Ecclesiastes 4:1

KJV

¶ So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of [such as were] oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power; but they had no comforter.

KJV (with Strong's)

So I returned {H7725}, and considered {H7200} all the oppressions {H6217} that are done {H6213} under the sun {H8121}: and behold the tears {H1832} of such as were oppressed {H6231}, and they had no comforter {H5162}; and on the side {H3027} of their oppressors {H6231} there was power {H3581}; but they had no comforter {H5162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I turned away and thought about all the kinds of oppression being done under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them. The power was on the side of their oppressors, and they had no one to comfort them.

Berean Standard Bible

Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 4:1 presents the Preacher's somber observation of the pervasive injustice and suffering in the world "under the sun." He witnesses the profound sorrow of the oppressed, whose tears flow without any source of comfort or advocacy. In stark contrast, their oppressors wield unchecked power, further compounding the victims' desolation by ensuring their cries for help go unheard and their anguish remains unalleviated. This verse powerfully underscores the Preacher's overarching theme of the vanity and futility of life when viewed solely from an earthly perspective, where righteousness often goes unrewarded and wickedness thrives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 4:1 marks a thematic pivot in Qoheleth's discourse. Prior to this verse, the Preacher has meticulously explored the futility of human toil, wisdom, pleasure, and wealth when disconnected from a divine purpose, concluding that much of life is "vanity" [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity"). Chapters 2 and 3 delve into the cyclical nature of life and the limitations of human control over time and events. With [Ecclesiastes 4](/ecclesiastes/4 "Ecclesiastes 4 - The Burdens of Life") and specifically this verse, Qoheleth shifts his focus from the inherent vanity of individual pursuits to the social injustices and relational brokenness that plague human society. This observation of oppression serves as another powerful piece of evidence supporting his overarching thesis that life, without God, is ultimately meaningless and fraught with suffering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The observations in Ecclesiastes reflect a common reality in ancient Near Eastern societies, where power was often concentrated in the hands of a few, and legal recourse for the marginalized was frequently nonexistent or easily subverted. Kings, wealthy landowners, and powerful officials often exploited the poor, widows, and orphans, who lacked social standing or political influence. While the specific historical setting of Ecclesiastes is debated (traditionally Solomon, but possibly a later period), the social dynamics of oppression and the lack of a robust justice system for the common person were persistent issues throughout ancient Israel and its neighbors. The "power" on the side of the oppressors was not merely physical might but also economic, social, and judicial leverage, making the plight of the "no comforter" truly desperate.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **vanity (hebel)** by demonstrating that even social structures and human interactions are tainted by injustice, rendering efforts to find meaning or comfort "under the sun" futile. Secondly, it highlights the **pervasiveness of suffering**, particularly for the vulnerable, and the tragic absence of relief or justice in a fallen world. Thirdly, it underscores the **limitations of human power and wisdom** to rectify deep-seated societal wrongs. The Preacher's lament over the lack of a "comforter" foreshadows the biblical call for divine intervention and ultimate justice, even as he grapples with its apparent absence in the present reality. This theme of unaddressed suffering also sets the stage for later reflections on the advantages of companionship and the dangers of isolation, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12](/ecclesiastes/4-9 "Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - The Value of Companionship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **oppressions (Hebrew, _ʻâshûwq'_):** Derived from H6217, which is a passive participle used abstractly in the plural to denote "tyranny" or "oppression." This word signifies not merely hardship but a deliberate, forceful, and often violent exploitation or deprivation of rights by a stronger party against a weaker one. It implies a systemic wrongdoing that crushes the spirit and livelihood of the victim.
* **tears (Hebrew, _dimʻâh'_):** H1832, a feminine noun meaning "weeping" or "tears." This word powerfully conveys the deep emotional and physical suffering of the oppressed. Tears are a universal sign of profound sorrow, helplessness, and pain, indicating that the oppression is not just an external burden but one that breaks the spirit and elicits raw, unmitigated grief.
* **comforter (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** H5162, a primitive root meaning "to sigh," and by implication, "to be sorry," "to pity," or "to console." In this context, the passive participle form (menachem) refers to one who brings solace, relief, or advocacy. The repeated phrase "they had no comforter" emphasizes the absolute isolation and abandonment of the oppressed, highlighting the absence of anyone to offer pity, console their sorrow, or intercede on their behalf against the powerful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun:"** Qoheleth, the Preacher, indicates a deliberate re-evaluation or a renewed focus. Having surveyed various aspects of life, he now turns his attention specifically to the widespread and active injustices ("oppressions") that occur in the earthly realm ("under the sun"), signifying a perspective limited to human experience and observation.
* **"and behold the tears of [such as were] oppressed,"** The Preacher's observation is not abstract but deeply empathetic. He "beholds" (a term implying careful, perhaps sorrowful, observation) the visible manifestation of suffering: the "tears" of those who are victims of this oppression. This emphasizes the profound and personal anguish experienced by the wronged.
* **"and they had no comforter;"** This is the first crucial lament. The oppressed are not only suffering but are utterly alone in their suffering. There is no one to console them, no one to offer solace, no one to provide relief, and no one to stand up for them. This absence of comfort amplifies their despair and highlights the brokenness of human community.
* **"and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power;"** In stark contrast to the helpless victims, the oppressors possess "power." This power is not merely physical strength but encompasses authority, influence, and resources that enable them to perpetrate injustice with impunity. It implies a structural imbalance where the strong dominate the weak without accountability.
* **"but they had no comforter."** The repetition of this phrase ("they had no comforter") serves as a powerful rhetorical device, underscoring the absolute and unmitigated desolation of the oppressed. It emphasizes that despite the visible tears and the clear injustice, there is no one to intervene, no one to offer relief, and no one to bring justice. This stark reality contributes significantly to the Preacher's sense of the vanity of life "under the sun."

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 4:1 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, where the utter helplessness and tearful suffering of the oppressed are placed in stark contrast with the unchecked "power" of their oppressors. This creates a vivid and disturbing image of societal imbalance and injustice. The repeated phrase "they had no comforter" functions as **Repetition** (specifically, anaphora if at the beginning of clauses, but here it's a refrain), serving to emphasize the profound isolation and despair of the victims. This repetition hammers home the tragic reality of their abandonment. The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring **Motif** throughout Ecclesiastes, consistently grounding Qoheleth's observations in a purely earthly, human perspective, devoid of transcendent hope or divine intervention, which makes the observed injustices all the more bleak. The "tears" themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical weeping but the deep, pervasive sorrow, pain, and helplessness that result from systemic oppression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 4:1 offers a raw, honest portrayal of human suffering and injustice, a theme deeply woven into the fabric of biblical theology. While Qoheleth's perspective is "under the sun," his lament over the uncomforted oppressed resonates with God's own heart for justice and compassion. The Bible consistently portrays God as a defender of the weak and a judge of oppressors. This verse highlights the profound brokenness of a world marred by sin, where power is often misused, and the vulnerable are exploited. It implicitly raises questions about divine justice and the apparent delay of its manifestation, a tension explored throughout Scripture. The absence of a human comforter in this verse points to the ultimate need for a divine one, foreshadowing the hope found in God's character and future intervention.

* [Job 24:12](/job/24-12 "Job 24:12 - The Groans of the Wounded") speaks of the groans of the dying and the cries of the wounded, yet God "charges no one with wrong," echoing the unaddressed suffering seen in Ecclesiastes.
* [Psalm 10:1-4](/psalm/10-1 "Psalm 10:1-4 - The Wicked Oppress the Poor") laments the apparent absence of God in times of trouble, describing how the wicked arrogantly pursue and oppress the poor, much like the oppressors with power in Ecclesiastes.
* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed") calls God's people to "seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause," directly contrasting the lack of a comforter in Ecclesiastes by calling for active advocacy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 4:1 serves as a stark mirror reflecting the enduring reality of injustice and suffering in our world. It challenges us to move beyond superficial observations and to truly "consider" the deep anguish of those who are oppressed, whose tears often go unnoticed and uncomforted. This verse compels us to cultivate a profound empathy for the vulnerable, recognizing that their suffering is not merely an abstract problem but a tangible, soul-crushing reality. In a world where power is still often wielded for selfish gain, and the marginalized continue to be exploited, the Preacher's lament is a timeless call to awareness. For believers, this awareness should ignite a passion for justice and a commitment to being the "comforters" that Qoheleth observed were so desperately lacking. While the Preacher's "under the sun" perspective leads to despair, our faith in a just God should move us to action, to speak for the voiceless, and to extend compassion where there is none. This verse reminds us that true comfort and lasting justice are ultimately found not in human systems alone, but in aligning ourselves with God's heart for the oppressed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Preacher's observation of "oppressions" challenge my own understanding of justice and suffering in the world today?**
* **In what ways might I be called to be a "comforter" to those who are oppressed and without solace in my community or beyond?**
* **How does the "power" of oppressors manifest in contemporary society, and what is my role in resisting such injustices?**
* **What is the danger of ignoring the "tears of the oppressed" in our own lives or within the church?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 4:1 suggest that God is absent or uncaring about injustice?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 4:1, viewed in isolation and "under the sun," indeed presents a bleak picture where the oppressed have "no comforter" and oppressors wield unchecked "power." This verse reflects Qoheleth's honest struggle to reconcile the existence of pervasive injustice with the concept of a just God, a tension common in wisdom literature. However, within the broader biblical narrative, this verse does not suggest God's absence or uncaring nature. Instead, it highlights the *human perception* of these realities when divine intervention is not immediately apparent. The rest of Scripture, particularly the Prophets and Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 9:9](/psalm/9-9 "Psalm 9:9 - The Lord is a Refuge for the Oppressed"), [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Rolls Down Like Waters")), consistently portrays God as deeply concerned with justice, a defender of the oppressed, and the ultimate judge of all wrongdoing. Ecclesiastes serves to underscore the profound need for God's ultimate justice and comfort, which is often not fully realized in the present fallen world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 4:1 powerfully articulates the desperate human need for a comforter and a champion against oppression, a need that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Preacher's lament over those who "had no comforter" echoes the universal cry of a fallen humanity alienated from God and subjected to the tyranny of sin and its consequences. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enters this world of oppression not with earthly power to dominate, but with divine authority to liberate. He is the ultimate "Comforter" promised by the Father, sending the [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter") to dwell within believers, offering solace, guidance, and strength in the midst of suffering. Unlike the earthly oppressors whose power leads to tears, Christ's power is demonstrated through sacrificial love, bringing healing to the brokenhearted and release to the captives ([Isaiah 61:1-3](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-3 - The Anointed One Brings Good News")). He identifies with the oppressed, declaring that what is done to "the least of these" is done to Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). Ultimately, Christ's work on the cross and His future return promise a new heaven and a new earth where God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears")). Thus, the despair of Ecclesiastes 4:1 finds its glorious resolution in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the compassionate Comforter and the righteous Judge who will finally bring an end to all oppression.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 3:16

¶ And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, [that] wickedness [was] there; and the place of righteousness, [that] iniquity [was] there.

Ecclesiastes 5:8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth; and [there be] higher than they.

Isaiah 5:7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

Job 35:9

¶ By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make [the oppressed] to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.

Lamentations 1:2

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears [are] on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort [her]: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.