Ecclesiastes 4:14
12 And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
13 Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.
For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.
15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed this second one, the youth who succeeded the king.
16 There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.
- KJV
- For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
- WEB
- For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.
- ASV
- For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.
- DARBY
- For out of the prison-house he came forth to reign, although he was born poor in his kingdom.
- BLB
- For from the house of bondage he came to be king, for even in his kingdom he was born poor.
- ÅB
- for fra fengslet kommer den ene ut og blir konge[^1]; den andre blir fattig, enda han er født i sitt kongedømme.
- OTB
- For han kan ha kommet fra fengsel for å bli konge, selv om han ble født fattig i sitt rike.
- B1930
- for fra fengslet kommer den ene ut og blir konge; den andre blir fattig, enda han er født i sitt kongedømme. / < som Josef; 1MO 41, 41 fg.>
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Psalms 113:7–8
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump
Read in contextGenesis 41:14
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.
Read in contextJob 5:11
He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.
Read in contextLamentations 4:20
The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”
Read in contextGenesis 41:33–44
Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.
Read in contextDaniel 4:31
While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you.
Read in context2 Kings 25:7
And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.
Read in context2 Kings 24:6
And Jehoiakim rested with his fathers, and his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place.
Read in context