Ecclesiastes 4:11-12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Here Solomon fastens upon another instance of the vanity of this world, that frequently the more men have of it the more they would have; and on this they are so intent that they have no enjoyment of what they have. Now Solomon here shows, I. That selfishness is the cause of this evil (Eccl. 4:7, 8): There is one alone, that minds none but himself, cares for nobody, but would, if he could, be placed alone in the midst of the earth; there is not a second, nor does he desire there should be: one... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:11

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat ,.... The Targum adds, in the winter; when it is a cold season, they warm one another by lying together. The Targum interprets it of a man and his wife; it is true of others; see 1 Kings 1:1 ; but how can one be warm alone ? not soon, nor easily, in time of cold weather. This is true in a spiritual sense of persons in a Christian communion and religious society; when they are grown cold in their love, lukewarm in their affections, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:12

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him ,.... If an enemy, or a thief, or a robber, attack anyone of them, in friendship and fellowship together, and is more than a match for him; both joined together will be able to resist him; so that he shall not succeed in his enterprise, and do the mischief he designed; see 2 Samuel 10:11 ; Thus, when Satan attacks a single believer, which he chooses to do when alone; so he tempted Eve in the garden, and Christ in the wilderness; and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

Section 5. Koheleth proceeds to give further illustrations of man ' s inability to be the architect of his own happiness . There are many things which interrupt or destroy it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Thirdly, avarice causes isolation and a sense of insecurity, and brings no satisfaction. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:11

The first example of the advantage of companionship spoke of the aid and support that are thus given; the present verse tells of the comfort thus brought. If two lie together, then they have heat. The winter nights in Palestine are comparatively cold, and when, as in the case of the poorer inhabitants, the outer garment worn by day was used as the only blanket during sleep ( Exodus 22:26 , Exodus 22:27 ), it was a comfort to have the additional warmth of a friend lying under the same... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:12

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 ( Ecclesiastes 4:9 ) 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... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

The spectacle of a prosperous man whose condition is rendered vain by his brotherless, childless isolation.Ecclesiastes 4:8A second - Any one associated or connected with him.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Compare a saying from the Talmud: “A man without companions is like the left hand without the right.” read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 . For, if they fall If one or more of them fall in any way; as into any mistakes, and errors, or sins, dangers, or distresses. The one will lift up his fellow Will hold him up, if he be falling, or raise him up, if he be fallen. If two lie together, then they have heat They will be sooner warm in a cold bed and a cold season. So virtuous and gracious affections are excited by good society; and Christians warm one another, by provoking one another to love and good... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 4:4-16

The uselessness of achievement (4:4-16)Several examples illustrate how useless much human activity is. Some people drive themselves in their work but can never relax and enjoy it, because they are always worrying about being ahead of everyone else. Others do not work at all and so ruin themselves. Both extremes should be avoided. People should work for a living and enjoy it, but they should not be so ambitious that they create trouble for themselves (4-6).Other unhappy people are those who... read more

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