12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
12 By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:12
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
(Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Surely he has more satisfaction in life, who labours hard to maintain those he loves, than the miser has in his toil. In all things union tends to success and safety, but above all, the union of Christians. They assist each other by encouragement, or friendly reproof. They warm each other's hearts while they converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his praises. Then let us improve our opportunities of Christian fellowship. In these things all is not vanity, though there will be some alloy as long as we are under the sun. Where two are closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his Spirit come to them; then there is a threefold cord.