King James Version
Ecclesiastes 4:5 in the King James Version says “The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.”
Ecclesiastes 4:5 · KJV
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.
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“his hands”
H3027a 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
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“his own flesh”
H1320flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge