Ecclesiastes 4 14

Ecclesiastes 4:14 kjv

For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

Ecclesiastes 4:14 nkjv

For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 4:14 niv

The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 4:14 esv

For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.

Ecclesiastes 4:14 nlt

Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison.

Ecclesiastes 4 verses

Ecclesiastes 4 14 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 4:14 presents a stark and intriguing observation about the unpredictable nature of power and human fortune. It describes a situation where an individual, originating from the most humble or constrained circumstances—symbolized by "out of prison" and "born poor"—rises surprisingly to positions of leadership and authority. This rise stands in contrast to existing power structures, often represented by the "old and foolish king" mentioned in the preceding verse (Ecclesiastes 4:13). The verse highlights that wisdom and the unexpected favor of providence, rather than lineage, age, or established status, can lead to exaltation and the surprising overthrow of the complacent. It underlines the ephemeral and transient nature of earthly renown and power "under the sun."

Ecclesiastes 4 14 Context

Ecclesiastes 4:14 falls within a larger section of Kohelet's (the Preacher's) observations on the "vanity" or "meaninglessness" of various human endeavors and societal conditions "under the sun." Prior to this verse, Kohelet laments oppression (Ecc 4:1-3), describes the futility of work driven by envy (Ecc 4:4-6), and the isolation of solitary labor (Ecc 4:7-12). Verses 13-16 then present a contrast: "Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice" (Ecc 4:13). Verse 14 is part of this parable or generalized illustration, describing how this "poor and wise youth" rises to power, emphasizing the dramatic and unexpected nature of his ascension. It continues Kohelet's theme that even success and power are ultimately transient and cannot fully satisfy or overcome the inherent difficulties of life. It’s a pragmatic observation on political and social dynamics, rather than a moral imperative, highlighting life’s unpredictable turns.

Word Analysis

• For (כִּי, kî): This conjunction links verse 14 to verse 13, explaining or further elaborating on the rise of the "poor and wise youth." It serves to provide a rationale or illustrative example for the previous statement.
• out of prison (מִבֵּית הָאֲסִירִים, mi-beit ha-asîrîm): Literally "from the house of prisoners." This signifies a state of extreme lowliness, confinement, oppression, or obscurity. It symbolizes the most abject origins, a life devoid of privilege or opportunity, perhaps even suffering injustice. Its significance is to highlight the dramatic, almost miraculous, nature of the youth's rise, emphasizing that the ascent occurs despite the most formidable obstacles and unpromising beginnings.
• he comes to reign (יֵצֵא... לִמְלֹךְ, yêtse... limlōk): "He comes forth... to rule/to be king." This phrase powerfully conveys an ascent to royal authority and supreme power. The verb "to come forth" implies a dramatic emergence, not a gradual transition. The term limlōk (to reign, to be king) is the direct, unequivocal verb for holding sovereign power, highlighting the culmination of this incredible reversal.
• though (כִּי גַּם, kî gam): This conjunction functions adversatively here, meaning "even though" or "although." It introduces a contrasting clause, emphasizing that the circumstances of his birth do not preclude his ascension to power, making the achievement even more remarkable.
• he was born poor (נוֹלַד רָשׁ, nōlad rāsh): nōlad means "was born," and rāsh means "poor," "needy," or "indigent." This explicitly states his humble, non-privileged origins. It contrasts sharply with an old king who presumably inherited or gained power through conventional means. It reinforces the theme that inherent status or wealth are not prerequisites for ruling, challenging traditional assumptions of ancient monarchies.
• in his kingdom (בְּמַלְכוּתוֹ, b'malḵûthō): This phrase is somewhat ambiguous. It can mean "in the kingdom [he will now rule]" or "in his [the old king's] kingdom." The more widely accepted interpretation leans towards the latter, emphasizing that the youth's humble birth occurred within the very realm where the foolish king was in power. This makes the reversal a phenomenon internal to the political landscape, underscoring the shift of power within the same system, rather than an external conquest. It further amplifies the surprise element of his rise, as it occurs within the established order, overturning it from within.

Ecclesiastes 4 14 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 4:14 serves as a poignant illustration within Kohelet's grand survey of life's "vanity." It's not a prescription for action but an astute observation of human experience: success and power are neither permanent nor necessarily obtained through conventional means. The "poor and wise youth" rising from "prison" to kingship epitomizes unexpected reversals of fortune. This dramatic elevation challenges the perceived security of those in power, suggesting that the most disadvantaged can become rulers, while established kings can lose their relevance. This speaks to the unpredictable nature of human affairs, reminding us that wisdom and opportunity (perhaps divinely ordained) can unexpectedly reshape destinies, regardless of one's initial status. It reinforces the notion that true worth or capacity is not bound by outward circumstances, and that the "kingdom" "under the sun" is perpetually in flux, rendering long-term ambition and established power inherently uncertain and, thus, vain in the grand scheme.

Bonus SectionThe identity of the "poor and wise youth" and the "old and foolish king" is intentionally left unspecific, making the observation a universal proverb rather than a historical account. This broad applicability allows the text to resonate across different times and cultures, reflecting a perennial truth about the transient nature of power and human glory. The focus is not on the ethical merit of revolution or social climbing, but on the simple, observable reality that even the lowest can rise and the highest can fall. It aligns with the wider theme in Ecclesiastes that much of life "under the sun" defies human control or logical predictability, pushing one toward reliance on God's sovereignty even amid such uncertainties.