Explain how some people have no more. And why should תקף, if it can mean overpowering, not also mean doing violence to by means of a sudden attack? American King James Version ×: “Secular man may live a life of drudgery, but for the God-centered man it … Ecclesiastes 4:12. Micah 6:8. III. (g) By this proverb he declares how necessary it is, that men should live in society. There is God--one. it signifies to seize, to lay hold of; in the Aram. Home × Home; Bible. in ×תקפ×, but the one (the solitarius ) who, if he is alone, must succumb; the construction of hithqepho haehhad follows the scheme of Exodus 2:6, “she saw it, the child.” To the assault expressed by תקף, there stands opposed the expression × ×× ×¢××, which means to withstand any one with success; as ×¢×× ××¤× ×, 2 Kings 10:4; Psalms 147:17; Daniel 8:7, means to maintain one's ground. They were therefore almost irresistible; they held together by a union caused by a living principle that suffused and inspired them all, therefore when the enemy came upon them it was like the sea breaking on the unmovable strand. — “One” is here the object of the verb, and it should read, “If an assailant prevail against one man, two can resist him.”. Show content in: English Both Hebrew. Some apply this to the three principal graces, faith, hope, and love, which are abiding ones; and, though they may sometimes be weak and low in their acts and exercise, can never be lost. Can’t get near God. This not a nice religion. As a young king, he listens well and rules well, but in old age, he becomes proud, losing his throne to a younger man. 4. Momentary hesitation of boy, and then darted down to his cabin. Untwist the cord and the separate threads are easily "broken.". II. We were in a horrible pit by reason of sin. As soon as our eyes were opened and we saw this rope swinging, as it were, in front of us, God gave us strength to leap to it, and He did the rest; nay, He did that, for we had not believed unless the Spirit had prompted faith. 10 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. No; God had pity on us. Hence David so bemoans the loss of Jonathan, and made him an epitaph. Religion for young folks as well as old. Can’t know Him. "While numbers, wrongly related, can be divisive or disastrousâ¦.in their right form they can not only add to the benefits of union but multiply them", "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them", John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Keil & Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary, Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged, Ernst Hengstenberg on John, Revelation, Ecclesiastes, Ezekiel & Psalms. And if one prevail against him, &c.] Vis unita fortior. 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. If we as church members and fellow-Christians are thus one in heart, we shall be irresistible. But whether it be understood inchoat. There was no ladder placed for us to climb; we did not cut notches in the pit-side by our own unaided strength, and so help ourselves up to light and liberty. ), it may be understood of a violent assault, as well as of a completed subjugation; as × ×©×× means to lift up and carry; ×¢××, to tread and to stand. takaph, supposed to belong to later Hebrew, but it is found in Job 14:20 with Job 15:24 (the only three occurrences). He is the third strand of the cord. The Word of a King “Where the word of a king is, there is power.” — Ecclesiastes viii. "While numbers, wrongly related, can be divisive or disastrousâ¦.in their right form they can not only add to the benefits of union but multiply them" (Kidner p. 51). Companionship also brings with it protection and security. Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12. And you--two. Note: Ecclesiastes, known in Hebrew as Kohelet, is in the Writings (Ketuvim) section of the Bible. [Psalms 122:3] The Church is "terrible as an army with banners"; [Song of Solomon 6:4] "the gates of hell cannot prevail against her." The author must not be considered as arguing from the point of view of mere prudence. Satan knows the power of unity if we do not. INTRODUCTION. And a threefold cord is not easily broken. In this case too, he concludes that kingly power confers no lasting happiness. To this day travellers in the East are too much exposed to marauders to allow of journeying singly. For example, doctors of the Church have cited Ecclesiastes. If two hold together, that is seen to be good; but if there be three, this threefold bond is likened to a cord formed of three threads, which cannot easily be broken. There is sin, the missing of the mark, the going beyond by the arrow, or the falling short of the target. Dempster.). To this day travellers in the East are too much exposed to marauders to allow of journeying singly. “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” It took years of straining, and tugging, and pulling by a hand Omnipotent to break these cords in pieces. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Ecclesiastes 4:12, NIV: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." The same instruction is given by this threefold cord; while it remains twisted together, it is not easily broke, but if the threads are untwisted and unloosed, they are soon snapped asunder: so persons in religious fellowship, be they more or fewer, while they keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, they are terrible, as an army with banners, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against them. Have a threefold cord in your friendships. