KJV ORIGINAL
For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
For he comes into the world meaninglessly, and leaves in darkness, and his name will be forgotten in darkness.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is saying that some people live lives that seem pointless - they're born without significance and die without being remembered.
📚 Historical Context
Solomon (traditionally considered the author) is reflecting on the futility he observes in life, particularly contrasting a stillborn child with someone who lives long but finds no satisfaction. In ancient times, having one's name remembered was considered crucial for a meaningful legacy, so being 'covered with darkness' meant complete obscurity.
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