Ecclesiastes 6:6

KJV

Yea, though he live a thousand years twice [told], yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, though {H432} he live {H2421} a thousand {H505} years {H8141} twice {H6471} told, yet hath he seen {H7200} no good {H2896}: do not all go {H1980} to one {H259} place {H4725}?

Complete Jewish Bible

without enjoying himself, even if he were to live a thousand years twice over. Doesn't everyone go to the same place?

Berean Standard Bible

even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?

American Standard Version

yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet enjoy no good, do not all go to one place?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 6:6 encapsulates the Preacher's profound meditation on the vanity of human existence, asserting that even an extraordinarily prolonged life, far beyond typical human experience, offers no inherent "good" or lasting satisfaction if it lacks genuine enjoyment. This bleak assessment is underscored by the inescapable reality that all humanity, regardless of their earthly achievements or lifespan, ultimately shares the same final destination: death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 6:6 functions as a powerful summation of Koheleth's preceding arguments in the chapter. The Preacher has just lamented the tragedy of wealth that cannot be enjoyed by its owner, often lost to others or consumed by unsatisfying pursuits ([Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 "Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 - The Burden of Unenjoyed Riches"]). He then presents a stark comparison, suggesting that a stillborn child, who never experiences the futility of life "under the sun," is in a better position than one who lives a long life devoid of true satisfaction and ultimately finds no burial ([Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 "Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 - A Stillborn Child's Advantage"]). Verse 6 extends this thought to the extreme, emphasizing that even an impossibly long life—"a thousand years twice told"—cannot redeem an existence that has "seen no good," because the universal end of death renders all earthly pursuits equally futile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, a long life was generally regarded as a blessing from God, often associated with wisdom, prosperity, and divine favor (e.g., [Proverbs 3:1-2 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Long Life as a Blessing"]). Koheleth's assertion that even an exceptionally long life is "no good" if it lacks contentment directly challenges this prevailing cultural value. The concept of "good" (Hebrew: *ṭôwb*) in Ecclesiastes often refers to the simple, God-given joys of life—eating, drinking, and finding pleasure in one's labor—rather than moral rectitude or accumulated wealth. The universal "one place" for all humanity reflects the ancient understanding of Sheol, the common destination of the dead, a shadowy realm where distinctions between rich and poor, wise and foolish, ultimately dissolve ([Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Ecclesiastes 9:10 - No Work or Knowledge in Sheol"]).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes of Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it highlights the **futility of mere longevity** as a measure of a successful or meaningful life. The Preacher consistently argues that the quantity of years does not guarantee quality or satisfaction. Secondly, it underscores the **universality and inescapability of death**, which serves as the ultimate equalizer, rendering all human striving "vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"]). This theme is pervasive throughout the book, emphasizing that all paths lead to the grave ([Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 "Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 - The Shared Fate of Humans and Animals"]). Thirdly, the verse points to the **elusive nature of true "good" or satisfaction** when pursued apart from God. Koheleth's relentless experimentation with wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and labor consistently leads him to the conclusion that lasting "good" cannot be manufactured or accumulated by human effort alone; it is a gift from God to be received and enjoyed in the present moment ([Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 "Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 - Enjoyment as a Gift from God"]).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root signifies to live, whether literally or figuratively, and can also mean to revive or preserve alive. In Ecclesiastes 6:6, it refers to the physical act of existing for an extraordinarily long duration, emphasizing the sheer quantity of years. The Preacher uses this term to explore whether mere existence, even extended, can inherently bring "good."
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be good," this word encompasses a wide range of meanings, including beautiful, best, better, pleasant, cheerful, and prosperous. In Ecclesiastes, *ṭôwb* often refers to experiential well-being, enjoyment, or benefit. When the verse states "yet hath he seen no good," it implies a life devoid of genuine satisfaction, pleasure, or beneficial outcome, despite its length.
* **go (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root means "to walk" or "to go" in a vast array of applications, both literal and figurative. Here, it is used figuratively to describe the universal movement of all people towards a common destination. It underscores the inevitable journey towards death that every human being undertakes, regardless of their life's circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice [told],"**: This clause introduces a hypothetical scenario of extreme longevity, emphasizing an impossibly long lifespan of 2,000 years. It sets the stage for a thought experiment, pushing the limits of human desire for prolonged existence to its absolute extreme to test its ultimate value.
* **"yet hath he seen no good:"**: This is the crucial counterpoint. Despite the extraordinary length of life, the individual has experienced no genuine "good" – no lasting satisfaction, enjoyment, or beneficial outcome. This highlights Koheleth's central argument that mere quantity of life does not equate to quality or meaning, especially when pursued apart from God's intended blessings.
* **"do not all go to one place?"**: This rhetorical question serves as a powerful and sobering conclusion. It points to the universal and inescapable reality of death, the "one place" (Sheol, the grave) to which all humanity eventually descends. This truth renders the pursuit of earthly "good" or longevity ultimately futile, as all distinctions and achievements vanish in the face of mortality.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 6:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "a thousand years twice told," which describes an impossibly long lifespan (2,000 years). This exaggeration serves to emphasize that even such an extreme duration would not bring true satisfaction if the life itself were devoid of "good." The verse concludes with a **Rhetorical Question**, "do not all go to one place?" This question is not meant to be answered but to provoke thought and underscore a self-evident truth: death is the universal equalizer. Finally, "one place" functions as a **Euphemism** for the grave or the realm of the dead (Sheol). This indirect reference softens the stark reality of death while still powerfully conveying its inevitability and shared destination for all humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 6:6 deeply probes the theological implications of human mortality and the search for meaning. It challenges the common ancient Near Eastern belief that a long life was inherently a sign of divine blessing and ultimate good. Koheleth argues that without the experience of genuine "good"—which he often attributes to God's gracious gifts of simple joys and contentment—even an extended lifespan becomes a curse rather than a blessing. The verse's stark declaration that "all go to one place" underscores the theological reality of a shared human destiny in death, dissolving all earthly distinctions and forcing humanity to confront the limitations of life "under the sun." This perspective compels a re-evaluation of what truly constitutes a "good" life, shifting the focus from quantity of years or accumulated possessions to the quality of one's experience and, implicitly, one's relationship with the Creator.

