King James Version
Ecclesiastes 9:4 in the King James Version says “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.”
Ecclesiastes 9:4 · KJV
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
KJV Study — Public Domain
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“For”
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“for a living”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
“to him that is”
H3426there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“for a living”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
“is 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
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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge