← Back to Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 4

16 verses

TL;DR

Ecclesiastes 4 reflects on the futility of labor and the injustices of oppression while emphasizing the value of companionship and wisdom.

Summary

In this chapter, the author laments the oppression of the poor and the lack of comfort for both the oppressed and oppressors. He compares the dead, who no longer suffer, with the living, whom he regards as burdened by vanity and toil. The passage warns that work can be fruitless, especially when pursued for the envy of others. It argues that being alone in labor is more exhausting than sharing it with another, highlighting the practical benefits of companionship: mutual support, warmth, and strength. The text contrasts a wise child with a foolish king, illustrating that virtue and wisdom are more important than status or wealth. The author ultimately concludes that all human pursuits are fleeting and that even future generations cannot find lasting joy in them.

Outline
  1. The author observes oppression and laments the state of humanity
  2. He critiques the vanity of labor and extols the benefits of companionship
  3. He contrasts wisdom and folly, concluding that all pursuits are fleeting
Themes
vanitylaboroppressioncompanionshipwisdom vs folly
Keywords
oppressionvanitylaborcompanionshipwisdomfoolkingprisonchildthreefold cord
People
I (Qoheleth)oppressorsoppressedthe deadthe livingthe foolthe kingprisonerchild
Places
under the sun (the world)prisonkingdom
Things
oppressiontearscomforterpowerdeathlaborwealthfoolhandfultwoonethreefold cordprisonkingdomchild
Key Verses
  • Ecclesiastes 4:1: The author sets the theme of oppression and sorrow.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:4: It introduces the futility of labor and envy.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:11: Highlights the benefit of companionship.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:12: Illustrates strength of a threefold bond.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:13: Contrasts wisdom with foolishness.
Questions
  • Why does the author regard the dead as preferable to the living?
  • How does companionship mitigate the hardships of labor?
  • What is the significance of the threefold cord metaphor?
  • In what ways does the passage portray wisdom as superior to status?
  • How does the author’s view of oppression inform his overall perspective on life?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter acknowledges human suffering and futility but also offers constructive counsel on companionship and wisdom.