Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Holman Christian Standard Bible
7 Again, I saw futility under the sun: 8 There is a person without a companion,[a] without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches.(A) “So who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself from good?” This too is futile and a miserable task.
9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?(B) 12 And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
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- Ecclesiastes 4:8 Lit person, but there is not a second,
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
International Standard Version
On Aloneness and Companionship
7 Then I turned to re-examine something else that is pointless on earth: 8 Consider someone who is alone, having neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his work, and he is[a] never satisfied with wealth. “So for whom do I work,” he asks,[b] “and deprive myself of pleasure?” This, too, is pointless and a terrible tragedy.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. 10 If they stumble, the first will lift up his friend—but woe to anyone who is alone when he falls and there is no one to help him get up. 11 Again, if two lie close together, they will keep warm, but how can only one stay warm? 12 If someone attacks one of them, the two of them together will resist. Furthermore, the tri-braided cord is not soon broken.
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- Ecclesiastes 4:8 Lit. and his eyes are
- Ecclesiastes 4:8 The Heb. lacks he asks
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