Ecclesiastes 7:1

KJV

¶ A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A good name is better than perfumed oil, and the day of death better than the day of birth.

Berean Standard Bible

A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.

American Standard Version

Agoodname is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one’s birth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:1 offers a profound reflection on the enduring value of character and the ultimate significance of life's conclusion. It posits that a good reputation, built through integrity and wise living, far surpasses the fleeting pleasure or status afforded by material wealth or luxury. Furthermore, it provocatively asserts that the day of death is preferable to the day of birth, not as a morbid endorsement of despair, but as an affirmation that the true measure and culmination of a life's meaning, purpose, and legacy are revealed at its end, rather than at its uncertain beginning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7:1 stands at the beginning of a section (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, offers a series of proverbial sayings and contrasts that challenge conventional wisdom and provide counsel for living wisely in a world marked by vanity and uncertainty. This verse immediately follows a reflection on the limitations of human wisdom and the cyclical nature of life "under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 6:10-12). It sets a tone for the subsequent discussion, which includes the value of sorrow over laughter (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4), the benefit of rebuke over flattery (Ecclesiastes 7:5-6), and the superiority of the end of a matter over its beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:8). The verse thus serves as an introductory proverb, establishing a perspective that prioritizes lasting substance over ephemeral appearances.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) was far more than a mere identifier; it encapsulated one's reputation, character, honor, and legacy. A "good name" was a priceless asset, reflecting one's standing in the community and among one's family. Ointments, particularly "precious ointment" (*shemen*), were costly and used for various purposes: anointing guests, medicinal applications, cosmetic enhancement, and crucially, for embalming the dead. Their value was high, but their effect was temporary and sensory. The contrast between the enduring nature of a good name and the ephemeral quality of ointment would have been immediately understood by an ancient audience. The emphasis on death also resonates with the ancient world's awareness of mortality and the brevity of life, often prompting reflections on how one's life would be remembered.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **wisdom and folly**, advocating for a life that builds lasting character rather than pursuing transient pleasures. Secondly, it highlights the **vanity of earthly pursuits** (Hebrew: *hevel*), suggesting that material possessions (like precious ointment) are ultimately fleeting compared to the spiritual and ethical legacy of a "good name." Thirdly, it introduces the profound theme of **mortality and the end of life**, a recurring motif throughout the book. While the book often laments the inevitability of death, here it presents death not as an absolute end, but as the point at which the true value of one's life and character are fully revealed and solidified, echoing themes found throughout [the book of Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes - The Preacher's Reflections"). The preference for the "day of death" over the "day of birth" also foreshadows the idea that [the end of a thing is better than its beginning](/ecclesiastes/7-8 "Ecclesiastes 7:8 - The End is Better Than the Beginning"), a key concept for understanding Qoheleth's perspective on life's true worth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this word signifies more than just an appellation; it embodies one's reputation, character, honor, and authority. A "good name" refers to the esteem and respect earned through a life of integrity, wisdom, and righteous conduct. It represents the lasting legacy and influence one leaves behind.
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this adjective expresses goodness in its widest sense. Here, it functions as a comparative, indicating superiority. It suggests that the value of a good name is not merely comparable to, but inherently superior to, precious ointment, implying a qualitative difference in enduring worth.
* **Death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** From H4194, this term refers to natural or violent death, and concretely, the dead or their state. In this context, it signifies the culmination of life, the point at which one's earthly journey concludes and the sum total of one's character and actions are finalized. It is presented not as an end to be feared, but as a significant marker of life's ultimate reckoning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A good name is better than precious ointment":** This clause establishes a clear contrast between an enduring, intangible asset (a good reputation) and a temporary, material luxury (precious ointment). "Precious ointment" (Hebrew: *shemen*) was expensive and used for anointing, celebration, or burial, offering sensory pleasure or marking special occasions, but its effect was fleeting. A "good name" (Hebrew: *shem ṭôwb*), however, represents the lasting respect, honor, and legacy earned through a life of integrity, wisdom, and righteous deeds. The assertion is that character and reputation hold far greater and more lasting value than any transient material possession or sensory experience.
* **"and the day of death than the day of one's birth":** This provocative statement is not an endorsement of morbidity but a profound philosophical point. The "day of birth" marks the beginning of an uncertain journey, full of potential hardship, toil, and vanity, as described throughout Ecclesiastes. The "day of death," conversely, is the culmination of that journey. It is the point where one's character, the "good name" built throughout life, is finalized and revealed in its true, lasting value. For the wise, death can be seen as a release from earthly toil and the moment when the full account of their life's meaning is settled, emphasizing the importance of living with the end in view.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two contrasting ideas are presented in parallel clauses to highlight a central truth. The verse presents two such antitheses: "good name" vs. "precious ointment," and "day of death" vs. "day of birth." This structure emphasizes the superiority of the former in each pair. There is also subtle **Wordplay** between the Hebrew words for "name" (*shem*, H8034) and "ointment" (*shemen*, H8081). While not identical, their phonetic similarity draws attention to the contrast between the superficial pleasantness of the ointment and the deep, lasting value of a good name. The entire verse functions as a **Proverb**, offering concise, memorable wisdom that challenges conventional thought and encourages a deeper reflection on life's true priorities. The **Paradox** of preferring death over birth is a striking rhetorical flourish designed to arrest the reader's attention and force a re-evaluation of life's values from an eternal or ultimate perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:1 speaks to the enduring theological truth that true worth is not found in transient material possessions or the fleeting pleasures of this life, but in the cultivation of character and a legacy of integrity. The "good name" reflects a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom, demonstrating that what truly lasts beyond our earthly existence is not what we accumulate, but who we become. The provocative statement about death being better than birth underscores the biblical emphasis on the culmination and judgment of life, urging a perspective that views life through the lens of its ultimate end. This encourages a sober, purposeful existence, recognizing that our actions and character have eternal implications, and that the final assessment of our lives is paramount.

* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is Precious")
* [Psalm 116:15](/psalms/116-15 "Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the Sight of the Lord")
* [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 7:1 challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities in a world often obsessed with external appearances, fleeting pleasures, and the accumulation of wealth. It calls us to consider what truly endures beyond our earthly existence. Are we building a "good name" – a legacy of integrity, kindness, and faithfulness – or are we pursuing only that which is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying? This verse reminds us that true richness lies in character, not commodities. Furthermore, the statement about death being better than birth compels us to live with an eternal perspective. It's not about wishing for death, but about recognizing that the true meaning and culmination of our lives are found at the end, not just at the beginning. This should motivate us to live each day purposefully, investing in what has lasting value, knowing that our "good name" – our character before God and humanity – is the only thing that truly transcends the grave.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "a good name" mean to you personally, and how are you actively building one in your daily life?**
* **In what ways do you find yourself prioritizing "precious ointment" (fleeting pleasures, material possessions, status) over "a good name" (character, integrity, lasting legacy)?**
* **How does the perspective that "the day of death is better than the day of one's birth" challenge or affirm your understanding of life's purpose and priorities?**
* **If your life were to end today, what "good name" would you leave behind, and what changes might you make to ensure it reflects your deepest values?**

### FAQ
**Why does Ecclesiastes 7:1 say "the day of death [is] better than the day of one's birth"? Is this a morbid statement?**

Answer: This statement is not morbid but profoundly philosophical, typical of Qoheleth's challenging wisdom. It's not an endorsement of suicide or despair, but rather an assertion that the *completion* of a life holds more significance than its *beginning*. The day of birth marks the start of an uncertain journey, full of potential toil, suffering, and the "vanity" (*hevel*) that Ecclesiastes often describes as inherent to life "under the sun." The day of death, however, is the culmination. It is the point at which one's character, integrity, and the "good name" built throughout life are fully revealed and solidified. For the wise and righteous, death can be seen as a release from earthly struggles and the moment when the full account of their life's meaning and legacy is settled. It emphasizes that the *end* of a matter is better than its *beginning*, a theme explicitly stated later in [Ecclesiastes 7:8](/ecclesiastes/7-8 "Ecclesiastes 7:8 - The End of a Matter"). This perspective encourages living wisely and purposefully, with the ultimate outcome in view.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:1, with its emphasis on a "good name" and the significance of death, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. While Qoheleth grapples with the fleeting nature of life "under the sun," Jesus Christ provides the definitive answer to life's meaning and the true nature of a "good name." His life was the embodiment of the "good name," perfectly righteous, holy, and utterly devoted to God's will, a name above all names (as proclaimed in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above All Names")). His death, far from being merely the end of an earthly life, was the pivotal act of redemption, the ultimate sacrifice that conquered sin and death (as seen in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Conquered Death")). For the believer, the "day of death" is indeed better than the "day of birth" because it marks the transition from earthly struggle to eternal rest and glory in the presence of the Savior (as Paul articulates in [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain")). Through Christ, our "good name" is not merely our human reputation, but our identity as children of God, redeemed and made righteous by His sacrifice (as described in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Our lives, lived in Him, build a legacy that transcends earthly vanity and secures an eternal inheritance, making death not an end, but a glorious beginning.

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

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.