Ecclesiastes 6:4
Ecclesiastes 6:4 in Multiple Translations
For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity.
For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
for it cometh in vanity, and departeth in darkness, and the name thereof is covered with darkness;
In wind it came and to the dark it will go, and with the dark will its name be covered.
The way a stillborn child comes into the world and then leaves is painfully hard to understand—arriving and departing in darkness—and who he would have been is never known.
For he commeth into vanitie and goeth into darkenesse: and his name shall be couered with darkenesse.
For in vanity he came in, and in darkness he goeth, and in darkness his name is covered,
for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.
For he cometh with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
For he came in vain, and goeth to darkness, and his name shall be wholly forgotten.
That dead baby’s birth is meaningless; it does not even have a name. It goes directly to the place where there is only darkness.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 6:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
בַ/הֶ֥בֶל
בָּ֖א
וּ/בַ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
יֵלֵ֑ךְ
וּ/בַ/חֹ֖שֶׁךְ
שְׁמ֥/וֹ
יְכֻסֶּֽה
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בַ/הֶ֥בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
Prep | N-ms
בָּ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וּ/בַ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יֵלֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/בַ/חֹ֖שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
Conj | Prep | N-ms
שְׁמ֥/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
יְכֻסֶּֽה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 6:4
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בַ/הֶ֥בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
Prep | N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
בָּ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וּ/בַ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
יֵלֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וּ/בַ/חֹ֖שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
שְׁמ֥/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְכֻסֶּֽה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 6:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 6:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:4
Context — The Futility of Life
2God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.
3A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
4For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity.
5The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man, 6even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 109:13 | May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. |
Ecclesiastes 6:4 Summary
This verse is saying that a stillborn child, who never got to experience life, is actually better off than someone who lives a long life without finding true fulfillment or purpose. This might seem strange, but it's because the stillborn child doesn't have to deal with the frustrations and disappointments of life, like the person in Ecclesiastes 6:3 who has everything but is still unsatisfied (see also Proverbs 15:16). The verse is reminding us that life is short and fleeting, and that we should focus on finding true purpose and fulfillment in God, rather than just pursuing wealth or status (as seen in Matthew 6:19-21). By doing so, we can live a life that truly matters and has lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'enters in futility' mean in Ecclesiastes 6:4?
This phrase suggests that the stillborn child's life had no purpose or fulfillment, much like the futility described in Ecclesiastes 1:2, where all of life's pursuits are said to be meaningless without God.
Why is the stillborn child's name 'shrouded in obscurity'?
This phrase indicates that the stillborn child will not be remembered or have a lasting impact, which is a theme also seen in Psalms 103:15-16, where our lives are compared to grass that withers and fades.
How can a stillborn child be considered better off than someone who lives a long life, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 6:3?
This seems counterintuitive, but the teacher in Ecclesiastes is highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the importance of true fulfillment, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, where even the wealthiest and most powerful person can be unsatisfied.
What does this verse teach us about the value of life?
This verse reminds us that life's value is not measured by its length or circumstances, but by its purpose and fulfillment in God, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to give us a future and a hope.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can find true fulfillment and purpose in my life, rather than just pursuing wealth or status?
- How can I cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, even in difficult circumstances, like the stillborn child who has 'more rest' than the unsatisfied person?
- In what ways can I use my life to make a lasting impact for God's kingdom, rather than being 'shrouded in obscurity'?
- How can I balance the reality of life's fleeting nature with the importance of living each day to the fullest, as seen in Psalm 90:12?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:4
For he cometh in with vanity,.... The Targum adds, "into this world." Some understand this of the abortive, and render it, "though he cometh in with vanity" (x), yet is to be preferred to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:4
For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
For; or rather, although, as this particle is frequently rendered. For this verse seems to contain not so much a reason of what he last said, that an untimely birth is better than he, as an answer to an exception which might be made against it. Although all that is here said be true of the abortive, yet it is better than he. He; either, 1. The covetous man. Or rather, 2. The abortive; of whom alone, and not of the former, that passage is true, he hath not seen the sun, . Cometh in; into the world, this word being oft put for a man’ s being born, as . With vanity; or, in vain, to no purpose; without any comfort or benefit by it, which also is in a great measure the case of the covetous wretch. Departeth in darkness; dieth obscurely, without any observation or regard of men.
Shall be covered with darkness; shall be speedily and utterly forgotten; whereas the name of such wicked men shall rot, and be remembered to their shame.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
Ecclesiastes 6:4 For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.Ver. 4. For he cometh in with vanity, &c.] As nothing, being senseless of good or evil. "And departeth in darkness," and is buried in hugger mugger. And his "name shall be covered," &c., that is, there is no more talk of this abortive.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
(4) He.—Rather, it—viz., the untimely birth.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:4
4. he cometh in with vanity] The pronoun in the English Version refers the clause to the man who has heaped up riches, and had a long life with no real enjoyment. Probably, however, the words describe, in harmony with the thought of the preceding verse, the portion of the still-born child. It comes and goes, and is forgotten, and never sees the sun, and tastes not the misery of life. The last clause of Ecc 6:5, there is rest to this rather than to that (“rest” idealised, as in Job 3:13, as in itself all but the supreme good that man can strive after), seems to make this construction certain. Possibly, however, the description of Ecc 6:4 is made to apply in part to both terms of the comparison, so that it may be seen, on which side, both having so much in common, the balance of advantage lies. On “seeing the sun” as an equivalent for living, see chs. Ecclesiastes 7:11, Ecclesiastes 11:7; Job 3:16; Psalms 49:20.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:4
He ... his - Rather, it ... its. The untimely birth is spoken of.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:4
4. He cometh in with vanity — The abortion is further described. The “vanity” in which he comes is the disappointment of parental hope. The darkness in which he goes, is the quietness with which the little remains are put away.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Name and Fame by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delves into the human desire for name and fame, highlighting the ambitious heart's yearning for earthly immortality and recognition among fellow men. He contrasts the |