¶ A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
A good name {H8034} is better {H2896} than precious {H2896} ointment {H8081}; and the day {H3117} of death {H4194} than the day {H3117} of one's birth {H3205}.
A good name is better than perfumed oil, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.
Agoodname is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one’s birth.
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Revelation 14:13
¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. -
Proverbs 22:1
¶ A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold. -
Ecclesiastes 4:2
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. -
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. -
Philippians 1:21
¶ For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. -
Philippians 1:23
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: -
2 Corinthians 5:1
¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 (KJV)
¶ A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Commentary
This verse presents two seemingly distinct but related comparisons, offering a perspective typical of the book of Ecclesiastes, which often challenges conventional wisdom to reveal deeper truths about life "under the sun."
The first part, "A good name is better than precious ointment," highlights the enduring value of character and reputation over fleeting material luxury. In ancient times, precious ointments and perfumes were expensive, used for anointing, celebration, and also in burial rituals. They provided sensory pleasure or marked special occasions but were temporary. A "good name" (Hebrew: shem tov) refers to one's reputation, integrity, and the legacy built through a life of righteous or wise conduct. The Hebrew word for "name" (shem) sounds similar to the word for "ointment" (shemen), perhaps suggesting a deliberate contrast between a superficial pleasantness (ointment) and a deep, lasting value (good name). The verse asserts that the respect and honor earned through a virtuous life are far more valuable and lasting than any material pleasure or status symbolized by precious ointment. Proverbs 22:1 echoes this sentiment.
The second part, "and the day of death than the day of one's birth," is a provocative statement. At first glance, it seems morbid. However, within the context of Ecclesiastes, it emphasizes the significance of the *end* of a matter over its beginning (see Ecclesiastes 7:8). Birth is merely the start of an uncertain journey, full of potential hardship and vanity as described elsewhere in the book. The day of death, on the other hand, is the culmination of that life. It is the point where one's character and the "good name" built throughout life are finalized and revealed in their true lasting value. For the righteous, death can be seen as a release from the toils and vanities of earthly life and the entry into rest or judgment based on how they lived. It is the day when the full account of one's life, and thus the true worth of their "name," is settled. This perspective encourages living wisely and righteously with the end in view.
Together, the two parts suggest that the ultimate measure of a life is not its beginning or its temporary enjoyments, but the lasting legacy of character (a good name) that is solidified and revealed at its conclusion (the day of death).