Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Ecclesiastes 7:3 Cross-References
Explore 19 cross-references for Ecclesiastes 7:3 from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, connecting Ecclesiastes chapter 7 verse 3 to related passages throughout the Bible.
“Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Sorrow: or, Anger”
Ecclesiastes 7:3 (KJV)
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:3
Sorrow is better than laughter—the Hebrew ka'as (כַּעַס, sorrow/vexation/grief) contrasts with sechoq (שְׂחֹק, laughter/mirth). This continues chapter 7's counterintuitive "better than" comparisons. The verse doesn't condemn joy but recognizes sorrow's refining capacity. Tov (טוֹב, better) indicates superior value—not that sorrow feels better, but that it produces better outcomes.For by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better—be-ro'a phanim (בְּרֹעַ פָּנִים, by sadness/badness of face) refers to the grave, serious expression that accompanies grief. Yet this external sorrow work...
Source: KJV Study Commentary
Cross-References for Ecclesiastes 7:3
Ranked by relevance from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
“not that you were made sorry”
“but we also rejoice in our sufferings”
“and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands”
“my brothers{The word for brothers here and where context allows may also be correctly translated brothers and sisters or siblings.}”
“for a few days”
“lamentation”
“that you will weep and lament”
“which is for the moment”
“I will bring them from the north country”
“you who are full now”