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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 4:3 But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/21_Ecc_04_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 4:3 - The Evil of Oppression" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun." /><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/4-3.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/4-3.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 3</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="/ad3.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/4-2.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:2">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 4:3 <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:4">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New International Version</a> But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Yet, better than both is he who has never existed, Who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But better off than both of them is the one who never has been, who has never seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But better off than either of them is the one who has not yet been born, who has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But better than either of them is the one who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But better than either of them is the one who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> yea, better than them both did I esteem him that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But those who have never been born are better off than anyone else, because they have never seen the terrible things that happen on this earth." <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> yea, better than them both did I esteem him which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But the person who hasn't been born yet is better off than both of them. He hasn't seen the evil that is done under the sun. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> But better off than either are those who have never been born, who have never seen the injustice that goes on in this world. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Better than both of them is someone who has not yet been born, because he hasn't experienced evil on earth. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But better than both is the one who has not been born and has not seen the evil things that are done on earth. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Yes, better is he than both they, who hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And better than both of them [is] he who has not yet been, in that he has not seen the evil work that has been done under the sun. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And better than both of them is he who hath not yet been, in that he hath not seen the evil work that hath been done under the sun. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And good above them two which were not yet, which saw not the evil work which was done under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I judged him happier than them both, that is not yet born, nor hath seen the evils that are done under the sun. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And happier than both of these, I judged him to be, who has not yet been born, and who has not yet seen the evils which are done under the sun. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Bible</a> And better off than both is the yet unborn, who has not seen the wicked work that is done under the sun. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> but better than both is the one who has not yet been, and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But, better is he who has not yet been born than both of them, because he has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> But better than both of these is the one who is not yet, because he does not see the evil work that is done under the sun<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> but better than they both is he that hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Better also than both these is he who has not yet been, who has not seen all the evil work that is done under the sun. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">The Evil of Oppression</a> …2So I admired the dead, who had already died, above the living, who are still alive. 3<a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: wə·ṭō·wḇ (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">But better</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: miš·šə·nê·hem (Prep-m:: Number-mdc:: 3mp) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">than both</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">is he who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">has not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5728.htm" title="5728: ‘ă·ḏen (Adv) -- Hitherto, still. Or radennah; from ad and hen; till now.">yet</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">existed,</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.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">has not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’āh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">seen</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā‘ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">the evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ham·ma·‘ă·śeh (Art:: N-ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property."></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.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">is done</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·šā·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">the sun.</a> 4I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/job/3-11.htm">Job 3:11-16</a> Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb? / Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed? / For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest ... <a href="/jeremiah/20-14.htm">Jeremiah 20:14-18</a> Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed. / Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, “A son is born to you,” bringing him great joy. / May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, ... <a href="/matthew/26-24.htm">Matthew 26:24</a> The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.” <a href="/job/10-18.htm">Job 10:18-19</a> Why then did You bring me from the womb? Oh, that I had died, and no eye had seen me! / If only I had never come to be, but had been carried from the womb to the grave. <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Philippians 1:21-23</a> 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. <a href="/revelation/14-13.htm">Revelation 14:13</a> And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.” <a href="/1_corinthians/15-19.htm">1 Corinthians 15:19</a> If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men. <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Isaiah 57:1-2</a> The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil. / Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. <a href="/luke/23-29.htm">Luke 23:29</a> Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’ <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a> We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. <a href="/psalms/139-15.htm">Psalm 139:15-16</a> My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. / Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be. <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18-23</a> I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. / The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. / For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope ... <a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">Genesis 5:24</a> Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away. <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Hebrews 11:5</a> By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. <a href="/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4</a> while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Yes, better is he than both they, which has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.better<a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:3-5</a> If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he… <a href="/job/3-10.htm">Job 3:10-16</a> Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes… <a href="/job/10-18.htm">Job 10:18,19</a> Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! … who<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a> I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17</a> Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.<a href="/psalms/55-6.htm">Psalm 55:6-11</a> And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-8.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Happier</a> <a href="/psalms/74-5.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-16.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-9.htm">Happier</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 4</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">vanity is increased unto men by oppression</a> 4. <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">by envy</a> 5. <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">by idleness</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">by covetousness</a> 9. <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">by solitariness</a> 13. <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">by willfulness</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But better than both This phrase suggests a comparison, likely referring to the living and the dead mentioned in the preceding verses. The author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, is expressing a sentiment that aligns with the theme of vanity and futility found throughout Ecclesiastes. The idea that someone who has not yet existed is "better" highlights the deep sense of despair and disillusionment with the world’s injustices and sufferings. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the fallen state of the world due to sin, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>.is he who has not yet existed The notion of not yet existing being preferable underscores the depth of the world's corruption and the pain associated with human life. This echoes Job's lament in <a href="/job/3-11.htm">Job 3:11-16</a>, where he curses the day of his birth. It also resonates with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Romans 8:22-23</a>, where creation groans for redemption. Theologically, this points to the hope of a future restoration and the ultimate redemption through Christ, who offers eternal life free from the world's present sufferings.who has not seen the evil The "evil" here refers to the moral and social injustices prevalent in the world. In the context of ancient Israel, this could include oppression, idolatry, and the failure of leaders to uphold God's laws. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as just and righteous, contrasting with human wickedness. This aligns with the prophetic calls for justice found in books like Isaiah and Amos. The phrase also anticipates the eschatological hope of a new heaven and new earth where evil is no more, as described in <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>.that is done under the sun "Under the sun" is a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the earthly, temporal perspective of human life. It suggests a worldview limited to the material and visible, often neglecting the divine or eternal perspective. This phrase captures the essence of Ecclesiastes' exploration of life's meaning apart from God. Theologically, it challenges readers to seek a life oriented towards God, as seen in the teachings of Jesus, who calls His followers to store up treasures in heaven (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). The phrase also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is often seen as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_unborn.htm">The Unborn</a> In <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3</a>, Solomon refers to those who have not yet been born, suggesting that they are better off than those who have experienced the suffering and evil in the world. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed.htm">The Oppressed</a> The context of <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3</a> involves the observation of oppression and suffering in the world, which leads Solomon to his conclusion about the unborn.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_suffering.htm">The Reality of Suffering</a> Solomon's observation highlights the pervasive nature of suffering and evil in the world. As Christians, we must acknowledge this reality and seek God's wisdom in navigating it. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_life.htm">The Value of Life</a> While Solomon suggests that the unborn are better off, the broader biblical account affirms the value and purpose of life, even amidst suffering. <a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_this_world.htm">Hope Beyond This World</a> Ecclesiastes points to the futility of life under the sun, but as Christians, we have hope in Christ and the promise of eternal life, which transcends earthly suffering. <a href="/topical/e/empathy_and_compassion.htm">Empathy and Compassion</a> Recognizing the oppression and suffering in the world should move us to empathy and action, reflecting Christ's love and compassion. <a href="/topical/t/the_search_for_meaning.htm">The Search for Meaning</a> Solomon's reflections encourage us to seek meaning not in worldly pursuits but in a relationship with God, who provides true fulfillment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4</a> <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 href="/q/why_doesn't_ecclesiastes_4_1_condemn_oppressors.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:1 speaks of oppression but offers no clear solution--why doesn't the text explicitly condemn or address the oppressors?</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_1_5_contradict_astronomy.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:5 - The verse suggests a geocentric view of the sun moving around the earth; does this contradict modern astronomy?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_euphrates_river_drying.htm">Where would we be without the Lord's support?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been. Thus we have Job's passionate appeal (<a href="/job/3-11.htm">Job 3:11</a>), "Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came forth," etc.? And in the Greek poets the sentiment of the text is re-echoed. Thus Theognis, 'Paroen.,' 425 - Πάντων μὲν μὴ φῦναι ἐπιχθονίοισιν ἄριστον Μηδ ἐσιδεῖν αὐγὰς ὀξέος ἠελίου Φύντα δ ὅπως ὤκιστα πύλας Ἀι'´δαο περῆσαι Καὶ κεῖσθαι πολλὴν γῆν ἐπαμησάμενον "'Tis best for mortals never to be born, Nor ever see the swift sun's burning rays; Next best, when born, to pass the gates of death Right speedily, and rest beneath the earth." (Comp. Soph., '(Ed. Colossians,' 1225-1228.) Cicero, 'Tusc. Disp.,' 1:48, renders some lines from a lost play of Euripides to the same effect - "Nam nos decebat, caetus celebrantes, domum Lugere, ubi esset aliquis in lucern editus, Humanae vitae varia reputantes mala; At qui labores metre finisset graves, Hunc omni amicos lauds et laetitia exsequi." Herodotus (5. 4) relates how some of the Thracians had a custom of bemoaning a birth and rejoicing at a death. In our own Burial Service we thank God for delivering the departed "out of the miseries of this sinful world." Keble alludes to this barbarian custom in his poem on' The Third Sunday after Easter.' Speaking of a Christian mother's joy at a child's birth, he says - . . . <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But better וְטוֹב֙ (wə·ṭō·wḇ) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good than both מִשְּׁנֵיהֶ֔ם (miš·šə·nê·hem) Preposition-m | Number - mdc | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) is he who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no yet עֲדֶ֖ן (‘ă·ḏen) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5728.htm">Strong's 5728: </a> Hitherto, still existed, הָיָ֑ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be who אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no seen רָאָה֙ (rā·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see the evil הָרָ֔ע (hā·rā‘) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that is done נַעֲשָׂ֖ה (na·‘ă·śāh) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make under תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun. הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (haš·šā·meš) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:3 Yes better than them both is him (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:4" /></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>