Ecclesiastes 4:12
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken...." — Ecclesiastes 4:12 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes.
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
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Surrounding verses
Read Ecclesiastes 4:12 with the verses next to it, then open Ecclesiastes 4 in full.
When people use this verse
People often open Ecclesiastes 4:12 when they are looking for Scripture on broken relationship.
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“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes. This verse comes from chapter 4, which can be read in full at the Ecclesiastes chapter 4 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on Ecclesiastes 4:12, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
1 Timothy 5:12Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.
Deuteronomy 21:6Then all the elders of the town nearest the body shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley,
Ecclesiastes 12:6Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well,
Isaiah 1:28But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the Lord will perish.
Isaiah 5:27Not one of them grows tired or stumbles, not one slumbers or sleeps; not a belt is loosened at the waist, not a sandal thong is broken.
Isaiah 8:15Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured.”
Isaiah 10:27In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Ecclesiastes 4:12. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does Ecclesiastes 4:12 mean?
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken...." — Ecclesiastes 4:12 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of Ecclesiastes 4:12?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes. This verse comes from chapter 4, which can be read in full at the Ecclesiastes chapter 4 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does Ecclesiastes 4:12 read in other translations?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.