12Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.


In Context

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

13 Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning.

14 The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 in Other Translations

The King James Version of the Holy Bible

4:12And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The Douay-Rheims Version of the Holy Bible

4:12And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.

The American Standard Version of the Holy Bible

4:12And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The Darby Bible Translation of the Holy Bible

4:12And if a man overpower the one, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The English Revised Version of the Holy Bible

4:12And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The Webster Bible Translation of the Holy Bible

4:12And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.

The World English Bible Translation of the Holy Bible

4:12If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible

4:12And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.

The American King James Version of the Holy Bible

4:12And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.