Ecclesiastes 4 12

Ecclesiastes 4:12 kjv

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 nkjv

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 niv

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 esv

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him ? a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 nlt

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.

Ecclesiastes 4 verses

Ecclesiastes 4 12 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 4:12 teaches the profound strength and security found in unity and companionship. It emphasizes that while a solitary person is vulnerable to adversity, two can effectively defend each other. The proverb of the "threefold cord" extends this principle, illustrating that a group of three (or more) provides a bond of resilience that is remarkably difficult to break, far surpassing the strength of individual components or even two intertwined strands. It highlights the power of mutual support, protection, and endurance found in solidarity.

Ecclesiastes 4 12 Context

Ecclesiastes 4:12 stands as the climax of a short discourse on the benefits of companionship, beginning in verse 9. The Preacher (Kohelet), having observed the toil, loneliness, and futility inherent in solitary endeavors "under the sun," pivots to praise the advantages of working and living together. Verses 9-11 enumerate these benefits: a better return for labor, mutual assistance when one falls, and shared warmth. Verse 12 then extends this practicality to matters of defense and resilience, culminating in the memorable imagery of the threefold cord. The historical and cultural context underscores the importance of communal living, familial ties, and tribal loyalty in ancient Israel, where an isolated individual was often vulnerable to both social and physical dangers. This proverb thus functions as practical wisdom against isolation, emphasizing community as a vital aspect of a flourishing life, offering both security and increased productivity.

Ecclesiastes 4 12 Word analysis

• And if one prevail against him: The Hebrew term for "prevail" (יִתְקְפוֹ, yitqᵉfô) implies an attack or overcoming with strength. This highlights the vulnerability of the isolated individual to external forces, whether human opposition, misfortune, or despair.

• two shall withstand him: The word for "withstand" (יַעַמְדוּ, yaʿamdu) suggests standing firm, resisting, or holding their ground. It conveys active opposition and successful defense against the prevailing force, illustrating the power of solidarity in overcoming adversity.

• and a threefold cord: The phrase is "הַחוּט הַמְשֻׁלָּשׁ" (ha-ḥūṭ ha-měshullāš), literally "the cord, the triple one."

  • חוּט (ḥūṭ): Refers to a thread, string, or cord. It denotes something linear used for binding or strengthening.
  • מְשֻׁלָּשׁ (měshullāš): Means "three-part" or "threefold." It signifies being divided or braided into three parts, indicating a construction that exponentially increases strength. This is not just three separate strands but three interwoven strands.

• is not quickly broken: The Hebrew phrase לֹא בִמְהֵרָה יִנָּתֵק (lōʾ bimhērāh yinnātēq) means "not quickly/hastily broken/severed." The word "quickly" (בִמְהֵרָה, bimhērāh) implies that while it can be broken given enough force or time, its inherent construction makes it far more durable and resistant to sudden failure compared to one or two strands. It speaks of inherent robustness.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him": This contrasts individual vulnerability with the combined strength of a pair. It signifies mutual aid in facing conflict, temptation, or hardship. This highlights a principle of practical self-preservation and support.
  • "a threefold cord is not quickly broken": This well-known proverb is the core imagery. It is a powerful metaphor for compounded strength derived from multiple interwoven components. It implies a synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Beyond simple addition, three interlocked strands provide geometric rather than linear increase in strength, signifying resilience, stability, and difficulty in disruption. This can refer to human relationships (friends, family, marriage), but also spiritually to groups with God as the third party, or any endeavor supported by multiple reinforcing elements.

Ecclesiastes 4 12 Bonus section

The "threefold cord" imagery has resonated deeply throughout Christian tradition. While not explicitly stating that God is the third strand, this has become a widely accepted and fitting theological application, especially in marriage and Christian fellowship, based on verses like Matt 18:20 where Christ is present among two or three gathered in His name. The Preacher's wisdom, being a practical observation, nonetheless aligns perfectly with biblical principles of fellowship (κοινωνία, koinōnia) and unity (e.g., in the Body of Christ). It subtly contrasts with the futile individualism described elsewhere in Ecclesiastes, offering community as a practical counter to despair. This verse transcends mere functional benefit, hinting at the communal nature of humanity as created in the image of the Trinitarian God, reflecting a relational aspect inherent in the divine. The strength of three is not just additive, but synergistic, symbolizing the unique power of interdependent relationships empowered by a greater bond.

Ecclesiastes 4 12 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 4:12 encapsulates a profound wisdom principle about the indispensable value of community and interdependence. Building on the preceding verses that commend partnership for shared labor and mutual comfort, this verse extends the argument to encompass protection and enduring strength. The initial comparison vividly illustrates how easily an isolated individual can be overwhelmed by opposition or misfortune. The presence of just one companion, however, dramatically shifts the dynamic from certain defeat to hopeful resistance.

The culminating image of the "threefold cord" is rich in practical and spiritual implications. Industrially, a braided cord is significantly stronger than its individual strands or even two intertwined. This physical reality becomes a metaphor for human relationships. It suggests that while two people are better than one, the addition of a third person—or perhaps a third, vital element like God, shared purpose, or divine wisdom—transforms the relationship into something incredibly robust and resilient against the challenges of life. This cord represents not mere proximity, but interwoven connection, where each part supports and strengthens the others, making the whole extraordinarily difficult to disrupt or destroy. The "not quickly broken" clause acknowledges that no human bond is entirely invincible, yet emphasizes its superior durability. This proverb therefore champions collaborative endeavors, enduring friendships, resilient marriages (where Christ can be the third strand), and the strength of the community of faith, affirming that true security and flourishing are often found not in self-reliance, but in purposeful, Spirit-woven relationships.

Examples:

• Marriage: Two individuals joined in marriage, with God as the foundational third strand, forming an unbreakable union (as often interpreted biblically).
• Small Groups: Believers gathering in threes or more for prayer, study, and accountability, providing spiritual and emotional reinforcement against life's pressures.
• Business Partnerships: Three ethical partners with complementary skills and shared values creating a more stable and resilient enterprise than individual ventures.