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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Ecclesiastes 4:6

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
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From verse 6

  1. Proverbs 15:16–17Rank 1 from verse 6
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    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.

  2. Proverbs 16:8Rank 2 from verse 6
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    8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

  3. Psalms 37:16Rank 3 from verse 6
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    16A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

  4. Proverbs 17:1Rank 4 from verse 6
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    1BETTER is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

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DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 4:6

COMBINED MEANING

better

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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

COMBINED MEANING

hands

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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

COMBINED MEANING

travail

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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

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

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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

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Surrounding Verses

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5The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

6Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

Selected passage

7¶ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

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