Devine Scripture

Ecclesiastes 9:4

What does Ecclesiastes 9:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 9:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For him who is joined to all the living there is hope; a living dog is better than a dead lion.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But <FI>to<Fi> him who is joined unto all the living there is confidence, for to a living dog it <FI>is<Fi> better than to the dead lion.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

There is no man that liveth always, or that hopeth for this: a living dog is better than a dead lion.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Context

v.3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

v.4This passage

v.5For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Lamentations 3:21

    This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.

  • Luke 16:26

    And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us.

  • Job 14:7

    For there is hope of a tree, If it be cut down, that it will sprout again, And that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

  • Job 27:8

    For what is the hope of the godless, though he get him gain, When God taketh away his soul?

  • Isaiah 38:18

    For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

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