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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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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

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Reference depth

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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Suggested context · Ecclesiastes 4:4–6

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4:4¶ 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.

4:5The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

4:6Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

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