Ecclesiastes 4:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context of Ecclesiastes 4:1

Ecclesiastes, often attributed to "the Preacher" or Qoheleth, is a profound exploration of life's meaning "under the sun"—from a purely earthly, human perspective. Following observations on the futility of toil and the relentless cycle of life and death, Ecclesiastes 4:1 marks a shift to the social injustices prevalent in the world. The Preacher "returns" to consider the widespread suffering caused by oppression, highlighting a poignant aspect of human existence that seems to contradict any inherent joy or purpose.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Reality of Oppression: The verse starkly presents the pervasive nature of injustice, where the powerful exploit the weak. This is a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature, lamenting the brokenness of the world.
  • Unmitigated Suffering and Lack of Comfort: The core message is the tragic plight of the oppressed, whose "tears" signify deep sorrow and helplessness. Crucially, they "had no comforter," emphasizing their isolation and the absence of any solace or advocate to alleviate their pain. This lack of comfort is powerfully reiterated, underscoring the depth of their despair.
  • Power Without Justice: The oppressors possess "power," but this power is not used for good; instead, it facilitates their tyranny. The verse implies that earthly power, when unchecked by righteousness, only exacerbates suffering and does not bring comfort or peace to the victims.
  • The Preacher's Observation of Vanity: This observation of injustice contributes to the Preacher's overarching conclusion about the "vanity" or futility of much that happens "under the sun." When good people suffer without recourse and the wicked prosper, it challenges conventional notions of justice and divine order, leading to a sense of despair.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "oppressions" is 'osheq (עֹשֶׁק), which conveys the idea of violent exploitation, extortion, or wrongdoing that deprives someone of their rights or possessions. The word "tears" (dim'ah, דִּמְעָה) emphasizes the deep emotional and physical suffering endured by the victims. The phrase "no comforter" uses the Hebrew menachem (מְנַחֵם), referring to one who consoles or brings relief, highlighting the absolute absence of support for the afflicted.

Related Scriptures

The theme of injustice and the suffering of the oppressed is echoed throughout Scripture. For instance, Job 24:12 speaks of the groans of the wounded in the city, similar to the "tears" seen here. The Bible consistently calls for justice and compassion for the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges speaking up for the voiceless. In contrast to the despair of Ecclesiastes, the New Testament offers the hope of a divine Comforter (John 14:26) and the ultimate promise of no more tears in the new heaven and new earth.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to acknowledge the pervasive reality of suffering and injustice in our world. It reminds us that:

  • Compassion is Essential: We are called to be attentive to the "tears" of the oppressed and to seek to be comforters where there are none.
  • Justice is a Divine Concern: While the Preacher observes the earthly lack of justice, the broader biblical narrative reveals God's deep concern for righteousness and His ultimate promise to right all wrongs.
  • Advocacy is Needed: The power wielded by oppressors demands that those who follow God's ways actively work against injustice and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
  • Hope Beyond the Sun: For believers, this verse highlights the limitations of an "under the sun" perspective and points to the need for a transcendent hope that finds ultimate comfort and justice in God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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