Amplified Bible
Ecclesiastes 4:10
10for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)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.
- New International Version (NIV)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.
- English Standard Version (ESV)For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
- New King James Version (NKJV)For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.
Context of Ecclesiastes 4:10
8There was a certain man—without a dependent, having neither a child nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, “For whom do I labor and deprive myself of pleasure?” This too is vanity (a wisp of smoke, self-conceit); yes, it is a painful effort and an unhappy task. 9Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up. 11Again, if two lie down together, then they keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? 12And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 4Ecclesiastes 4:10 word by word
כִּ֣י אִם־יִפֹּ֔לוּ הָאֶחָ֖ד יָקִ֣ים אֶת־חֲבֵר֑וֹ וְאִ֣יל֗וֹ הָֽאֶחָד֙ שֶׁיִּפּ֔וֹל וְאֵ֥ין שֵׁנִ֖י לַהֲקִימֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Exodus 32:2So Aaron replied to them, “Take off the gold rings that are in the ears of your wives, your sons and daughters, and bring them to me.”
- Deuteronomy 9:19For I was afraid of the anger and absolute fury which the Lord held against you, [enough divine fury] to destroy you, but the Lord listened to me that time also.
- 1 Samuel 23:16And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went [into the woods] to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God.
- 2 Samuel 11:27And when the time of mourning was past, David sent word and had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done [with Bathsheba] was evil in the sight of the Lord.
- 2 Samuel 12:7Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you as king over Israel, and I spared you from the hand of Saul.
- Job 4:3Behold, you have admonished and instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands.
- Isaiah 35:3Encourage the exhausted, and make staggering knees firm.
- Luke 22:31“Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has demanded permission to sift [all of] you like grain;
- Galatians 2:11Now when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him face to face [about his conduct there], because he stood condemned [by his own actions].
- Galatians 6:1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:18Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died].
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.
- Genesis 4:8Cain talked with Abel his brother [about what God had said]. And when they were [alone, working] in the field, Cain attacked Abel his brother and killed him.
- 2 Samuel 14:6Your maidservant had two sons, but the two of them struggled and fought in the field. There was no one to separate them, so one struck the other and killed him.
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 7-12Verses 7-12 The spectacle of a prosperous man whose condition is rendered vain by his brotherless, childless isolation. Ecclesiastes 4:8 A second - Any one associated or connected with him. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Compare a saying from the Talmud: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.”Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 9-12Verses 9-12 Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his praises. Then let us improve our opportunities of Christian fellowship…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 9-12Two are better than one: The solitary man (Ecclesiastes 4:8) reminds us of the benefits of partnerships in business and personal life.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1010. if they fall--if the one or other fall, as may happen to both, namely, into any distress of body, mind, or soul.Read the comment
Topics related to Ecclesiastes 4:10
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 4
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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