Ecclesiastes 4 9

Ecclesiastes 4:9 kjv

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 nkjv

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 niv

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

Ecclesiastes 4:9 esv

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 nlt

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

Ecclesiastes 4 verses

Ecclesiastes 4 9 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 4:9 asserts the profound advantage of companionship over solitude. It declares that two individuals are inherently superior in efficacy and outcome than one, specifically because their combined efforts yield a "good reward" or a greater benefit for their shared labor. This verse highlights the practical wisdom of collaboration, mutual support, and shared burden-bearing as a counter to the often solitary and difficult toil observed throughout life, leading to more desirable and fruitful results.

Ecclesiastes 4 9 Context

Ecclesiastes, attributed to "Qoheleth" (the Preacher), explores the futility and enigmatic nature of life "under the sun" – life perceived purely from a human, earthly perspective. Chapter 4 specifically observes various forms of oppression, injustice, and toil that dominate human existence, leading to the conclusion that isolation often exacerbates misery. The Preacher reflects on the loneliness of laboring individuals, envy, and the transient nature of power. Amidst these observations of the world's vanity and brokenness, Ecclesiastes 4:9 emerges as a striking moment of practical wisdom, highlighting a tangible and accessible antidote to some of life's hardships: the value of human companionship and mutual effort. It pivots from cynicism to a pragmatic affirmation of the benefits of togetherness, especially in the context of work and navigating life's challenges.

Ecclesiastes 4 9 Word analysis

• Two (שְׁנַיִם, shnayim): This Hebrew word refers to the number two, signifying a pair or duo. It is foundational to the verse's meaning, emphasizing partnership over singularity. In biblical thought, two often represent corroboration, sufficiency, and partnership, as seen in pairs of witnesses or animals in the ark. It implicitly teaches that companionship is an effective number, not necessarily exclusively two people, but two or more working together versus only one.
• are better (טוֹב, tov): Tov means good, pleasant, advantageous, beneficial, or superior. It's a fundamental word in the Hebrew Bible often associated with God's creative work (Gen 1:31: "very good"). Here, it serves as a direct antithesis to "hebel" (vanity/futility), a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes. This suggests that while much "under the sun" is "hebel," genuine human connection yields something genuinely "good."
• than one (מֵאֶחָד, me'echad): Literally "from one" or "more than one." This contrasts companionship directly with solitary existence. The single individual, without support or collaboration, is depicted as being at a disadvantage in life's struggles.
• because (כִּי, ki): This conjunction introduces the reason or justification for the preceding statement, providing the practical basis for the superiority of two over one.
• they have (לָהֶם, lahem): A possessive pronoun indicating that the benefit directly accrues to the partnering individuals. The "reward" is for them, the ones working together.
• a good (טוֹב, tov): Reiteration of "good," underscoring the positive quality of the outcome. It's not just any reward, but a good reward, suggesting satisfaction and real benefit.
• reward (שָׂכָר, sakar): Refers to wages, payment, recompense, or gain from labor. This is a practical term, fitting with the earthly, observable focus of Ecclesiastes. It's about tangible benefits derived from cooperative effort, whether material, emotional, or social.
• for their toil (בַּעֲמָלָם, ba'amalam): Amal refers to painful, wearisome labor, trouble, or effort. This is another key term in Ecclesiastes, often associated with the futility of human striving. The verse argues that even burdensome toil can yield "good reward" if undertaken jointly, transforming the experience of effort.

Words-group analysis

• "Two are better than one": This opening phrase is the core assertion of the verse, immediately setting up a pragmatic principle about the efficacy of collaboration. It's a statement of practical wisdom that applies broadly to human endeavors.
• "because they have a good reward for their toil": This second part provides the crucial justification and explanation. It clarifies why companionship is superior: it leads to more profitable, efficient, or enduring outcomes for the shared effort, particularly in the face of arduous work (toil). The "good reward" makes the effort worthwhile and transcends the inherent futility sometimes associated with amal in Qoheleth's broader reflections.

Ecclesiastes 4 9 Bonus section

This verse subtly challenges any prevailing ancient thought that solely glorified individual achievement or accumulated personal wealth as the ultimate markers of success. Instead, Qoheleth elevates the value of interdependent relationships and collective action. While the immediate context focuses on pragmatic, observable benefits in this life, the principle resonates throughout scripture: God often chooses to work through community (e.g., the church, the early apostles sent out in pairs). The number "two" is not rigidly exclusive; it represents the dynamic of mutual support found in any group greater than one, implying shared responsibility, diversified skills, and a doubled capacity to endure hardship and enjoy success. The "reward" implies not just monetary gain but also safety, emotional support, and the sheer joy of shared experience.

Ecclesiastes 4 9 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 4:9 cuts through the often bleak observations of Qoheleth by offering a clear, tangible pathway to improving life "under the sun." While much in life is vanity and striving after wind, companionship emerges as a profound exception, yielding genuine "good." The verse teaches that human beings are not meant for solitary existence, but flourish and become more productive in partnership. This "good reward" is not limited to monetary gain; it encompasses a broader sense of achievement, safety, and mutual encouragement that single individuals often miss. It counteracts the isolated toil of a greedy man (Ecc 4:8) and directly sets the stage for the specific benefits illustrated in the subsequent verses (mutual help in falling, warmth, and protection against assault). It suggests that true wealth can be found not just in accumulated possessions, but in rich and reliable relationships.For example, a shared project at work yields better results, a journey undertaken with a friend is safer and more enjoyable, and shared burdens lighten the load, demonstrating a more significant return on effort.