Ecclesiastes 4:10
8 There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.
For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?
12 And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
- 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.
- WEB
- For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.
- ASV
- For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.
- DARBY
- For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and who hath not another to lift him up!
- BLB
- for if they fall, the one raises up his companion—and woe to him, the one who falls, and there is not a second to raise him up!
- ÅB
- om de faller, kan den ene reise sin stallbror opp; men stakkars den som er alene, for faller han, har han ingen til å reise seg opp!
- OTB
- Hvis en faller, kan den andre løfte ham opp. Men stakkars den som faller og ikke har noen til å hjelpe seg opp.
- B1930
- om de faller, kan den ene reise sin stallbror op; men stakkars den som er alene, for faller han, har han ingen til å reise sig op!
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Read in context1 Thessalonians 4:18
Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Read in contextGalatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Read in contextIsaiah 35:3–4
Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
Read in contextJob 4:3–4
Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.
Read in context1 Samuel 23:16
And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,
Read in contextLuke 22:31–32
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.
Read in context