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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 9:4 There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/21_Ecc_09_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 9:4 - Death Comes to Good and Bad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:3">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 9:4 <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 9:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There is hope only for the living. As they say, “It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For whoever is joined to all the living, there is hope; for better a live dog, than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For whoever is joined with all the living, there is confidence; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />[There is no exemption,] but whoever is joined with all the living, has hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But there is hope for whoever is joined with all the living, since a live dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But there is hope for whoever is joined with all the living, since a live dog is better than a dead lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />As long as we are alive, we still have hope, just as a live dog is better off than a dead lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For to him that is joined with all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But all who are among the living have hope, because a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But anyone who is alive in the world of the living has some hope; a live dog is better off than a dead lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"While someone is among the living, hope remains," because "it is better to be a living dog than to be a dead lion." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But whoever is among the living has hope; a live dog is better than a dead lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />But [to] him who is joined to all the living there is confidence, for to a living dog it [is] better than to the dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> But to him who is joined unto all the living there is confidence, for to a living dog it is better than to the dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For whoever shall choose to all the living there is hope: for to a living dog it is good above a dead lion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There is no man that liveth always, or that hopeth for this: a living dog is better than a dead lion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />There is no one who lives forever, or who even has confidence in this regard. A living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For whoever is chosen among all the living has hope: “A live dog is better off than a dead lion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But whoever is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Everyone who shall be joined to All Life has trust, because a living dog is better than a dead lion<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />for who is he that has fellowship with all the living? there is hope <i>of him</i>: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1677" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Death Comes to Good and Bad</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yêš (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">There is</a> <a href="/hebrew/986.htm" title="986: biṭ·ṭā·ḥō·wn (N-ms) -- Trust. From batach; trust.">hope,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">however,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">for anyone who</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: yib·bå̄·ḥēr (V-Pual-Imperf-3ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">is among</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ha·ḥay·yîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">the living;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for even</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay (Adj-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">a live</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: lə·ḵe·leḇ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">dog</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ham·mêṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">a dead</a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: hā·’ar·yêh (Art:: N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">lion.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Proverbs 12:28</a></span><br />There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18-19</a></span><br />For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness. / The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-7.htm">Job 14:7-9</a></span><br />For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail. / If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the soil, / at the scent of water it will bud and put forth twigs like a sapling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-2.htm">Psalm 146:2-4</a></span><br />I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. / Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. / When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-26.htm">Lamentations 3:26-29</a></span><br />It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. / It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young. / Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-17.htm">Psalm 115:17-18</a></span><br />It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence. / But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-6.htm">Job 7:6-10</a></span><br />My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. / Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. / The eye that beholds me will no longer see me. You will look for me, but I will be no more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/20-1.htm">2 Kings 20:1-6</a></span><br />In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, / “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/6-5.htm">Psalm 6:5</a></span><br />For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-10.htm">Isaiah 38:10-11</a></span><br />I said, “In the prime of my life I must go through the gates of Sheol and be deprived of the remainder of my years.” / I said, “I will never again see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living; I will no longer look on mankind with those who dwell in this world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-32.htm">Matthew 22:32</a></span><br />‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a></span><br />Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Philippians 1:21-24</a></span><br />For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. / But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. / I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:13-14</a></span><br />Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-19.htm">1 Corinthians 15:19-22</a></span><br />If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men. / But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. / For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-7.htm">Job 14:7-12</a></b></br> For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-8.htm">Job 27:8</a></b></br> For what <i>is</i> the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18</a></b></br> For the grave cannot praise thee, death can <i>not</i> celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-11.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-30.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Surely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Better</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-17.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-15.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-9.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Surely</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">like things happen to good and bad</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">there is a necessity of death unto men</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Comfort is all their portion in this life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">God's providence rules over all</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">wisdom is better than strength</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of life and the opportunities it presents. In the context of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher often reflects on the futility and brevity of life, yet here he acknowledges that as long as one is alive, there is potential for change, repentance, and experiencing God's grace. Biblically, hope is a recurring theme, often associated with trust in God's promises (<a href="/romans/15-13.htm">Romans 15:13</a>). The living have the chance to seek wisdom, make amends, and fulfill God's purposes, contrasting with the finality of death where no further earthly actions can be taken (<a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a>).<p><b>for even a live dog is better than a dead lion.</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were considered unclean and often despised, while lions were symbols of strength and nobility. This comparison highlights the paradox that life, even in a lowly state, is preferable to death, regardless of past glory or power. The lion, though mighty, is powerless in death, whereas the dog, though humble, retains the potential for action and change. This reflects the biblical theme that God values the humble and lowly (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>), and it underscores the importance of life as a gift from God, with opportunities for redemption and service. The imagery also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and status, aligning with the broader message of Ecclesiastes on the vanity of worldly pursuits.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation where Solomon reigned as king. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_living_and_the_dead.htm">The Living and the Dead</a></b><br>- The verse contrasts the living with the dead, using the metaphor of a "live dog" and a "dead lion" to illustrate the value of life and hope.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_life.htm">The Value of Life</a></b><br>Life, no matter how humble, holds intrinsic value and potential for hope. The metaphor of a "live dog" versus a "dead lion" suggests that being alive, even in a lowly state, is preferable to death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_the_present.htm">Hope in the Present</a></b><br>As long as we are alive, there is hope for change, growth, and redemption. This hope should motivate us to live purposefully and seek God's will daily.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_perspective.htm">Humility and Perspective</a></b><br>The comparison between a dog and a lion encourages humility. We should not despise small beginnings or humble circumstances, as life itself is a gift from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>While the verse emphasizes the value of earthly life, it also invites reflection on eternal life. Our time on earth is an opportunity to prepare for eternity with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a></b><br>Recognizing the value of life should inspire us to live intentionally, making the most of our time and opportunities to serve God and others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'living_dog_over_dead_lion'_mean.htm">What does "Living dog better than dead lion" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_121_1.htm">What does 'Living dog better than dead lion' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_of_bible's_books.htm">What are the main themes of the Bible's books?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_9_5_fit_with_an_active_afterlife.htm">In Ecclesiastes 9:5, if the dead truly 'know nothing,' how does that square with verses elsewhere suggesting an active afterlife?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) There is a various reading here in the Hebrew. Our translators, following the older translators, adopt the reading of the margin. That of the text gives, instead of "joined," a word signifying "chosen;" the best sense that can be given to which is to translate, "For who is excepted," joining it with the previous verse, beginning this one, "To all the living," &c. With regard to the statement of the following verses, comp. <a href="/psalms/6-3.htm" title="My soul is also sore vexed: but you, O LORD, how long?">Psalm 6:3</a> and the marginal references there given. The shepherd's dog is spoken of <a href="/job/30-1.htm" title="But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.">Job 30:1</a>, and watchdogs <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm" title="His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.">Isaiah 56:10</a>. Elsewhere in the Old Testament the dog is an unclean animal living or dead.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope</span>. As long as a man lives (is one of living beings) he has some hope, whatever it be. This feeling is inextinguishable even unto the end. <p><span class="greek">Ἄελπτον οὐδέν πάντα δ ελπίζειν χρεών</span> <p><span class="accented">"Hope springs eternal in the human breast."</span> Thus Bailey sings, in 'Festus' - <p><span class="accented">"All Have hopes, however wretched they may be,<br />Or blessed. It is hope which lifts the lark so high,<br />Hope of a lighter air and bluer sky</span>; . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">There is</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(yêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> </span><span class="str2">Being, substance, existence, is</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hope,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּטָּח֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(biṭ·ṭā·ḥō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_986.htm">Strong's 986: </a> </span><span class="str2">Trust</span><br /><br /><span class="word">however,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for anyone who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is among</span><br /><span class="heb">יְחֻבַּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḥub·bar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the living;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחַיִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for even</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a live</span><br /><span class="heb">חַי֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dog</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכֶ֤לֶב</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵe·leḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, a male prostitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֔וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than</span><br /><span class="heb">מִן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a dead</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֵּֽת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lion.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאַרְיֵ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ar·yêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_738.htm">Strong's 738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lion</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:4 For to him who is joined (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>