Ecclesiastes 4:10
Ecclesiastes 4:10 in Multiple Translations
For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.
And if one has a fall, the other will give him a hand; but unhappy is the man who is by himself, because he has no helper.
If one of them falls down, the other can help them up, but how sad it is for someone who falls down and doesn't have anyone to help them up.
For if they fal, the one wil lift vp his felow: but wo vnto him that is alone: for he falleth, and there is not a second to lift him vp.
For if they fall, the one raiseth up his companion, but woe to the one who falleth and there is not a second to raise him up!
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him to rise.
If one fall he shall be supported by the other: woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to lift him up.
If you fall down, he can help you get up again. But if you fall down when you are alone, it will be difficult for you, because there will be no one to help you stand up.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 4:10
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 4:10
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 4:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:10
Context — The Evil of Oppression
10For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
11Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? 12And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 5:11 | Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 4:18 | Therefore encourage one another with these words. |
| 3 | Isaiah 35:3–4 | Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 4 | Galatians 6:1 | Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. |
| 5 | Job 4:3–4 | Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 23:16 | And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, |
| 7 | Luke 22:31–32 | Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 9:19–20 | For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well. The LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I also prayed for Aaron. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 12:7–14 | Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD, the son born to you will surely die.” |
| 10 | Genesis 4:8 | Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. |
Ecclesiastes 4:10 Summary
[This verse reminds us that life can be tough, but having a friend by our side can make all the difference. When we're struggling, a supportive companion can help us get back on our feet, just like the Bible encourages us to bear one another's burdens in Galatians 6:2. Without someone to help, we might feel lonely and overwhelmed, like the person described in Ecclesiastes 4:8. By building strong relationships and being willing to help one another, we can experience the joy and support that comes from walking together in life, as seen in Acts 2:42-47.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fall down in Ecclesiastes 4:10?
To fall down in this verse likely refers to experiencing difficulties or hardships in life, as seen in Job 1:13-22 where Job faced great trials, and the Psalmist's cry for help in Psalms 38:9-10, where he felt overwhelmed by his circumstances.
Why is it important to have a companion to lift us up?
Having a companion to lift us up is crucial because it provides emotional and spiritual support, as emphasized in Galatians 6:2, where we are called to bear one another's burdens, and in Proverbs 27:17, which highlights the value of friends sharpening one another.
What happens to the one who falls without another to help them up?
The one who falls without help will likely struggle to get back up, as hinted in Ecclesiastes 4:10, and may feel isolated and alone, much like the solitary person described in Ecclesiastes 4:8, who toils without companionship or joy.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the importance of building strong, supportive relationships, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where the early church community came together in love and support, and by being willing to both give and receive help in times of need, as encouraged in Romans 12:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be a supportive companion to those around me, especially in their times of struggle?
- How have I experienced the value of having a companion to lift me up in difficult times, and how can I express gratitude for those relationships?
- In what ways can I reach out for help when I'm struggling, and what are some potential consequences of trying to face challenges alone?
- How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of community and mutual support, as seen in passages like Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:10
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Rev. 14:3. the Church Dwelling Alone by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the Church's unique position in the world, drawing parallels between Israel's separation and the Church's calling to dwell alone. He explains that the Chu |
|
A Man on the Go by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the criticisms that the Apostle Paul faced in his ministry. Paul was criticized for constantly moving around, changing his plans, and preachin |
|
(Israel) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor shares about the burdens and challenges faced by individuals and families. He mentions a man who lost his wife in a car accident and had sons who ended u |
|
Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride by Francis Chan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience's awareness of the suffering and struggles faced by their brothers and sisters around the world. He emphasizes the importance of |
|
Are You a Bruised Reed? by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's promises and the ministry of encouragement. He references Isaiah and the Old Testament to highlight the rich promise |
|
Getting Used to the Dark (Alternate) by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive trends in society, particularly in the behavior of children. He emphasizes the importance of self-assertiveness and discipline |
|
Others by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustratio |







