Bible Commentary

[There is] no end of all the people, [even] of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit. 16. There is no end of all the people ] The words continue the picture of the crowds who follow … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:16”

I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. 15. with the second child that shall stand up in his stead ] If we take the word “second” in its natural meaning, the clause may point either to the wise young ruler of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:15”

For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also [he that is] born in his kingdom becometh poor. 14. For out of prison he cometh to reign ] The pronouns are ambiguous in the Hebrew as in English, and the clauses have consequently been taken in very different ways, as referring to one and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:14”

Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. 13. Better is a poor and a wise child ] Better, young man. The words are general enough but the ingenuity of commentators has sought for examples in history, which the writer, according to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:13”

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 12. if one prevail against him ] Better, If a man overpowers him that is alone, yet two shall withstand. Another incident of travel is brought before us. The robber may lie in ambush. Against one his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12”

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]? 11. if two lie together ] Here again the experience of travel comes before us. Sleeping on a cold and stormy night, under the same coverlet, or in Eastern houses, with their unglazed windows and many draughts, two friends … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:11”

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up. They; one of them, the plural being put for the singular, as Jon 1:5; Mat 21:7; 1Ti 2:15. Or both of them successively. Fall, in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:10”

Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. 9. Two are better than one ] The strain of moralising which follows indicates at least the revived capacity for a better feeling. As the Debater had turned from the restless strivings of the seeker after wealth to the simple enjoyment … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:9”

There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:8”

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. The spectacle of a prosperous man whose condition is rendered vain by his brotherless, childless isolation. Ecc 4:8 A second – Any one associated or connected with him. Ecc 4:9-12 Compare a saying from the Talmud: A man without companions is like the left hand … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:7”