Ecclesiastes 4:6–7
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
*Better is an handfull with quietnesse, then both the hands full with trauell and vexation of spirit.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referenceProu. 15.16. and 16.18.
¶ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
¶ Then I returned, and I saw vanitie vnder the Sunne.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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From verse 6
- Proverbs 15:16–17Rank 1 from verse 6
16Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
16*Better is little with the feare of the LORD, then great treasure, and trouble therewith.
17*Better is a dinner of herbes where loue is, then a stalled oxe, and hatred therewith.
- Proverbs 16:8Rank 2 from verse 6
- Psalms 37:16Rank 3 from verse 6
- Proverbs 17:1Rank 4 from verse 6
From verse 7
- Ecclesiastes 4:1Rank 1 from verse 7
1SO 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.
1¶ *†So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done vnder the sunne; & behold the teares of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter: and on the side of their oppressours there was power, but they had no comforter.
- Psalms 78:33Rank 2 from verse 7
- Zechariah 1:6Rank 3 from verse 7
6But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
6But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my seruants the Prophets, did they not ‖take holde of your fathers? and they returned and saide; *Like as the LORD of hostes thought to doe vnto vs, according to our wayes, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with vs.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
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DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
As much as the hand will grasp or contain.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
A state of rest; stillness.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: The end parts of the arms used for holding and working. Sense 2: Figures of power, possession, agency, or aid.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The painful labour and anguish of childbirth. Sense 2: To undergo such labour. Sense 3: Severe toil, trouble, sorrow, or suffering.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
Trouble, distress, irritation, or that which wearies and afflicts the mind.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: An immaterial living or personal being distinct from a body. Sense 2: The inward life, disposition, mind, or courage of a person. Sense 3: The Holy Spirit, the divine Spirit of God.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 4:7
Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of return, meaning to go, come, send, or give back; to restore, answer, or turn again.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Emptiness, futility, worthlessness, falsehood, unreliability, or transience.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The great light that rules the day and gives light and heat.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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5The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
5*The foole foldeth his hands together, and eateth his owne flesh.
6Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
6*Better is an handfull with quietnesse, then both the hands full with trauell and vexation of spirit.
Selected passage7¶ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
7¶ Then I returned, and I saw vanitie vnder the Sunne.
Selected passage8There 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.
8There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither childe nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour, neither is his eye satisfied with riches, neither sayth hee, For whom doe I labour, and bereaue my soule of good? this is also vanitie, yea it is a sore trauell.