Ecclesiastes 4:2
What does Ecclesiastes 4:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore I praised the dead that have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore I praised the dead that have been long dead more than the living that are yet alive;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So my praise was for the dead who have gone to their death, more than for the living who still have life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And I am praising the dead who have already died above the living who are yet alive.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I praised the dead rather than the living:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then I praised the dead who are already dead more than the living who are yet alive;
Context
v.1Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and, behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
v.2This passage
v.3yea, better than them both did I esteem him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ecclesiastes 2:17
So I hated life, because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind.
- Ecclesiastes 9:4
For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
- Job 3:11
Why died I not from the womb? Why did I not give up the ghost when my mother bare me?
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