King James Version
Ecclesiastes 4:3 in the King James Version says “Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 4:3 · KJV
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. side: Heb. hand
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. every: Heb. all the rightness of work for this: Heb. this is the envy of a man from his neighbour
The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Yea better”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“been who hath not seen”
H7200to 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)
“work”
H4639an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
“under the sun”
H8121the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Ecclesiastes 4:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge