Ecclesiastes 6:3

A 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.

Study Bible

A man may father a hundred children
In ancient Hebrew culture, having many children was considered a sign of divine blessing and prosperity. The Hebrew word for "father" here is "yalad," which implies not just the act of procreation but also the responsibility and legacy associated with fatherhood. The hyperbolic number "a hundred" emphasizes abundance and the potential for a large family lineage, which was highly valued in biblical times. However, the verse suggests that even such a blessing can be meaningless without true fulfillment.

and live many years
Longevity was another sign of divine favor in the Old Testament. The phrase "live many years" reflects the Hebrew understanding of a full life, which is often associated with wisdom and experience. Yet, the Preacher in Ecclesiastes challenges the notion that mere length of life equates to a meaningful existence. The Hebrew word "chayim" for "life" encompasses not just physical existence but a life filled with purpose and satisfaction.

so that the days of his years are many
This phrase reiterates the concept of longevity, emphasizing the quantity of life rather than the quality. The repetition underscores the futility of a long life without fulfillment. The Hebrew word "yom" for "days" and "shanim" for "years" together highlight the passage of time, suggesting that a life measured only by its duration is ultimately empty.

but his soul is not satisfied with life’s good things
The Hebrew word for "soul" is "nephesh," which refers to the inner being or essence of a person. The dissatisfaction of the soul indicates a deeper spiritual emptiness that material wealth and external blessings cannot fill. "Life’s good things" refers to the blessings and pleasures of the world, which, according to the Preacher, fail to provide true contentment. This reflects a central theme in Ecclesiastes: the search for meaning beyond earthly possessions.

and he also has no proper burial
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a proper burial was a significant aspect of honoring the deceased. The lack of a proper burial signifies a life that ends without dignity or respect, further emphasizing the futility of a life focused solely on earthly achievements. The Hebrew word "kever" for "burial" implies not just the act of interment but the honor and remembrance associated with it.

I say that a stillborn child is better off than he
This stark comparison highlights the depth of the Preacher's lament over a life devoid of true satisfaction. The stillborn child, who never experiences life, is considered "better off" because it is spared the vanity and emptiness of a life without meaning. The Hebrew word "nefel" for "stillborn" underscores the tragic brevity of life, yet paradoxically, it is seen as preferable to a long life without fulfillment. This conclusion challenges readers to seek a deeper, spiritual purpose beyond the temporal and material.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man
Represents an individual who has achieved what many consider the pinnacle of success—numerous offspring and a long life—yet lacks fulfillment and satisfaction.

2. Stillborn Child
Used metaphorically to illustrate the futility of a life without satisfaction or goodness, despite external achievements.

3. Solomon (Implied Author)
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon is reflecting on the vanity of life without God-centered fulfillment.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which the text was written, where having many children and a long life were seen as blessings.

5. Proper Burial
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a proper burial was a sign of honor and respect, and its absence signifies a lack of fulfillment or honor in life.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Earthly Success
Earthly achievements, such as wealth, longevity, and progeny, are ultimately meaningless without spiritual satisfaction and a relationship with God.

The Importance of Inner Fulfillment
True satisfaction comes from a life aligned with God's will and filled with His goodness, not merely from external accomplishments.

The Value of a God-Centered Life
A life that seeks God's kingdom and righteousness first will find true fulfillment and purpose, transcending earthly measures of success.

Reflecting on Legacy
Consider what kind of legacy you are building. Is it one that honors God and reflects His goodness, or is it focused on temporal achievements?

The Reality of Mortality
Recognize the brevity of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and godly contentment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ecclesiastes 6:3 challenge our modern understanding of success and fulfillment?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are filled with "goodness" as described in this verse?

3. How does the metaphor of the stillborn child in Ecclesiastes 6:3 help us understand the concept of a life without spiritual fulfillment?

4. What practical steps can we take to align our lives more closely with the teachings of 1 Timothy 6:6-8 regarding contentment and godliness?

5. How can reflecting on the brevity of life, as discussed in Ecclesiastes 6:3, influence our daily decisions and priorities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 127:3-5
Highlights the blessing of children, contrasting with Ecclesiastes 6:3, which questions the value of such blessings without satisfaction.

1 Timothy 6:6-8
Discusses contentment and godliness, emphasizing that true gain comes from a life centered on God, not material or earthly achievements.

Matthew 16:26
Jesus speaks about the futility of gaining the world but losing one's soul, paralleling the theme of Ecclesiastes 6:3 regarding the emptiness of life without spiritual fulfillment.