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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 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/21_Ecc_04_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 4:9 - The Evil of Oppression" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." /><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'; 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because they have a good reward for their labour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Two <i>are</i> better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Two are better than one because they have good wages for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You are better having a friend than to be all alone, because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Two people are better than one because [together] they have a good reward for their hard work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The two [are] better than the one, in that they have a good reward by their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The two are better than the one, in that they have a good reward by their labour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Two are good above one, because there is to them a good reward in their labor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, it is better for two to be together, than for one to be alone. For they have the advantage of their companionship.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Two are better than one, for they have a good reward in their labor<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Two <i>are</i> better than one, <i>seeing</i> they have a good reward for their labour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/4-9.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=736" 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 Evil of Oppression</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: haš·šə·na·yim (Art:: Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">Two</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇîm (Adj-mp) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">are 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/259.htm" title="259: hā·’e·ḥāḏ (Art:: Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">one,</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.">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yêš- (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">they have</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep-l:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">a good</a> <a href="/hebrew/7939.htm" title="7939: śā·ḵār (N-ms) -- Hire, wages. From sakar; payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit.">return</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ba·‘ă·mā·lām (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">for their labor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!…<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/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19-20</a></span><br />Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. / For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-14</a></span><br />The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a></span><br />And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a></span><br />Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a></span><br />Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4-5</a></span><br />Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, / so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a></span><br />And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Philippians 2:2-4</a></span><br />then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. / Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a></span><br />The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Exodus 17:12</a></span><br />When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a></span><br />But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16</a></span><br />And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-11.htm">2 Samuel 10:11</a></span><br />“If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.</p><p class="hdg">are</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a></b></br> And the LORD God said, <i>It is</i> not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-14.htm">Exodus 4:14-16</a></b></br> And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, <i>Is</i> not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/11-14.htm">Numbers 11:14</a></b></br> I am not able to bear all this people alone, because <i>it is</i> too heavy for me.</p><p class="hdg">a good</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ruth/2-12.htm">Ruth 2:12</a></b></br> The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/4-36.htm">John 4:36</a></b></br> And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">2 John 1:8</a></b></br> Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Work</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>Two are better than one</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of companionship and partnership. In the context of ancient Israel, community and family were central to daily life. The Bible often highlights the importance of relationships, as seen in <a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a>, where God states, "It is not good for the man to be alone." This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing that humans are designed for fellowship and mutual support. The idea of two being better than one can also be seen in the New Testament, where Jesus sends out His disciples in pairs (<a href="/mark/6-7.htm">Mark 6:7</a>), underscoring the strength and encouragement found in partnership.<p><b>because they have a good return for their labor.</b><br>This phrase suggests that collaboration leads to greater productivity and success. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, working together in fields or other labor-intensive tasks would yield better results than working alone. The principle of reaping a good return is also a spiritual metaphor found in the New Testament, such as in <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a>, which encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season they will reap a harvest. The concept of a "good return" can also be seen as a type of Christ, who through His partnership with humanity, brought about the ultimate return—salvation and eternal life for believers.<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. He reflects on the nature of life and human endeavors.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The setting for Solomon's writings, Israel was a nation that experienced both prosperity and hardship, providing a backdrop for Solomon's observations on life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>- A term used for the speaker in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who shares insights on the meaning of life and the value of companionship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/laborers.htm">Laborers</a></b><br>- The verse speaks to those who work, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and partnership in their efforts.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/companionship.htm">Companionship</a></b><br>- A central theme in this verse, highlighting the importance of relationships and mutual support in achieving success and fulfillment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_partnership.htm">The Value of Partnership</a></b><br>Working together yields greater results than working alone. In both spiritual and practical endeavors, collaboration enhances productivity and success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mutual_support_and_encouragement.htm">Mutual Support and Encouragement</a></b><br>Companionship provides emotional and physical support, helping individuals to persevere through challenges and celebrate successes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_design.htm">Reflecting God's Design</a></b><br>God designed humans for relationship and community. Embracing this design leads to a more fulfilling and effective life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_accountability.htm">Spiritual Accountability</a></b><br>Having a partner or community in faith encourages spiritual growth and accountability, helping individuals stay true to their commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_wisdom_in_relationships.htm">Practical Wisdom in Relationships</a></b><br>Building strong, supportive relationships is a wise investment that pays dividends in all areas of life, from work to personal well-being.<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/meaning_of_'two_are_better_than_one'.htm">What does "Two are better than one" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/nain's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What does 'Two are better than one' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_zion's_role_in_prophecy.htm">How can young people stay on the right path?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_unhappy_marriages.htm">What does the Bible say about unhappy marriages?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - Koheleth dwells upon the evils of isolation, and contrasts with them the comfort of companionship. <span class="cmt_word">Two are better than one</span>. Literally, the clause refers to the two and the one mentioned in the preceding verse (<span class="greek">Ἀγαθοὶ οἱ δύο ὑπὲρ τόν ἔνα</span>, Septuagint); but the gnome is true in general. "Two heads are better than one," says our proverb. <span class="cmt_word">Because</span> (<span class="accented">asher</span> here conjunctive, not relative) <span class="cmt_word">they have a good reward for their labor.</span> The joint labors of two produce much more effect than the efforts of a solitary worker. Companionship is helpful and profitable. Ginsburg quotes the rabbinical sayings,, Either friendship or death;" and "A man without friends is like a left hand without the right." Thus the Greek gnome - <p><span class="accented">"Man helps his fellow, city saves."</span> <p><span class="greek">Ξεὶρ χεῖρα νίπτει δάκτυλός τε δάκτυλον</span>. <p><span class="accented">"Hand cleanseth hand, and finger cleanseth finger."</span> (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a>; <a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17</a>; Ecclus. 6:14.) So Christ sent out his apostles two and two (<a href="/mark/6-7.htm">Mark 6:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/4-9.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">Two</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šə·na·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are better</span><br /><span class="heb">טוֹבִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·w·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<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">one,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֶחָ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’e·ḥāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֧ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they have</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵשׁ־</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">a good</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֖וֹב</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">return</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂכָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(śā·ḵār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7939.htm">Strong's 7939: </a> </span><span class="str2">Payment of contract, salary, fare, maintenance, compensation, benefit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for their labor.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲמָלָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·mā·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one because they (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:10" /></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>