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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 4:14 For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/21_Ecc_04_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 4:14 - The Futility of Power" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom." /><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/4-14.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/4-14.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/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 14</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="/ad14.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/4-13.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:13">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 4:14 <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:15">►</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/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also <i>he that is</i> born in his kingdom becometh poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />for he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />for the poor youth has [used his wisdom and] come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Even if you were not born into the royal family and have been a prisoner and poor, you can still be king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A young man came out of prison to rule as king, even though he had been born in poverty in that same kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The former can come out of prison to reign, while the latter, even if born to kingship, may become poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For out of prison he came forth to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For from a house of prisoners he has come out to reign, for even in his own kingdom he has been poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For from a house of prisoners he hath come out to reign, for even in his own kingdom he hath been poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For from the house of those turning away he came forth to reign; for also he being born in his kingdom became poor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because out of prison and chains sometimes a man cometh forth to a kingdom: and another born king is consumed with poverty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For sometimes, one goes forth from prison and chains, to a kingdom, while another, born to kingly power, is consumed by need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for from a prison house he came forth to reign; despite his kingship he was born poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />One can indeed come out of prison to reign, even though born poor in the kingdom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Out of prison he has come to reign, because also in his own kingdom he had been born miserable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because from prison he goes forth to reign, for also in his kingdom he was born poor<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For out of prison he came forth to be king; although in his kingdom he was born poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because <i>he</i> also that was in his kingdom has become poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/4-14.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=780" 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/4.htm">The Futility of Power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13</span>Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">the youth has come</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: mib·bêṯ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">from the prison</a> <a href="/hebrew/631.htm" title="631: hā·sū·rîm (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To tie, bind, imprison. A primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: lim·lōḵ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">to the kingship,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">though</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: nō·w·laḏ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">he was born</a> <a href="/hebrew/7326.htm" title="7326: rāš (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be in want or poor. A primitive root; to be destitute.">poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/4438.htm" title="4438: bə·mal·ḵū·ṯōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom. Or malkuth; or malkuyah; from malak; a rule; concretely, a dominion.">in his own kingdom.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed this second one, the youth who succeeded the king.…<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="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">1 Samuel 2:8</a></span><br />He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/113-7.htm">Psalm 113:7-8</a></span><br />He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump / to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-14.htm">Genesis 41:14</a></span><br />So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">1 Kings 11:28</a></span><br />Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8</a></span><br />Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-11.htm">Job 5:11</a></span><br />He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-2.htm">1 Kings 16:2</a></span><br />“Even though I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin and to provoke Me to anger by their sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-1.htm">2 Chronicles 36:1</a></span><br />Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9-10</a></span><br />The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7-9</a></span><br />but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. / Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-28</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For out of prison he comes to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becomes poor.</p><p class="hdg">for out</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/41-14.htm">Genesis 41:14,33-44</a></b></br> Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved <i>himself</i>, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-11.htm">Job 5:11</a></b></br> To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/113-7.htm">Psalm 113:7,8</a></b></br> He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, <i>and</i> lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; … </p><p class="hdg">also</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/14-26.htm">1 Kings 14:26,27</a></b></br> And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/23-31.htm">2 Kings 23:31-34</a></b></br> Jehoahaz <i>was</i> twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name <i>was</i> Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/24-1.htm">2 Kings 24:1,2,6,12</a></b></br> In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Although</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Born</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">House</a> <a href="/psalms/148-13.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-5.htm">Kingship</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-7.htm">Poverty</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/job/22-20.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Young</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Although</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-16.htm">Born</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-9.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/daniel/5-18.htm">Kingship</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-5.htm">Poverty</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-22.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-13.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-6.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-21.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Young</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">vanity is increased unto men by oppression</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">by envy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">by idleness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">by covetousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">by solitariness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">by willfulness</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship</b><br>This phrase highlights a dramatic reversal of fortune, a common theme in biblical narratives. The imagery of a youth rising from prison to kingship evokes the story of Joseph in <a href="/genesis/41.htm">Genesis 41</a>, who was imprisoned in Egypt before interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and being elevated to a position of power. This transformation underscores the sovereignty of God in elevating individuals according to His purposes, regardless of their circumstances. It also reflects the biblical principle that God can use humble beginnings to achieve His divine plans, as seen in the life of David, who was a shepherd before becoming king (1 Samuel 16).