Ecclesiastes 4:12 cpdv — And if a man can prevail against one, two may withstand him, and a threefold cord is broken with difficulty.

Catholic Public Domain Version

"And if a man can prevail against one, two may withstand him, and a threefold cord is broken with difficulty. "

— Ecclesiastes 4:12, Catholic Public Domain Version

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Ecclesiastes 4:12 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 4 — Context

9

Therefore, it is better for two to be together, than for one to be alone. For they have the advantage of their companionship.

10

If one falls, he shall be supported by the other. Woe to one who is alone. For when he falls, he has no one to lift him up.

11

And if two are sleeping, they warm one another. How can one person alone be warmed?

12

And if a man can prevail against one, two may withstand him, and a threefold cord is broken with difficulty.

13

Better is a boy, poor and wise, than a king, old and foolish, who does not know to look ahead for the sake of posterity.

14

For sometimes, one goes forth from prison and chains, to a kingdom, while another, born to kingly power, is consumed by need.

15

I saw all the living who are walking under the sun, and I saw the next generation, who shall rise up in their places.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 4:12 say?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “And if a man can prevail against one, two may withstand him, and a threefold cord is broken with difficulty. ”
Where is Ecclesiastes 4:12 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verse 12.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 4:12.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 4:12 in?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 4:12?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reads (CPDV): “And if a man can prevail against one, two may withstand him, and a threefold cord is broken with difficulty. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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