5:16 This is another misfortune: 1
Just as he came, so will he go.
What did he gain from toiling for the wind?
11:8 So, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all,
but let him remember that the days of darkness 2 will be many – all that is about to come is obscure. 3
1 tn See the note on the phrase “depressing misfortune” in v. 13.
2 tn The phrase “the days of darkness” refers to the onset of old age (Eccl 12:1-5) and the inevitable experience of death (Eccl 11:7-8; 12:6-7). Elsewhere, “darkness” is a figure of speech (metonymy of association) for death (Job 10:21-22; 17:13; 18:18).
3 tn The term הֶבֶל (hevel) here means “obscure,” that is, unknown. This sense is derived from the literal concept of breath, vapor or wind that cannot be seen; thus, the idea of “obscure; dark; difficult to understand; enigmatic” (see HALOT 236–37 s.v. I הֶבֶל; BDB 210–11 s.v. I הֶבֶל). It is used in this sense in reference to enigmas in life (6:2; 8:10, 14) and the future which is obscure (11:8).