A good name
The Hebrew word for "name" is "shem," which signifies more than just a label; it encompasses one's reputation, character, and legacy. In ancient Israelite culture, a name was deeply tied to one's identity and standing within the community. A "good name" implies a life lived with integrity, honor, and righteousness. It suggests that one's character and the way they are remembered by others hold more lasting value than material wealth or external adornments. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on living a life that reflects God's commandments and virtues.

is better than
The phrase "is better than" indicates a comparison that elevates moral and spiritual values over material or superficial ones. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, such comparisons are common, urging readers to prioritize eternal truths over temporal gains. This phrase challenges believers to evaluate their lives through the lens of God's eternal perspective, rather than the fleeting standards of the world.

fine perfume
The Hebrew term "shemen" refers to oil or ointment, often used for anointing or as a luxury item in ancient times. Perfume was a symbol of wealth, status, and celebration, used in both religious and social contexts. By stating that a good name surpasses fine perfume, the verse underscores the superiority of inner virtue over outward appearances. This reflects the biblical teaching that God values the heart and character above external beauty or riches.

and the day of death
The mention of "the day of death" may seem paradoxical, but it reflects a profound biblical truth. In the context of Ecclesiastes, which often grapples with the meaning of life and the inevitability of death, this phrase suggests that death can be a culmination of a life well-lived. For the believer, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with God. It invites reflection on how one's life will be remembered and the legacy left behind.

better than the day of birth
This comparison highlights the biblical perspective on life and death. While birth is a time of joy and potential, the day of death is seen as the fulfillment of one's earthly journey. For those who have lived according to God's will, death is a gateway to eternal reward and peace. This perspective encourages believers to live with the end in mind, focusing on eternal values and the hope of resurrection.

(1) There is a play on words in the original (found also in Song of Solomon 1:3), which Plumptre represents by "a good name is better than good nard." It was probably an older proverb, which the Preacher completes by the startling addition, "and so is the day of death better than that of birth." For the use of perfumes, see Ruth 3:3; 2Samuel 12:20; Proverbs 7:17; Daniel 10:3.

Verse 1 - Ecclesiastes 12:8. - Division II. DEDUCTIONS FROM THE ABOVE-MENTIONED EXPERIENCES IN THE WAY OF WARNINGS AND RULES OF LIFE. Verses 1-7. - Section 1. Though no man knows for certain what is best, yet there are some practical rules for the conduct of life which wisdom gives. Some of these Koheleth sets forward in the proverbial form, recommending a serious, earnest life in preference to one of gaiety and frivolity. Verse 1. - A good name is better than precious ointment. The paronomasia here is to be remarked, rob ahem mishemen tob. There is a similar assonance in Song of Solomon 1:3, which the German translator reproduces by the sentence, "Besser gut Gerucht als Wohlgeruch," or," gute Geruche," and which may perhaps be rendered in English, "Better is good favor than good flavor." It is a proverbial saying, running literally, Better is a name than good oil. Shem, "name," is sometimes used unqualified to signify a celebrated name, good name, reputation (comp. Genesis 11:4; Proverbs 22:1). Septuagint, Ἀγαθὸν ὄνομα ὑπὲρ ἔλαιον ἀγαθόν. Vulgate, Melius eat nomen bonum quam unguenta pre-tiosa. Odorous unguents were very precious in the mind of an Oriental, and formed one of the luxuries lavished at feasts and costly entertainments, or social visits (see Ecclesiastes 9:8; Ruth 3:3; Psalm 45:8; Amos 6:6; Wisd. 2:7; Luke 7:37, 46). It was a man's most cherished ambition to leave a good reputation, and to hand down an honorable remembrance to distant posterity, and this all the more as the hope of the life beyond the grave was dim and vague (see on Ecclesiastes 2:16, and comp. Ecclesiastes 9:5). The complaint of the sensualists in Wisd. 2:4 is embittered by the thought," Our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance." We employ a metaphor like that in the clause when we speak of a man's reputation having a good or ill odor; and the Hebrews said of ill fame that it stank in the nostrils (Genesis 34:30; Exodus 5:21; see, on the opposite side, Ecclus. 24:15; 2 Corinthians 2:15). And the day of death than the day of one's birth. The thought in this clause is closely connected with the preceding. If a man's life is such that he leaves a good name behind him, then the day of his departure is better than that of his birth, because in the latter he had nothing before him but labor, and trouble, and fear, and uncertainty; and in the former all these anxieties are past, the storms are successfully battled with, the haven is won (see on Ecclesiastes 4:3). According to Solon's well-known maxim, no one can be called happy till he has crowned a prosperous life by a peaceful death (Herod., 1:32; Soph., 'Trachin.,' 1-3; ('Ed. Tyr.,' 1528, sqq.); as the Greek gnome runs -

Μήπω μέγαν εἴπῃς πρὶν τελευτήσαντ ἴδῃς

"Call no man great till thou hast seen him dead." So Ben-Sira, "Judge none blessed (μὴ μακάριζε μηδένα) before his death; for a man shall be known in his children" (Ecclus. 11:28).

Parallel Commentaries ...

A good name
שֵׁ֖ם (šêm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

is better
ט֥וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

than fine
ט֑וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

perfume,
מִשֶּׁ֣מֶן (miš·še·men)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

and one’s day
וְי֣וֹם (wə·yō·wm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of death
הַמָּ֔וֶת (ham·mā·weṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin

[is better] than his day
מִיּ֖וֹם (mî·yō·wm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

of birth.
הִוָּלְדֽוֹ׃ (hiw·wā·lə·ḏōw)
Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than fine (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)