Ecclesiastes 4:8-16

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. "So who am I struggling for," [he asks,] "and depriving myself from good?" This too is futile and a miserable task.^[b]

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?

12 And if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

13 Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.

14 For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun follow^[c] a second youth who succeeds him.

16 There is no limit to all the people who were before them, yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

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Ecclesiastes 4:8-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 4

In this chapter the wise man reassumes the consideration of the case of the abuse of power, to show that there is no happiness in this world, in grandeur and authority enjoyed; since, as he had observed before, on the one hand, the oppressor shall be judged and condemned at the great day of account; so, on the other hand, the oppressed have their lives made so uncomfortable, that the dead are preferred unto them, and unborn persons to them both, Ec 4:1-3; Another vanity he observes, that whereas men expect to be happy by their diligence and industry, this brings upon them the envy of others, Ec 4:4; hence some, on the other hand, place their happiness in sloth and ease, which is another vanity, Ec 4:5,6; and others again in covetousness; who are described by their unsocial life, toilsome labour, unsatisfied desires, and withholding good things from themselves, Ec 4:7,8; upon which some things are said, to show the benefits of a social life, Ec 4:9-12. And the chapter is concluded with exposing the vanity of the highest instance of worldly power and grandeur, royal dignity, through the folly of a king; the effects of which are mentioned, Ec 4:13,14; and through the fickleness of the people, who are soon weary of a prince on the throne, and court his successor, Ec 4:15,16.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Footnotes 3

[a]. Lit person, but there is not a second,
[b]. Ec 1:13
[c]. Lit with

Ecclesiastes 4:8-16

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Ecclesiastes 4:8-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 4

Footnotes 3