Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: New Living Translation Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. English Standard Version Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Berean Standard Bible Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. King James Bible Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. New King James Version Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. New American Standard Bible Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; NASB 1995 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. NASB 1977 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. Legacy Standard Bible Two are better than one because they have good wages for their labor. Amplified Bible Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; Christian Standard Bible Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. Holman Christian Standard Bible Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. American Standard Version Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. Contemporary English Version You are better having a friend than to be all alone, because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn. English Revised Version Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. GOD'S WORD® Translation Two people are better than one because [together] they have a good reward for their hard work. Good News Translation Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. International Standard Version Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. Majority Standard Bible Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. NET Bible Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. New Heart English Bible Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. Webster's Bible Translation Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. World English Bible Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe two [are] better than the one, in that they have a good reward by their labor. Young's Literal Translation The two are better than the one, in that they have a good reward by their labour. Smith's Literal Translation Two are good above one, because there is to them a good reward in their labor. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIt is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society: Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, it is better for two to be together, than for one to be alone. For they have the advantage of their companionship. New American Bible Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. New Revised Standard Version Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTwo are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Two are better than one, for they have a good reward in their labor OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Brenton Septuagint Translation Two are better than one, seeing they have a good reward for their labour. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Evil of Oppression…8There 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. 9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. 10For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!… Cross References Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Matthew 18:19-20 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.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 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. Hebrews 10:24-25 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. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Romans 12:4-5 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. Ephesians 4:11-13 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. Philippians 2:2-4 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. 1 Peter 4:10 As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. Genesis 2:18 The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” Exodus 17:12 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. Ruth 1:16-17 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.” 1 Samuel 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, 2 Samuel 10:11 “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. Treasury of Scripture Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. are Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Exodus 4:14-16 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is 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… Numbers 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. a good Ruth 2:12 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. John 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Jump to Previous Better Good Labor Reward Toil WorkJump to Next Better Good Labor Reward Toil WorkEcclesiastes 4 1. vanity is increased unto men by oppression4. by envy 5. by idleness 7. by covetousness 9. by solitariness 13. by willfulness Two are better than one 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 Genesis 2:18, 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 (Mark 6:7), underscoring the strength and encouragement found in partnership. because they have a good return for their labor. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- 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. 2. Israel - 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. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth) - 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. 4. Laborers - The verse speaks to those who work, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and partnership in their efforts. 5. Companionship - A central theme in this verse, highlighting the importance of relationships and mutual support in achieving success and fulfillment. Teaching Points The Value of PartnershipWorking together yields greater results than working alone. In both spiritual and practical endeavors, collaboration enhances productivity and success. Mutual Support and Encouragement Companionship provides emotional and physical support, helping individuals to persevere through challenges and celebrate successes. Reflecting God's Design God designed humans for relationship and community. Embracing this design leads to a more fulfilling and effective life. Spiritual Accountability Having a partner or community in faith encourages spiritual growth and accountability, helping individuals stay true to their commitments. Practical Wisdom in Relationships Building strong, supportive relationships is a wise investment that pays dividends in all areas of life, from work to personal well-being.Verse 9. - Koheleth dwells upon the evils of isolation, and contrasts with them the comfort of companionship. Two are better than one. Literally, the clause refers to the two and the one mentioned in the preceding verse (Ἀγαθοὶ οἱ δύο ὑπὲρ τόν ἔνα, Septuagint); but the gnome is true in general. "Two heads are better than one," says our proverb. Because (asher here conjunctive, not relative) they have a good reward for their labor. 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 - "Man helps his fellow, city saves." Ξεὶρ χεῖρα νίπτει δάκτυλός τε δάκτυλον. "Hand cleanseth hand, and finger cleanseth finger." (Comp. Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:17; Ecclus. 6:14.) So Christ sent out his apostles two and two (Mark 6:7). Hebrew Twoהַשְּׁנַ֖יִם (haš·šə·na·yim) Article | Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) are better טוֹבִ֥ים (ṭō·w·ḇîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good than מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of one, הָאֶחָ֑ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first because אֲשֶׁ֧ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that they have יֵשׁ־ (yêš-) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is a good ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good return שָׂכָ֥ר (śā·ḵār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7939: Payment of contract, salary, fare, maintenance, compensation, benefit for their labor. בַּעֲמָלָֽם׃ (ba·‘ă·mā·lām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind Links Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIVEcclesiastes 4:9 NLT Ecclesiastes 4:9 ESV Ecclesiastes 4:9 NASB Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV Ecclesiastes 4:9 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 4:9 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 4:9 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 4:9 French Bible Ecclesiastes 4:9 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one because they (Ecclesiast. 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