Ecclesiastes 4:2 web — Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

World English Bible

"Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive."

— Ecclesiastes 4:2, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 4:2 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 4 — Context

1

Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

2

Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

3

Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

4

Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

5

The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

Ecclesiastes 4:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 4:2 say?
Ecclesiastes 4:2 in the World English Bible reads: “Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 4:2 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 4:2 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verse 2.
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 4:2.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 4:2 in?
Ecclesiastes 4:2 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 4:2?
Ecclesiastes 4:2 reads (WEB): “Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2