Ecclesiastes 4:12
Ecclesiastes 4:12 in Multiple Translations
And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And two attacked by one would be safe, and three cords twisted together are not quickly broken.
Someone fighting against one other person may win, but not if they are fighting against two. A cord made of three strands can't be torn apart quickly.
And if one ouercome him, two shall stand against him: and a threefolde coard is not easily broken.
And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.
If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.
And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.
Someone who is alone can easily be attacked and defeated by another person, but two people can help each other and ◄resist/defend themselves against► someone who attacks them. Three people can defend themselves even more easily, like a rope that is made from three cords is harder to break than a rope made from two cords.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 4:12
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 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִֽם
יִתְקְפ/וֹ֙
הָ/אֶחָ֔ד
הַ/שְּׁנַ֖יִם
יַעַמְד֣וּ
נֶגְדּ֑/וֹ
וְ/הַ/חוּט֙
הַֽ/מְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ
לֹ֥א
בִ/מְהֵרָ֖ה
יִנָּתֵֽק
וְ/אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
יִתְקְפ/וֹ֙
tâqaph
H8630
to prevail
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
הָ/אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
הַ/שְּׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Art | Adj
יַעַמְד֣וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
נֶגְדּ֑/וֹ
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Suff
וְ/הַ/חוּט֙
chûwṭ
H2339
thread
Conj | Art | N-ms
הַֽ/מְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ
shâlash
H8027
to do three
Art | V-Pual-Inf-c
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בִ/מְהֵרָ֖ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
haste
Prep | N-fs
יִנָּתֵֽק
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word 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 4:12
וְ/אִֽם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
יִתְקְפ/וֹ֙
tâqaph
H8630
"to prevail"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to overpower or overcome someone or something. It's used to describe a situation where one person or group gains control over another. In the Bible, it often describes military victories or struggles.
Definition: (Qal) to prevail over or against, overcome, overpower
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: prevail (against). See also: Job 14:20; Ecclesiastes 4:12; Ecclesiastes 6:10.
הָ/אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | 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.
הַ/שְּׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Art | 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.
יַעַמְד֣וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
נֶגְדּ֑/וֹ
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Suff
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
וְ/הַ/חוּט֙
chûwṭ
H2339
"thread"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A thread or string, also used as a measuring tape, mentioned in biblical descriptions of clothing and construction.
Definition: a thread, cord, line, string
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cord, fillet, line, thread. See also: Genesis 14:23; 1 Kings 7:15; Jeremiah 52:21.
הַֽ/מְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ
shâlash
H8027
"to do three"
Art | V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew verb means to do something three times or to divide something into three parts. It is used in the Bible to describe repeating an action or dividing things into thirds.
Definition: 1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts 1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts 1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). See also: Genesis 15:9; 1 Kings 18:34; Ezekiel 42:6.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בִ/מְהֵרָ֖ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
"haste"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for haste or speed, often used to describe doing something quickly. It appears in the Old Testament, such as when David acted hastily in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) haste, speed 1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb) 1b) in haste (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly. See also: Numbers 17:11; 2 Kings 1:11; Psalms 31:3.
יִנָּתֵֽק
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 4:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 4:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:12
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.
13Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning. 14For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 3:16–17 | Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. |
| 2 | Ephesians 4:3 | and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 23:9 | Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 23:23 | He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 23:18–19 | Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 23:16 | So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, |
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Summary
This verse, Ecclesiastes 4:12, teaches us that when we are facing challenges or pressures, it's better to have someone with us to help us resist or overcome them, like a friend or a family member, and it's even better to have God as the third strand in our relationships, because He gives us strength and protection, as it says in Psalm 28:7 that the Lord is our strength and shield. Having a strong support system, like a cord of three strands, can help us feel less alone and more able to handle the ups and downs of life, and it reminds us that we don't have to face our challenges alone, as it says in Hebrews 13:5-6 that God will never leave us or forsake us. By building strong relationships with others and prioritizing our relationship with God, we can experience the benefit of having a cord of three strands in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be overpowered in Ecclesiastes 4:12?
To be overpowered in this verse means to be defeated or overwhelmed by challenges or pressures, but as it says in Ecclesiastes 4:12, with two people, we can resist, similar to how the Bible teaches that two are better than one in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and having a strong support system like a cord of three strands can provide strength and protection, as seen in Matthew 18:20 where Jesus says that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is with them.
What is the significance of a cord of three strands in Ecclesiastes 4:12?
The cord of three strands represents a strong and stable bond, like a strong friendship or a solid marriage, that is not easily broken, similar to the unbreakable bond between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in Matthew 28:19, and it teaches us the value of having multiple people involved in our relationships and decision-making processes for added strength and support, as seen in Proverbs 11:14 where it says that in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
How can we apply the principle of two or more being better than one in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by building strong relationships with others, being part of a community, and seeking advice and support from others, as the Bible teaches in Proverbs 27:9 that the counsel of friends is sweet, and in Hebrews 10:24-25, it encourages believers to gather together and stir one another up to love and good works, and also by being mindful of the importance of having a strong support system in times of need, as seen in Galatians 6:2 where it says to bear one another's burdens.
