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

ECCLESIASTES 6:4KJV
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Ecclesiastes 6:4 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 6:4 mean?

Ecclesiastes 6:4 describes a person who comes into the world meaninglessly and leaves without recognition, their life shrouded in obscurity and forgottenness. The verse uses the imagery of "vanity" and "darkness" to show a life that passes through the world without purpose or remembrance.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflecting on the fleeting and often empty nature of human existence. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this verse is part of a larger meditation on the frustrations and seeming futility of life, especially for those who never find satisfaction or significance. The language paints a picture of a life that begins and ends in insignificance, emphasizing the theme of life's transience and the difficulty of finding lasting meaning.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 6:4

  • "vanity" (הֶבֶל, hevel): This word means vapor, breath, or something insubstantial. Here, it highlights the emptiness or futility of the person's existence.
  • "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshekh): Used twice, this word means literal or figurative darkness. It suggests obscurity, lack of recognition, or being hidden from memory.
  • "covered" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to be concealed or hidden. The verse says the person's name is "covered with darkness," stressing that not only their life but even their memory is lost in obscurity.

Why Ecclesiastes 6:4 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 6:4 clarifies that the "vanity" described is not just about material things, but about the very experience of living a life that leaves no mark or memory.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of Ecclesiastes, which often questions what lasting value or meaning can be found in human life under the sun.
  • By using strong imagery of darkness and concealment, the verse emphasizes how easily a life can pass unnoticed, challenging readers to reflect on what gives life true substance and remembrance.

Where else these words appear

“vanity” Hebrew H1892 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
  • Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

“darkness” Hebrew H2822 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Job 19:8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

“covered” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Judges 4:19 And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
  • Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.