Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Exposition

Koheleth dwells upon the evils of isolation, and contrasts with them the comfort of companionship. Two are better than one . Literally, the clause refers to the two and the one mentioned in the preceding verse; but the gnome is true in general. "Two heads are better than one," says our proverb. Because ( asher here conjunctive, not relative) they have a good reward for their labor. The joint labors of two produce much more effect than the efforts of a solitary worker. Companionship is helpful and profitable. Ginsburg quotes the rabbinical sayings,, Either friendship or death;" and "A man without friends is like a left hand without the right." Thus the Greek gnome—

"Man helps his fellow, city saves."

χεὶρ χεῖρα νίπτει δάκτυλός τε δάκτυλον .

"Hand cleanseth hand, and finger cleanseth finger."

(Comp. Proverbs 17:17 ; Proverbs 27:17 ; Ecclesiasticus 6:14.) So Christ sent out his apostles two and two ( Mark 6:7 ).