<p><b>though he was born poor in his own kingdom</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes the humble origins of the youth, suggesting that he was not only imprisoned but also born into poverty. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual poverty or a lack of worldly status, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. The idea that someone born poor can rise to a position of authority is a testament to God's ability to exalt the humble (<a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a>). It also foreshadows the life of Jesus Christ, who was born in humble circumstances (<a href="/luke/2-7.htm">Luke 2:7</a>) and yet is the King of Kings. This phrase challenges societal norms that equate wealth and status with success, reminding believers that true worth and potential are determined by God's calling and purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor_man.htm">The Poor Man</a></b><br>Represents individuals who rise from humble beginnings or adverse circumstances to positions of influence or authority.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>Symbolizes those in positions of power, possibly highlighting the transient nature of authority and leadership.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/prison.htm">Prison</a></b><br>A metaphor for difficult or restrictive circumstances from which one can emerge to achieve greatness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/kingdom.htm">Kingdom</a></b><br>Represents the realm or sphere of influence where one exercises authority or leadership.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, offering wisdom on the nature of life, leadership, and human endeavors.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_elevation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Elevation</a></b><br>God can elevate anyone from humble or adverse circumstances to positions of influence according to His purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_leadership.htm">Humility and Leadership</a></b><br>True leadership often begins with humility and an understanding of one's origins, fostering empathy and wise governance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_earthly_power.htm">The Transience of Earthly Power</a></b><br>Earthly positions of power are temporary; what matters is how one uses their influence for God's glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>Trust in God's timing and plan, as He can change circumstances in ways beyond human understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom_over_wealth.htm">The Value of Wisdom Over Wealth</a></b><br>Wisdom and character are more valuable than wealth or status, as they lead to lasting impact and legacy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_a_second_chance_for_salvation.htm">Is there a second chance for salvation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_contradict_itself.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 promotes partnership, yet 4:13-16 points to the fleeting nature of leadership--does this suggest a contradiction in views on societal structure?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_11_7-8_align_with_self-denial.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, how does the encouragement to enjoy life reconcile with passages elsewhere that emphasize self-denial or suffering?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Becometh.--</span>Instead of this translation, it is better to render, <span class= "ital">in his kingdom he was even poor; </span>but there is ambiguity in the Hebrew, as in the English, whether the antecedent of the "his" and the "he" is the old king or the new one.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.</span> The ambiguity of the pronouns has induced different interpretations of this verse. It is plain that the paragraph is intended to corroborate the statement of the previous verse, contrasting the fate of the poor, clever youth with that of the old, foolish king. The Authorized Version makes the pronoun in the first clause refer to the youth, and those in the second to the king, with the signification that rich and poor change places - one is abased as the other is exalted. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Quod de carcere catenisque interdum quis egrediatnr ad regnum</span>; <span class="accented">et alius natus in regno inopia consummatur</span>. The Septuagint is somewhat ambiguous, <span class="greek">Ὅτι ἐξ οἴκου τῶν</span> <span class="greek">δεσμίων ελξελεύσεται τοῦ βασιλεῦσαι ὅτι καί</span> <span class="greek">γε ἐν βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ ἐγενήθη πένης</span>, "For from the house of prisoners he shall come forth to reign, because in his kingdom he [who?] was born [or, 'became'] poor." It seems, however, most natural to make the leading pronouns in both clauses refer to the youth, and thus to render: "For out of the house of prisoners goeth he forth to reign, though even in his kingdom he was born poor." <span class="accented">Beth hasurim</span> is also rendered "house of fugitives," and Hitzig takes the expression as a description of Egypt, whither Jeroboam fled to escape the vengeance of Solomon. Others see here an allusion to Joseph, who was raised from prison, if not to be king, at least to an exalted position which might thus be designated. In this case the old and foolish king who could not look to the future is Pharaoh, who could not understand the dream which was sent for his admonition. Commentators have wearied themselves with endeavoring to find some other historical basis for the supposed allusion in the passage. But although many of these suggestions (<span class="accented">e.g.</span>, Saul and David, Joash and Amaziah, Cyrus and Astyages, Herod and Alexander) meet a part of the case, none suit the whole passage (vers. 13-16). It is possible, indeed, that some particular allusion is intended to some circumstance or event with which we are not acquainted. At the same time, it seems to us that, without much straining of language, the reference to Joseph can be made good. If it is objected that it cannot be said that Joseph <span class="accented">was born</span> in the kingdom of Egypt, we may reply that the words may be taken to refer to his cruel position in his own country, when he was despoiled and sold, and may be said metaphorically to have "<span class="accented">become</span> poor;" or the word <span class="accented">nolad</span> may be considered as equivalent to "came," "appeared," and need not be restricted to the sense of "born." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/4-14.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">For</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">[the youth] came</span><br /><span class="heb">יָצָ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from prison</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבֵּ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be king,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִמְלֹ֑ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lim·lōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even though</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</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">he was born</span><br /><span class="heb">נוֹלַ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(nō·w·laḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poor</span><br /><span class="heb">רָֽשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7326.htm">Strong's 7326: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be in want or poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his kingdom.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמַלְכוּת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·mal·ḵū·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4438.htm">Strong's 4438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:14 For out of prison he came forth (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:15" /></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>