Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Ecclesiastes 4:5 Cross-References
Explore 8 cross-references for Ecclesiastes 4:5 from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, connecting Ecclesiastes chapter 4 verse 5 to related passages throughout the Bible.
“The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.”
Ecclesiastes 4:5 (KJV)
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:5
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh—after diagnosing envy-driven achievement (4:4), the Preacher addresses the opposite extreme. The Hebrew kesil (כְּסִיל, fool) designates moral and practical stupidity, not mere intellectual limitation. Chovek et-yadav (חֹבֵק אֶת־יָדָיו, folds his hands) depicts lazy inactivity—arms crossed in idle refusal to work. The result: okhel et-besaro (אֹכֵל אֶת־בְּשָׂרוֹ, eats his own flesh)—self-destruction through sloth.This vivid metaphor portrays laziness as self-cannibalism: refusing productive work, the fool consumes his own resources ...
Source: KJV Study Commentary
Cross-References for Ecclesiastes 4:5
Ranked by relevance from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
“and be hungry; and he will eat on the left hand”
“and has nothing”
“a little slumber”
“and have nothing.”
“and put my life in my hand?”
“but the possessions of diligent men are prized.”
“but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.”
“a little slumber”