Ecclesiastes 4:12 Parallel Translations

Though one person may be overpowered by another, two people can resist one opponent. A triple-braided rope is not easily broken.(GOD'S WORD®)

KJV:

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

ASV:

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

BBE:

And two attacked by one would be safe, and three cords twisted together are not quickly broken.

DBY:

And if a man overpower the one, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

ERV:

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

JPS:

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

WBS:

And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.

WEB:

If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

YLT:

And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Cross References

XREF:

Ecclesiastes 4:11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?

Ecclesiastes 4:13 A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. (NASB ©1995)

Commentaries and Concordances

GSB:

4:12 And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold {g} cord is not quickly broken.
(g) By this proverb he declares how necessary it is, that men should live in society.

WES:

4:12 Prevail - Against either of them.

MHC:

4:9-12 Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his praises. Then let us improve our opportunities of Christian fellowship. In these things all is not vanity, though there will be some alloy as long as we are under the sun. Where two are closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord.

CONC:

Alone Apart Attacked Broken Cord Cords Defend Hastily Overpower Overpowered Prevail Prevaileth Prevails Quickly Resist Safe Stand Strands Strengthen Themselves Though Threefold Three-fold Torn Twisted Withstand

Alone Apart Attacked Broken Cord Cords Defend Hastily Overpower Overpowered Prevail Prevaileth Prevails Quickly Resist Safe Stand Strands Strengthen Themselves Three Together Torn Twisted Withstand

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GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.

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