Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. New Living Translation A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. English Standard Version And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Berean Standard Bible And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. King James Bible And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. New King James Version Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. New American Standard Bible And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. NASB 1995 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. NASB 1977 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Legacy Standard Bible And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can stand against him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Amplified Bible And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Christian Standard Bible And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Holman Christian Standard Bible And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. American Standard Version And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and 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." English Revised Version And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. GOD'S WORD® Translation Though one person may be overpowered by another, two people can resist one opponent. A triple-braided rope is not easily broken. 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. International Standard Version If someone attacks one of them, the two of them together will resist. Furthermore, the tri-braided cord is not soon broken. NET Bible Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken. New Heart English Bible If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Webster's Bible Translation And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. World English Bible If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd if the one strengthens himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not quickly broken. Young's Literal Translation And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken. Smith's Literal Translation And if one shall become strong against him, two shall stand before him; and a three-fold thread shall not be quickly broken. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken. Catholic Public Domain Version And if a man can prevail against one, two may withstand him, and a threefold cord is broken with difficulty. New American Bible Where one alone may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken. New Revised Standard Version And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if one is too strong for him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if one will prevail, two of them will stand against him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if one should prevail against him, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Evil of Oppression…11Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? 12And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Cross References Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. John 17:21-23 that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. / I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— / I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me. Ephesians 4:3 and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. Romans 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, / so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Genesis 2:18 The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” 1 Samuel 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, 2 Samuel 10:11-12 “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. / Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. Treasury of Scripture And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. and if 2 Samuel 23:9,16,18,19,23 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: … Daniel 3:16,17 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter… Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Jump to Previous Alone Apart Attacked Broken Cord Cords Defend Hastily Overpower Overpowered Prevail Prevaileth Prevails Quickly Resist Safe Stand Strands Strengthen Themselves Three Together Torn Twisted WithstandJump to Next Alone Apart Attacked Broken Cord Cords Defend Hastily Overpower Overpowered Prevail Prevaileth Prevails Quickly Resist Safe Stand Strands Strengthen Themselves Three Together Torn Twisted WithstandEcclesiastes 4 1. vanity is increased unto men by oppression4. by envy 5. by idleness 7. by covetousness 9. by solitariness 13. by willfulness And though one may be overpowered This phrase highlights the vulnerability of an individual when facing challenges or adversaries. In the ancient Near Eastern context, traveling alone was perilous due to the threat of bandits and wild animals. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support, as seen in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This reflects the broader biblical theme of the strength found in companionship and the dangers of isolation. two can resist Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible. 2. Ancient Israel - The cultural and historical context of Ecclesiastes is ancient Israel, where community and family ties were crucial for survival and prosperity. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth) - The speaker in Ecclesiastes, often identified as Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. Teaching Points The Strength of UnityThe verse underscores the power of unity and collaboration. In life, challenges are inevitable, but facing them with others provides strength and resilience. The Importance of Relationships Relationships are vital for spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Investing in meaningful relationships can provide support and encouragement. The Role of God in Relationships The "cord of three strands" can symbolize the inclusion of God in relationships, suggesting that when God is part of our relationships, they are stronger and more enduring. Practical Application in Community Involvement in a church or community group can provide the support and accountability needed to grow in faith and face life's challenges. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4What is the nature of the spirit world? What does the Bible say about Christian unity? Malachi 2:14 – If God is a witness to marriage, why do so many believers experience divorce despite this warning? What does "Resist the devil, and he will flee" mean?Verse 12. - The third instance shows the value of the protection afforded by a companion's presence when danger threatens. If one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; better, if a man overpower the solitary one, the two (ver. 9) will withstand him. The idea of the traveler is continued. If he were attacked by robbers, he would be easily overpowered when alone; but two comrades might successfully resist the assault. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. This is probably a proverbial saying, like our "Union is strength." Hereby the advantage of association is more strongly enforced. If the companionship of two is profitable, much more is this the case when more combine. The cord of three strands was the strongest made. The number three is used as the symbol of completeness and perfection. Funiculus triplex diffcile rumpitur, the Vulgate rendering, has become a trite saying; and the gnome has been constantly applied in a mystical or spiritual sense, with which, originally and humanly speaking, it has no concern. Herein is seen an adumbration of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the Eternal Three in One; of the three Christian virtues, faith, hope, and charity, which go to make the Christian life; of the Christian's body, soul, and spirit, which are consecrated as a temple of the Most High. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And thoughוְאִֽם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not one הָאֶחָ֔ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first may be overpowered, יִתְקְפוֹ֙ (yiṯ·qə·p̄ōw) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 8630: To prevail over, overpower two הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם (haš·šə·na·yim) Article | Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) can resist. יַעַמְד֣וּ (ya·‘am·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations Moreover, a cord וְהַחוּט֙ (wə·ha·ḥūṭ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2339: A string, a measuring tape of three הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ (ham·šul·lāš) Article | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8027: To do a third time, divide into three parts strands is not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no quickly בִמְהֵרָ֖ה (ḇim·hê·rāh) Preposition-b | Adverb Strong's 4120: A hurry, promptly broken. יִנָּתֵֽק׃ (yin·nā·ṯêq) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5423: To pull, draw, or tear away, apart, or off Links Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIVEcclesiastes 4:12 NLT Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV Ecclesiastes 4:12 NASB Ecclesiastes 4:12 KJV Ecclesiastes 4:12 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 4:12 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 4:12 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 4:12 French Bible Ecclesiastes 4:12 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:12 If a man prevails against one who (Ecclesiast. 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