Ecclesiastes 7:1 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021

¹ A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death, than the day of birth.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹ A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹ A GOOD name is better than precious perfume, and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.

American Standard Version (1901)

¹ A good name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one’s birth.

Common English Bible

¹ A good name is better than fine oil, and the day of death better than the birthday.

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹ Why is it necessary for a man to seek things that are greater than himself, when he does not know what is advantageous for himself in his life, during the number of the days of his sojourn, and while time passes by like a shadow? Or who will be able to tell him what will be in the future after him under the sun?

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

¹ What needeth a man to seek things that are above him, whereas he knoweth not what is profitable for him in his life, in all the days of his pilgrimage, and the time that passeth like a shadow? Or who can tell him what shall be after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 7:1 Cross References

Job 3:17

There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.

Psalm 133:2

It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.

Proverbs 15:30

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the body.

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 25:10

or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end.

Proverbs 27:9

Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the soul is torn by trouble.

Ecclesiastes 10:1

Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a foul odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

Ecclesiastes 4:2

And I commended the dead, who have already died, more than the living, who are still alive,

Ecclesiastes 7:8

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; the patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit.

Song of Solomon 1:3

your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is perfume poured out; therefore the maidens love you.

Song of Solomon 4:10

How sweet is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!

Isaiah 56:5

I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.

Jonah 4:3

And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

Luke 10:20

Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

John 13:2

The devil had already decided that Judas son of Simon Iscariot would betray Jesus. And during supper

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that, if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:8

Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Hebrews 11:2

Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.

Hebrews 11:39

Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised,

Revelation 14:13

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”

Ruth 3:14

So she lay at his feet until morning but got up before one person could recognize another, for he said, “It must not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”