Ecclesiastes 4:12
Good News Translation
Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.

New Revised Standard Version
And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Contemporary English Version
Someone might be able to beat up one of you, but not both of you. As the saying goes, "A rope made from three strands of cord is hard to break."

New American Bible
Where one alone may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.

and if

2 Samuel 23:9,16,18,19,23 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three valiant men that were with David when they defied the Philistines, and they were there gathered together to battle. . . .

Daniel 3:16,17 Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago, answered, and said to king Nabuchodonosor: We have no occasion to answer thee concerning this matter. . . .

Ephesians 4:3 Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Context
The Evil of Oppression
11And if two lie together, they shall warm one another: how shall one alone be warmed? 12And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 4:11
And if two lie together, they shall warm one another: how shall one alone be warmed?

Ecclesiastes 4:13
Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter.

Ecclesiastes 4:11
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