4:13 4:13

Ecclesiastes 4:14

4:15 4:15

Bible Versions

For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also [he that is] born in his kingdom becometh poor.
For out of prison {H631}{H1004} he cometh {H3318} to reign {H4427}; whereas also he that is born {H3205} in his kingdom {H4438} becometh poor {H7326}.
True, he rose from prison to be king; yet, while ruling, he became poor.
For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.
For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

Ecclesiastes 4:14 presents a stark observation on the transient nature of human power and the unpredictable shifts in fortune. It contrasts a humble, wise youth who rises to prominence with an old, foolish king who is deposed, or perhaps even the successor of the new king who eventually declines.

Context

This verse is part of a broader section in Ecclesiastes (chapters 3-5) where the Preacher, traditionally identified as King Solomon, explores the injustices, oppressions, and absurdities of life "under the sun." He observes various human conditions, including envy, toil, loneliness, and the fleeting nature of success. Verse 14 directly follows a discussion about the "poor and wise child" (verse 13), implying a succession or a change in leadership where the one who was overlooked rises. The overarching theme is the vanity and futility of earthly pursuits when viewed apart from God.

Key Themes

  • The Unpredictability of Power: The verse highlights how power and status are not fixed. One can rise from obscurity ("out of prison") to reign, while another born into privilege can become poor or lose their position. This challenges human assumptions about stability and inheritance and underscores the sovereignty of God over human affairs.
  • Wisdom vs. Folly: Implicit in the rise of the "poor and wise child" (from verse 13, which informs verse 14) is the idea that wisdom, even in humble origins, can lead to ascendancy, whereas folly, even in high places, leads to downfall. This echoes a recurring theme throughout wisdom literature in the Bible.
  • Cycles of Life and Leadership: The Preacher observes a cyclical pattern of rise and fall, suggesting that no human reign or achievement is permanent. This reinforces the core Ecclesiastical message about the transient nature of all things under the sun.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "out of prison he cometh to reign" uses the Hebrew word אסורים (asurim), meaning "those bound" or "prisoners." While it can be literal, it often signifies a state of lowliness, oppression, or obscurity, from which one unexpectedly rises. This contrasts with being "born in his kingdom," implying one who inherits privilege but fails to maintain it or experiences a reversal of fortune.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 4:14 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Humility in Success: It reminds us that worldly success is often fleeting and can come from unexpected places. Those who rise from humble beginnings should remain humble, and those in power should not take their position for granted, for their tenure is not guaranteed.
  • Value of Character over Status: The implied wisdom of the one who rises suggests that character, wisdom, and diligence are more valuable than inherited status or wealth. These qualities can lead to true influence and lasting impact, even if material prosperity is not assured.
  • Perspective on Worldly Affairs: The verse encourages a detached perspective on the world's constant shifts in power. Ultimately, all human endeavors and achievements are temporary, reinforcing the need to seek meaning beyond the earthly realm, as the book concludes in Ecclesiastes 12:13, by fearing God and keeping His commandments.
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.

  • Genesis 41:14

    Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved [himself], and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

  • Psalms 113:7

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

  • Psalms 113:8

    That he may set [him] with princes, [even] with the princes of his people.

  • Job 5:11

    To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

  • 2 Kings 24:12

    And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

  • 2 Kings 25:7

    And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

  • Lamentations 4:20

    The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
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