King James Version
Ecclesiastes 4:6 in the King James Version says “Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.”
Ecclesiastes 4:6 · KJV
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.
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“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
“is an handful”
H3709the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
“with quietness”
H5183a descent, i.e., imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food)
“of spirit”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge