What Does Ecclesiastes 4:1 Mean?

“So I returned”

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

i

“and considered”

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

“all the oppressions”

used in plural masculine as abstractly, tyranny

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

“that are done”

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

“under the sun”

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

lo!

“and behold the tears”

weeping

“all the oppressions”

used in plural masculine as abstractly, tyranny

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

“and they had no comforter”

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

“and on the side”

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

“of such as were oppressed”

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

“there was power”

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

“and they had no comforter”

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo