Ecclesiastes 4:10
New International Version
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

New Living Translation
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

English Standard Version
For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Berean Standard Bible
For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!

King James Bible
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

New King James Version
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.

New American Standard Bible
for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up!

NASB 1995
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

NASB 1977
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Legacy Standard Bible
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not a second one to lift him up.

Amplified Bible
for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up.

Christian Standard Bible
For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.

American Standard Version
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

Contemporary English Version
If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble.

English Revised Version
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is [all] alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up.

Good News Translation
If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him.

International Standard Version
If they stumble, the first will lift up his friend—but woe to anyone who is alone when he falls and there is no one to help him get up.

Majority Standard Bible
For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!

NET Bible
For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up.

New Heart English Bible
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn't have another to lift him up.

Webster's Bible Translation
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him to rise.

World English Bible
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For if they fall, the one raises up his companion, but woe to the one who falls and there is not a second to raise him up!

Young's Literal Translation
For if they fall, the one raiseth up his companion, but woe to the one who falleth and there is not a second to raise him up!

Smith's Literal Translation
For if they shall fall, the one will raise up his companion: and wo to him, the one that shall fall, and not a second to raise him up.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If one fall he shall be supported by the other: woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he hath none to lift him up.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If one falls, he shall be supported by the other. Woe to one who is alone. For when he falls, he has no one to lift him up.

New American Bible
If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help.

New Revised Standard Version
For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls; for there is none to lift him up.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For if one falls, his companion lifts him up; but grieve for him who is alone, for if he falls, there is no one to lift him up
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls, and there is not a second to lift him up.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Evil of Oppression
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! 11Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?…

Cross References
Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

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 Corinthians 12:26
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Job 6:14
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Luke 10:30-37
Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. / Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. / So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. ...

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

2 Corinthians 1:4
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

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.”


Treasury of Scripture

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up.

if

Exodus 32:2-4,21
And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me…

Deuteronomy 9:19,20
For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also…

1 Samuel 23:16
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

but

Genesis 4:8
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

2 Samuel 14:6
And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.

Jump to Previous
Alone Companion Either Fall Falleth Falls Fellow Friend Hand Help Helper Lift Pity Raise Raiseth Rise Second Unhappy Wo Woe
Jump to Next
Alone Companion Either Fall Falleth Falls Fellow Friend Hand Help Helper Lift Pity Raise Raiseth Rise Second Unhappy Wo Woe
Ecclesiastes 4
1. vanity is increased unto men by oppression
4. by envy
5. by idleness
7. by covetousness
9. by solitariness
13. by willfulness














For if one falls
The phrase "for if one falls" introduces the concept of human vulnerability and the inevitability of challenges in life. The Hebrew root for "falls" is "נָפַל" (naphal), which conveys not just a physical fall but also moral or spiritual stumbling. In the historical context of ancient Israel, community and companionship were vital for survival, both physically and spiritually. This phrase underscores the importance of having support systems in place, as life is fraught with difficulties that can cause one to "fall."

the other will lift up his companion
Here, "the other will lift up his companion" emphasizes the role of mutual support and encouragement. The Hebrew word for "lift up" is "קוּם" (qum), which means to rise or establish. This action is not merely about physical assistance but also about restoring dignity and strength. In a scriptural context, this reflects the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2. The term "companion" suggests a close relationship, highlighting the value of friendships and partnerships that are rooted in love and faithfulness.

But pity the one who falls
The phrase "but pity the one who falls" introduces a tone of compassion and concern. The Hebrew word for "pity" is "אוֹי" (oy), an expression of lament or woe. This reflects the deep empathy and sorrow for those who face life's challenges alone. Historically, being isolated in ancient times could mean the difference between life and death, emphasizing the necessity of community. This phrase serves as a warning against isolation and the importance of cultivating relationships.

without another to help him up
Finally, "without another to help him up" highlights the dire consequences of solitude. The Hebrew word for "help" is "עָזַר" (azar), meaning to assist or support. This phrase underscores the biblical teaching that humans are created for community, as seen in Genesis 2:18, where God declares it is not good for man to be alone. The absence of companionship is portrayed as a significant disadvantage, reinforcing the need for fellowship and mutual aid within the body of Christ.

(10) Woe.--The word occurs only here and in Ecclesiastes 10:16, but is common in post-Biblical Hebrew.

Verse 10. - Koheleth illustrates the benefit of association by certain familiar examples. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. If one or the other fall, the companion will aid him. The idea is that two travelers are making their way over a rough road - an experience that every one must have had in Palestine. Vulgate, Si unus ceciderit. Of course, if both fell at the same time, one could not help the other. Commentators quote Homer, 'Iliad,' 10:220-226, thus rendered by Lord Derby -

"Nestor, that heart is mine;
I dare alone Enter the hostile camp, so close at hand;
Yet were one comrade giv'n me, I should go
With more of comfort, more of confidence.
Where two combine, one before other sees
The better course; and ev'n though one alone
The readiest way discover, yet would be
His judgment slower, his decision less."
Woe to him that is alone. The same interjection of sorrow, אִי, occurs in Ecclesiastes 10:16, but elsewhere only in late Hebrew. The verse may be applied to moral falls as well as to stumbling at natural obstacles. Brother helps brother to resist temptation, while many have failed when tried by isolation who would have manfully withstood if they had had the countenance and support of others.

"Clear before us through the darkness
Gleams and burns the guiding light;
Brother clasps the hand of brother,
Stepping fearless through the night."


Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

if
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

one
הָאֶחָ֖ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

falls down,
יִפֹּ֔לוּ (yip·pō·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

his companion
חֲבֵר֑וֹ (ḥă·ḇê·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2270: United, associate, companion

can lift him up;
יָקִ֣ים (yā·qîm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

but pity
וְאִ֣יל֗וֹ (wə·’î·lōw)
Conjunctive waw, Pi | Interjection | third person masculine singular
Strong's 337: Alas!

the one
הָֽאֶחָד֙ (hā·’e·ḥāḏ)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

who falls
שֶׁיִּפּ֔וֹל (še·yip·pō·wl)
Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

without
וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

another
שֵׁנִ֖י (šê·nî)
Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number)

to help him up!
לַהֲקִימֽוֹ׃ (la·hă·qî·mōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall the one will (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
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