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Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 4
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Ecclesiastes 4
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Ecclesiastes 4:12
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12
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
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Ecclesiastes 4:13
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Ecclesiastes 4:12 in Other Translations
KJV
12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
ESV
12
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
NLT
12
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
MSG
12
By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.
CSB
12
And if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 In-Context
10
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
11
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
13
Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.
14
The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom.
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Why Is a Cord of Three Strands Not Easily Broken?
Clarence L. Haynes Jr.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.