Ecclesiastes 4:11
Ecclesiastes 4:11 in Multiple Translations
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone?
So again, if two are sleeping together they are warm, but how may one be warm by himself?
In the same way, if two people lie down together, they keep each other warm, but you can't keep yourself warm if you're alone.
Also if two sleepe together, then shall they haue heate: but to one how should there be heate?
Also, if two lie down, then they have heat, but how hath one heat?
Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone ?
And if two lie together, they shall warm one another: how shall one alone be warmed?
Similarly, if two people sleep together, they can keep each other warm. But someone who sleeps alone will certainly not [RHQ] be warm.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 4:11
BAB
Word Study
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 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּ֛ם
אִם
יִשְׁכְּב֥וּ
שְׁנַ֖יִם
וְ/חַ֣ם
לָ/הֶ֑ם
וּ/לְ/אֶחָ֖ד
אֵ֥יךְ
יֵחָֽם
גַּ֛ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִשְׁכְּב֥וּ
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
וְ/חַ֣ם
châmam
H2552
to warm
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לָ/הֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
וּ/לְ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Conj | Prep | Adj
אֵ֥יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
יֵחָֽם
yâcham
H3179
to conceive
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 4:11
גַּ֛ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִשְׁכְּב֥וּ
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
וְ/חַ֣ם
châmam
H2552
"to warm"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to warm or heat something, like in Genesis 18:4, where Abraham offers warm water to wash feet. It can also describe strong emotions, like passion or desire.
Definition: 1) to be hot, become warm 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or grow warm 1a2) of passion (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to become aroused, inflame oneself with 1c) (Piel) to warm 1d) (Hithpael) to warm oneself
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: enflame self, get (have) heat, be (wax) hot, (be, wax) warm (self, at). See also: Exodus 16:21; Ecclesiastes 4:11; Psalms 39:4.
לָ/הֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
וּ/לְ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Conj | Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
אֵ֥יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
יֵחָֽם
yâcham
H3179
"to conceive"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to conceive or become hot, often used to describe animals mating or people feeling angry. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the natural world and human emotions. This word is also used to describe God's anger.
Definition: 1) to be hot, conceive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hot, become hot 1a2) to mate (of animals) 1a3) to be or become hot (fig. of anger) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to conceive (sexually) 1b2) to be in heat (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: get heat, be hot, conceive, be warm. See also: Genesis 30:38; Deuteronomy 19:6; Psalms 51:7.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 4:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:11
Context — The Evil of Oppression
9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.
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. 13Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 1:1–4 | Now King David was old and well along in years, and though they covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.” Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her. |
Ecclesiastes 4:11 Summary
This verse is saying that when we have someone to share our life with, it's like having a warm blanket on a cold night - it's comforting and supportive. Just like how our bodies need physical warmth to survive, our hearts need the warmth of relationships to thrive. As seen in Ecclesiastes 4:10, having a companion can help us in times of need, and as Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, when we gather together in His name, He is with us, bringing us comfort and support. By prioritizing relationships and community, we can experience the joy and comfort that comes from 'keeping warm' together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'keep warm' in Ecclesiastes 4:11?
In this context, 'keeping warm' is a metaphor for the comfort and support that comes from having a companion, as seen in the preceding verse, Ecclesiastes 4:10, where a companion can help one up if they fall.
Is this verse only talking about marriage or romantic relationships?
While the verse can be applied to marriage, the context of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 suggests it's more broadly about the benefits of having a friend or companion, as also seen in Proverbs 27:17, where iron sharpens iron.
How does this verse relate to the idea of community in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of community and relationships in our lives, as also emphasized in Hebrews 10:24-25, where we are encouraged to gather together and support one another.
What can we learn from the contrast between 'two' and 'one' in this verse?
The contrast between 'two' and 'one' in Ecclesiastes 4:11 teaches us that having someone to share our experiences and struggles with can bring comfort and support, whereas being alone can leave us vulnerable, as seen in the story of Adam in Genesis 2:18, where God says it's not good for man to be alone.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced the comfort and support of a companion in your life, and how can you be that for someone else?
- What are some ways you can prioritize building and nurturing relationships in your life, and how can you use those relationships to support and encourage others?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of 'two being better than one' in your daily life, whether in your family, friendships, or community?
- How can you use your relationships to help others 'keep warm' spiritually, and how can you seek support from others when you're struggling?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:11
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat,.... The Targum adds, in the winter; when it is a cold season, they warm one another by lying together.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:11
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
They have heat; they will be sooner warm in a cold bed and cold season. How can one be warm alone? not so soon nor so thoroughly.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
Ecclesiastes 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]?Ver. 11. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat.] Heat of zeal and good affection. "Did not our hearts burn within us," said those two disciples, when Christ once made the third with them, and by holy conference kindled them. So when Silas and Timotheus came from Macedonia, Paul was "pressed in spirit." Warm he was before, but now all of a light fire, as it were. Those dull daughters of Jerusalem, by hearing the spouse describe her beloved, as she doth from tip to toe, were fired up with desire to join with her in seeking after him whom her soul loved. The lying together of the dead body of one with the bones of Elisha, gave life to it. So doth good company give life to those that are dead in sin. Let two cold flints be smitten together, and fire will come forth. So let two dull Christians confer and communicate their soul secrets, and it shall not repent them; they shall find the benefit of it. "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades?" saith God to Job.
These Pleiades be the seven stars, that have all one name, because they all help one another in their work, which is to bring the spring, and, like seven sisters, so are they joined together in one constellation, and in one company. We see that God will have the sweetest works in nature to be performed with mutual help. The best time of the year, the sweetest warmth cometh with these Pleiades, and the best time of our life cometh when we lie together in true love and fellowship, No sooner had the Philippians received the gospel, but they were in "fellowship" to a "day." They knew, that as sincerity is the life of religion, so is society the life of sincerity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
(11) They have heat.—The nights in Palestine were often very cold, and it would seem (Exodus 22:26) that it was common to sleep without any cover but the ordinary day garment; though see Isaiah 28:20.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:11
11. if two lie together] Here again the experience of travel comes before us. Sleeping on a cold and stormy night, under the same coverlet, or in Eastern houses, with their unglazed windows and many draughts, two friends kept each other warm, while one resting by himself would have shivered in discomfort. Commonly as in Exodus 22:6, the mantle of the day served also as the blanket of the night. So, of course, it would be with those who travelled according to the rule of Mat 10:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:11
11. How can one be warm — The ordinary people of Palestine to this time, as did all the ancients, lie down at night in the usual clothing of the day.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Joab, Abiathar, and Adonijah by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of wickedness and self-promotion. He begins by describing the actions of those who engage in evil deeds, using the metaphor of wet |