🌀WEB · Ecclesiastes 4:2

What does Ecclesiastes 4:2 mean?

"Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive."

— Ecclesiastes 4:2 (World English Bible)

Surrounding context

1

Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

2

Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

3

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.

4

Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

5

The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

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