What does Ecclesiastes 4:12 mean?

Question

Ecclesiastes 4:12
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

No 20 page answers please!

Answer 1

It addresses the value of working together. Unity is productive.

Some believe this passage is about marriage and how bringing God into the unity between a husband and wife strengthens their relationship.

Answer 2

The first poster has the right idea.

It does go a little bit deeper. The verses beforehand are discussing how a man will isolate himself in the process of toiling for wealth, and yet no wealth will ever be enough to quench the feeling of meaninglessness. (It's almost as if the search for achievement is being used to replace people in one's life.)

The writer then proceeds to talk about why it's better to have company in one's life than being alone:

* They reap more.
* They can help the other when he falls (fails, suffers, etc.)
* They keep each other warm (i.e., offer a sense of closeness and company) -- one person will always feel "cold," there is no one to warm him.
* They can defend each other against enemies or threats.

In any case, I would say it's more than just "strength in numbers," I think he's going as far as saying life feels less meaningless when you have someone laboring alongside you.

The emptiness of toiling after achievements that ultimately amount to nothing is somehow filled (to some degree) when you are not alone.

Answer 3

It means that 3 is a strong number. Look at a marriage where they both believe in Christ as opposed to a marriage where they do not.
A cord of three is stronger than a cord of 4 stands or two strands.

Answer 4

The specific answer you're looking for should be taken in context with the scriptures before it. This is a group of scripture that relates to the marriage bond. Two are better than one, A threefold cord cannot quickly be torn in two. The application of God's word and faith in God by the marriage couple makes for a threefold cord. Strong indeed!!

Answer 5

Ecclesiates 4;12 means one maybe overpowered but two can defend themselves in the art of self defense and a cord of three three strands is not quickly broken means one must not be broken, one must not be swayed by adversity in either way

Answer 6

It is easy for one person to be overpowered. This could be by temptation, people ...etc. Two people are better than one because if you fall the other can help you up. A rope is made of three strands. So three people are better than two to help you when you fall.

Answer 7

Thank You! I ABHOR 20 page answers AND questions!!!! Somebody forgot " short, sweet, and to the point!!!"

Watch the source. Ecclesiastes is about God looking through mans' eyes at how man thinks. " Under the sun. " A clue phrase.

Not ulitmate, final truth.

He's just letting you know He knows what makes you tick!

Boy am I glad He does!! I don't know often enough!!!!!

Answer 8

I am not a Christian. However, I was and I have studied the bible -- this is a simple passage.

Essentially, it tells you that two are more powerful than one, with the support of others, you will survive through more than you can alone. The 3rd strand is god.

Answer 9

If Im not mistaken, This illustration was given to emphasize the neccesity of having God in your marriage.

One cord can be broken --husband
Add wife--two cords harder to break
Add God--Three cords near impossable.

Try it with dental floss. its a good visual illustration for Sermons about Marriage.

Answer 10

along with Matthew 18:20 ("For where two or three come together in my [Jesus'] name, there am I with them.") these verses basically mean there is strength in numbers.

I know when I face sin or difficulty in my life, when I try to go it alone I always fail. When I ask God for help, He usually puts me together with 1 or 2 other believers that help me. And I help them!

Good stuff. And a good question. I hope this helps you!