Ecclesiastes 6:4

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

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}.

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

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

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

Ecclesiastes 6:4 delves into the profound futility of a life that begins and ends without meaningful purpose or lasting impact, a recurring theme throughout the Book of Ecclesiastes. This verse paints a somber picture of an existence marked by ultimate insignificance and oblivion.

Context of Ecclesiastes 6:4

This verse continues the lament of Qoheleth (traditionally King Solomon) on the vanity of life "under the sun." Following the description of a man who lives long but fails to enjoy his wealth (Ecclesiastes 6:2) and even a stillborn child who is arguably better off than such a man (Ecclesiastes 6:3), Ecclesiastes 6:4 likely refers to a child (or perhaps any person) whose life is utterly without meaning or remembrance. The emphasis is on an unfulfilled life, regardless of its duration, that leaves no lasting mark.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Emptiness of Unfulfilled Existence: The phrase "cometh in with vanity" uses the Hebrew word hebel (הֶבֶל), which means "vapor," "breath," or "futility." It signifies that the life itself, from its very beginning, is perceived as empty or without substance. It's a life that lacks purpose, joy, or accomplishment.
  • Departure into Oblivion: To "depart in darkness" means the end of life is marked by obscurity and forgottenness. There is no legacy, no positive remembrance. It speaks to a life that fades away without leaving any significant impact or memory.
  • A Name Covered with Darkness: In ancient cultures, a person's "name" represented their reputation, legacy, and memory. For a name to be "covered with darkness" means it is utterly forgotten or ignored. This stands in stark contrast to the value placed on a good name in other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 22:1 or Ecclesiastes 7:1. It underscores the ultimate tragedy of a life lived without meaningful purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated use of "darkness" (Hebrew: choshek, חֹשֶׁךְ) emphasizes the utter lack of light, understanding, or remembrance associated with this type of existence. It's a powerful metaphor for insignificance and oblivion, reinforcing the sense of futility that permeates the book.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 6:4 serves as a stark reminder of the search for meaning beyond mere existence or fleeting earthly pursuits. For the modern reader, it prompts reflection on:

  • Purpose in Life: What gives life lasting value? Qoheleth's ultimate conclusion often points to fearing God and keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13), which is where true and lasting meaning can be found.
  • Leaving a Legacy: While not everyone leaves a globally recognized legacy, the verse encourages living a life that leaves a positive mark, remembered for good deeds, faith, or contributions to others, rather than fading into obscurity.
  • Beyond "Under the Sun": The verse challenges us to look beyond the temporary and often disappointing "under the sun" perspective to find enduring hope and significance in a relationship with God.
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.

  • Psalms 109:13

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