* [Psalm 49:10-12](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10-12 - The Mortality of All")
* [Job 14:1-2](/job/14-1 "Job 14:1-2 - The Fleeting Nature of Human Life")
* [Ecclesiastes 9:2-3](/ecclesiastes/9-2 "Ecclesiastes 9:2-3 - All Share One Destiny")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 6:6 offers a profound and sobering challenge to our modern preoccupation with longevity and the relentless pursuit of more. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable truth that a long life, filled with accomplishments or material wealth, is ultimately meaningless if it lacks genuine joy, purpose, and contentment. This verse calls us to shift our focus from merely accumulating years or possessions to cultivating a life rich in meaning, gratitude, and an appreciation for the simple, God-given blessings of each day. Recognizing the universality of death should not lead to despair but rather to a renewed urgency to live intentionally, prioritize what truly matters, and seek satisfaction not in fleeting earthly gains but in the enduring gifts of God. It encourages us to find "good" in the present, in relationships, in meaningful work, and in our spiritual journey, rather than postponing joy for an uncertain future or an unachievable ideal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "good" mean to you, and how does Koheleth's understanding of "good" in this verse challenge or affirm your own definition?**
* **How does the inevitability of death, as highlighted in this verse, influence your priorities and how you choose to live each day?**
* **In what ways might our cultural emphasis on longevity or material success distract us from experiencing true contentment and satisfaction in the present moment?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 6:6 imply that life is inherently without meaning or purpose?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes 6:6, like many passages in the book, emphasizes the "vanity" (hebel) of life "under the sun"—meaning life viewed solely from a human, earthly perspective, without explicit reference to God—it does not ultimately conclude that life is without meaning. Instead, it serves as a powerful argument against finding ultimate meaning or satisfaction in human endeavors, achievements, or even longevity. The Preacher's point is that if life is merely about existing for a long time or accumulating things, it ultimately leads to futility because death is the great equalizer. The book as a whole, particularly its conclusion in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "The Conclusion of the Whole Matter"), points towards finding meaning in fearing God and keeping His commandments, recognizing that true "good" is a gift from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 6:6, with its stark portrayal of the futility of a long life devoid of "good" and the universal reality of death, finds its ultimate answer and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Preacher's lament that "all go to one place" highlights humanity's shared predicament under the curse of sin, where death reigns ([Romans 5:12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"]). However, Christ's coming radically alters this perspective. He is the one who truly lived a life of perfect "good," not for Himself, but for humanity, culminating in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Through His victory over the grave, Jesus conquered the "one place" of death, offering eternal life and true "good" to all who believe. The "good" that eluded the long-lived individual in Ecclesiastes—lasting satisfaction and purpose—is found supremely in Christ, who offers not just extended life, but abundant and eternal life ([John 10:10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ"]). Our hope is no longer in the quantity of our earthly years, but in the quality of the eternal life gifted through the [resurrection of Jesus Christ](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection"), ensuring that for those in Him, death is not the final "one place" but a gateway to eternal fellowship with God ([John 11:25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"]).

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

Ecclesiastes 3:20

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Job 30:23

For I know [that] thou wilt bring me [to] death, and [to] the house appointed for all living.

Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Job 1:21

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Isaiah 65:22

They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree [are] the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Psalms 34:12

What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good?

Psalms 4:6

¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.