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. To a strong marriage, children born of that relationship only add increased strength to the family (Psalm "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one"s youth"). The image of a "threefold cord,"âin making a firm, strong cord, three threads were usually used,âis the more appropriate here, as the number two in general only represents plurality. John Trapp Complete Commentary. Ecclesiastes 4:11. The cord of three strands was one of the strongest made. "THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES" Chapter Four OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER 1) To reflect upon the Preacher's observations gleaned from his search for the purpose of life under the sun 2) To consider the vanity of skillful work, isolation, and popularity 3) To appreciate the value of friendship and working together SUMMARY The Preacher continues to share his observations gleaned during … 'The Three Ifs' from Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 is part 3 of 5 of a larger expository study on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which provides three illustrations further explaining the meaning of Ecclesiastes 4:9: (1) Someone there - a companion (4:10); (2) Something more–warmth generated (4:11); (3) Something greater–protection provided (4:12). King James Version (KJV) Public Domain . 12.And if one prevail — “One” is here the object of the verb, and it should read, “If an assailant prevail against one man, two can resist him.” A threefold cord is a lively emblem of a close alliance. There are three words in God’s Book descriptive of sin, and I think I may apply them to the threefold cord. The moral abominableness of isolating selfishness and heartless mammon worship are brought clearly to light by the unhappy positions in which they set men. My Bible, sir. St. Houbigant renders it, But if one should be circumvented, and they two be present [to assist him] then the three-fold cord will not easily be broken. But the Syriac and Septuagint, favour the English version. See 2 Samuel 10:9-12. 4:13; 9:15[twice],16) and means "a poor man." 4. A common Saviour claims our common love. I do not know how many threads were in them, how many strands they contained. It took God’s dear Son to break them, the Father’s love, and the Spirit’s power, and our own faith and repentance, begotten in our hearts from above. Ecclesiastes 4 Commentary: In Ecclesiastes 4 and 5 the Preacher wants to talk to us about the following subjects:. Ecclesiastes Commentary; JOHN SCHULTZ. "Him, the one," is as much as to say, him, in his isolation, or because of his isolation. a threefold cord. It is by such cords as these, threefold cords, cords that are not quickly broken, that we are now held captive. That “union is strength,” is the theme of many a fable and proverb. Learn more today! Ordered, during a storm, to go up and put the rigging right. Each of us must walk in the light we have. I wish you had it. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Saint Jerome wrote a commentary on Ecclesiastes. Sin always sinks us, and we were dropping deeper and deeper into it, and into the mire that was at the bottom of it. [Song of Solomon 6:9] "Jerusalem is a city compact together." תקף always means "to prevail against, to overpower," never "to attack;" compare the adjective תק××£ "powerful" in Ecclesiastes 6:10. And if one prevail against him, &c.] Vis unita fortior. This doctrine is taught in the fable of the bundle of sticks the old man gave to his sons to break; which, while fastened together, could not be done; but, when art bound, and took out singly, were easily snapped asunder; teaching them thereby unity among themselves, as their greatest security against their common enemy. This doctrine is taught in the fable of the bundle of sticks the old man gave to his sons to break; which, while fastened together, could not be done; but, when art bound, and took out singly, were easily snapped asunder; teaching them thereby unity among themselves, as their greatest security against their common enemy. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. The Turks pray daily that the differences among us Christians may be heightened, for that will soonest undo us, and one of their emperors, when his council dissuaded him from a war against the Germans, because of their multitude, said that he feared them not, because sooner would his fingers be all of one length than their princes all of one mind. Ecclesiastes 5. or not, in any case ×××× is not the assailant, who is much rather the unnamed subj. In the Mishnic and Arab. II. When temptations come down hard on you, it will hold and save you. Each of these may be regarded as a strand in the cord of sin, and all of us were held thereby. I. (Haydock) --- Some explain this triple cord of the blessed Trinity, or of the three monastic vows [poverty, chastity, and obedience], the theological virtues [faith, hope, and charity], or the parts of penance, &c. "And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. Ecclesiastes 4:12. 12. “And if one shall violently assail him who is alone, two shall withstand him; and (finally) a threefold cord is not quickly broken asunder.” The form yithqepho for yithqephehu, Job 15:24, is like hirdepho, Hosea 8:3 = hirdephehu, Judges 9:40. A threefold cord - proverbial for a combination of many, e.g., husband, wife, and children (Proverbs 11:14); so Christians (Colossians 2:2; Colossians 2:19). Then this cord will stand the strain. 2. If a man overpowers him that is alone, yet two shall withstand. (T. Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament "Moreover, if two lie together, then there is heat to them: but how can it be warm with one who is alone?" Funiculus triplex difficile rumpitur is one of the winged expressions used by Koheleth. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. It means an Assembler or Convener of a meeting and a Preacher to such a meeting. This discourse on friendship reminds one of the manly and tender attachment of David and Jonathan. There is iniquity, that which is out of plumb, or off the line, or out of the level. If one prevail against him, two shall withstand him. threefold cord—proverbial for a combination of many—for example, husband, wife, and children (Pr 11:14); so Christians (Lu 10:1; Col 2:2, 19). 12. Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! … Some apply this to the three principal graces, faith, hope, and love, which are abiding ones; and, though they may sometimes be weak and low in their acts and exercise, can never be lost. Ecclesiastes 4:12. This is speaking of the strength that comes with the bonding of two, or three, together. Is that all? I thought if I were drowned, I would like to have it with me.” Now here was a nice threefold cord--Prayer, the Bible, and Courage. A proverbial confirmation well interpreted by Lyra: Quanto plures et boni in amicitia coniuncti sunt, tanto status eorum melioratur, - The more they are that unite, so they be good, the better it is with them. We have been cleansed in the same precious fountain, we have all eaten of the Bread that came down from heaven, and drunk of the Spiritual Rock that follows us. KJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses. There is also transgression, breaking through God’s settled rules, passing beyond the bounds that He has fixed, making landmarks of our own instead of regarding God’s. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. A Wedding Homily Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Pastor Steven Molin Alec and Kathy, what a day! One = the enemy. Story of youth at sea. is a lively emblem of a close alliance. A cord of three strands is not quickly... - Verse-by-Verse Commentary Rather, join "one" with "him." Ecclesiastes 4:12, ESV: "And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." He drew us with the cords of love, and with the bands of a man. 3. Ecclesiastes 4:12. Desvoeux. The following Scripture tells us something of the strength of more than one. But if you weave these three together into a cord, and hold on by it, you are safe. Untwist the cord, and the separate threads are easily “broken.”. Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. ); but the two ××, Ecclesiastes 4:10, Ecclesiastes 4:11, which are equivalent to εÌαÌν, exclude such a pure logical ÎµÎ¹Ì . Bible > Ecclesiastes > Ecclesiastes 4 > Ecclesiastes 4:9 Clarke's Ecclesiastes 4:9 Bible Commentary Two are better than one - Married life is infinitely to be preferred to this kind of life, for the very reasons alleged below, and which require no explanation. Watch our overview video on the book of Ecclesiastes, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. (a), And a threefold cord is not easily broken.] Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. These cords bind us to the horns of the altar. They were threefold cords, and they were not easily broken. The form of the metaphor changes a little as we use it now. The Tyndale commentary notes on Ecclesiastes 5:20 Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answers him in the joy of his heart. Ecclesiastes has been cited in the writings of past and current Catholic Church leaders. ; as two are better than one, so three or more united together, it is the better still; they are able to make head against an enemy; and to conquer him, "vis unita fortior est": if a family, community, city, or kingdom, are divided against themselves, they cannot stand; but, if united, in all probability nothing can hurt them. ×× ××, we make use of the indefinite. Posted on Mar 7, 2016. So, in these chapters we get a … Untwist the cord, and the separate threads are easily "broken.". And if one prevail against him, &c.— And though one should be strong, the two will make a stand against him; for a three-stringed cord shall not quickly be broken. God bade Gideon to go down to the camp of the Midianites, and if he feared to go, then to take with him his servant Phurah. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Explanation and Commentary of Ecclesiastes 4:12. “And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” I think this is another threefold cord by which we are bound; bound to one another, bound to the cross of Christ, bound to this blessed book, and bound to heaven. Ecclesiastes 4, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a … Let us hold more closely together than ever--pastors, officers, people, for “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Do we not know this from sad experience? And if this is true of the united love and affections of saints, it must be much more so of the love of Father, Son, and Spirit; that threefold cord, with which the saints are drawn and held; and of which it may be said, that it not only is not quickly broken, but that it cannot be broken at all; and therefore those who are held by it are in the utmost safety. That is a strong religion. I have read somewhere that the ancient Thebans had in their army a band of men who were pledged to friendship and fellowship with each other. And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (c) "in festinatia", Montanus; "in celeritate", Vatablus; "in festinatione", Rambachius. . We want no friendship that is only twofold. Ecclesiastes 12 Meaning Commentary Summary. 'If (an enemy) prevail against him, the one'-him in his isolation-because of his standing alone. Have a threefold cord in your religion. 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A few matters before we get into the text much more two genuine friends ’ t be!: Though one may be regarded as a strand in the light we have ( Ecclesiastes 4:12 if!, thirty thousand evil influences were dragging us down and holding us fast together. form of the altar of... - David without Abishai “ union is strength, ” a terrible trio, in. By such cords as these, threefold cords, cords that are not broken.
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