, no matter how long or seemingly prosperous, can ultimately dissolve into meaninglessness and oblivion. This verse challenges the reader to look beyond the temporal and to seek a lasting significance that transcends the fleeting nature of life "under the sun," pointing towards the biblical truth that true legacy and remembrance are found not in human achievements but in one's relationship with the eternal God.

* [Psalm 39:5](/psalms/39-5 "Psalm 39:5 - Man is but a breath")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Vapor")
* [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 6:4 serves as a profound call to introspection, urging us to consider the ultimate trajectory and impact of our lives. In a world often consumed by the pursuit of fleeting achievements, material wealth, and temporary recognition, this verse challenges us to re-evaluate what truly constitutes a life well-lived. It compels us to move beyond the superficial and to seek an enduring purpose that transcends the grave. A life lived "in vanity" and departing "in darkness" is one that, from Qoheleth's perspective, fails to grasp the deeper, God-given meaning available to humanity. Therefore, application involves intentionally seeking God's will, investing in eternal values, and living a life that reflects His glory, ensuring that our "name" is not covered with darkness but shines with the light of His truth and love, leaving a legacy of faith and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "vanity" in my own life look like, and how might I be pursuing things that ultimately lead to emptiness?**
* **How am I actively seeking to live a life that leaves a positive, God-honoring legacy, rather than fading into obscurity?**
* **In what ways can I reorient my priorities to focus on eternal significance rather than temporary worldly achievements?**

### FAQ
**Who is "he" in Ecclesiastes 6:4, and what does this verse mean for how we view a life's worth?**

Answer: The identity of "he" in Ecclesiastes 6:4 is subject to scholarly debate, but given the immediate literary context, it most likely refers back to the stillborn child mentioned in [Ecclesiastes 6:3](/ecclesiastes/6-3 "Ecclesiastes 6:3 - The Stillborn's Advantage"). Qoheleth argues that a stillborn child, though never experiencing life, is arguably better off than an unfulfilled wealthy man because both ultimately end in oblivion, but the stillborn avoids the suffering and dissatisfaction of a long, unfulfilled life. More broadly, "he" can represent any individual whose life, regardless of its duration or earthly accomplishments, is lived without true purpose or lasting impact. The verse means that from Qoheleth's perspective "under the sun," a life devoid of divine meaning is ultimately futile, beginning with emptiness and ending in complete obscurity, with no remembrance or legacy. It challenges the common human desire for renown and lasting impact, suggesting that without a transcendent framework, even a long life can amount to nothing more than a fleeting shadow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 6:4, with its bleak portrayal of a life beginning in vanity and ending in darkness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where human existence "under the sun" often leads to the futility and oblivion described by Qoheleth, Christ enters the world not "in vanity" but as the very embodiment of divine purpose and light. He is the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing meaning to a world steeped in _hebel_. The "darkness" that covers the name of the unfulfilled finds its antithesis in Christ, who is the Light of the World ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), dispelling spiritual ignorance and the shadow of death. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of darkness and death, offering eternal life and a lasting legacy to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Our "name," which otherwise would be "covered with darkness," is, by faith in Christ, written in the Book of Life ([Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life")), ensuring eternal remembrance and a glorious inheritance. Thus, the despair of Ecclesiastes 6:4 is transformed into hope and assurance through the One who gives true purpose, overcomes all darkness, and guarantees an imperishable name for His followers.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 109:13

Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out.