What role does God play in the concept of a cord of three strands?
God is the invisible third strand that strengthens and binds relationships together, as it says in Matthew 18:20 that where two or three are gathered in Jesus' name, He is with them, and in Ecclesiastes 4:12, the cord of three strands is not quickly broken, implying a divine presence and protection, similar to the promise in Psalm 46:1 that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that you have experienced the benefit of having someone to resist or overcome challenges with, and how has that impacted your life?
- How can you build stronger relationships with others, and what steps can you take to be a good friend or companion to someone in need?
- What are some areas in your life where you feel overpowered or overwhelmed, and how can you seek help and support from others to resist or overcome those challenges?
- In what ways can you prioritize building a strong support system, like a cord of three strands, in your life, and what role can God play in that process?
- How can you apply the principle of two or more being better than one in your daily life, and what impact can that have on your relationships and your ability to resist or overcome challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him,.... If an enemy, or a thief, or a robber, attack anyone of them, in friendship and fellowship together, and is more than a match for him; both
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. If one prevail against him. One = the enemy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:12
Against him; against either of them. A threefold cord is not quickly broken; if a man have not only one, but two or more friends, he is so much the safer and the happier.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:12
Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Ver. 12. And if one prevail against him, &c.] Vis unita fortior. God bade Gideon to go down to the camp of the Midianites, and if he feared to go, then to take with him his servant Phurah. Jonathan will not go without his armourbearer - David without Abishai. Christ, when to begin his passion in the garden, took Peter, James, and John with him, for the benefit of their prayers and company, though they served him but sorrily. "My dove is but one." "Jerusalem is a city compact together." The Church is "terrible as an army with banners"; "the gates of hell cannot prevail against her." Unity hath victory, but division breeds dissolution, as it did once in this island when Caesar first entered it. Dum singuli pugnant universi vincuntur, saith Tacitus of the ancient Britons. The Turks pray daily that the differences among us Christians may be heightened, for that will soonest undo us, and one of their emperors, when his council dissuaded him from a war against the Germans, because of their multitude, said that he feared them not, because sooner would his fingers be all of one length than their princes all of one mind. And a threefold cord is not easily broken.] A proverbial confirmation well interpreted by Lyra: Quanto plures et boni in amicitia coniuncti sunt, tanto status eorum melioratur, - The more they are that unite, so they be good, the better it is with them. See 2 Samuel 10:9-12.
We lose much of our strength in the loss of friends; our cable is as it were untwisted. Hence David so bemoans the loss of Jonathan, and made him an epitaph. Hence St Paul counted it a special mercy to him that Epaphroditus recovered. Camer., Medit. Hist., cen. ii. cap. 23. Rich., Axiom. Polit., p. 86.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:12
12. if one prevail against him] Better, If a man overpowers him that is alone, yet two shall withstand. Another incident of travel is brought before us. The robber may lie in ambush. Against one his attack would be successful; the two friends defend each other and are saved. a threefold cord is not quickly broken] Perhaps no words in Ecclesiastes are better known than this as a proverbial expression for the strength of unity. It differs from the previous illustration in suggesting the thought of a friendship in which more than two persons are joined. “Threefold” is chosen as an epithet, partly as carrying on the thought from two to three, as in Proverbs 30:15; Proverbs 30:18; Proverbs 30:21, from three to four, partly because “three” was for the Israelite the typical number for completeness, probably also because the rope of three strands was the strongest cord in use. The proverbial form has naturally led to manifold application of the maxim, and the devout imagination of the interpreters has seen in it a reference to the doctrine of the Three Persons in the unity of the Godhead, to the union of Faith, Hope and Charity in the Christian life, and so on. These, it need scarcely be said, lie altogether outside the range of the thoughts of the Debater.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:12
12. And if one prevail — “One” is here the object of the verb, and it should read, “If an assailant prevail against one man, two can resist him.” A threefold cord is a lively emblem of a close alliance.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 4 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the reality of hell as depicted in the Bible, emphasizing the urgent need for America to heed the voices from hell that testify to its existence. It challen |
|
But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from |
|
I Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence, sovereignty, and love. He encourages the audience to have a quiet heart and not rush after thei |
|
(Mount Vernon) Daniel by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The s |
|
Guarding the Sheep by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker identifies himself as a watchman called by God to warn the Church of Jesus Christ. He expresses his concern about the prosperity gospel and the false te |
|
Daniel, a Role Model by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution. He references the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego f |
|
2) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 3 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that God sometimes chooses to deliver his people from dif |