Ecclesiastes 4:14

KJV

For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also [he that is] born in his kingdom becometh poor.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

True, he rose from prison to be king; yet, while ruling, he became poor.

Berean Standard Bible

For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.

American Standard Version

For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 4:14 offers a poignant reflection on the unpredictable nature of human power and the fleeting quality of earthly success, illustrating how one can rise from obscurity to prominence while another, born into privilege, can fall into poverty or disgrace. The verse contrasts the ascent of a "poor and wise youth" (implied from the preceding verse) who emerges from a state of confinement or lowliness to reign, with the decline of someone born into royalty who ultimately becomes impoverished, thereby underscoring the vanity of human ambition and the transient cycles of leadership "under the sun."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 3-5) where the Preacher, Qoheleth, delves into the various injustices, oppressions, and absurdities inherent in life "under the sun"—life viewed from a purely human, earthly perspective, without explicit reference to God's ultimate purposes. Specifically, Ecclesiastes 4 focuses on the burdens of toil, envy, and loneliness, and the futility of striving for worldly success. Verse 14 directly follows a discussion in verse 13 about a "poor and wise youth" who is better than an "old and foolish king who will no longer take advice." This sets up the contrast in verse 14, illustrating the potential for a dramatic reversal of fortune where the humble rise and the privileged fall, emphasizing the unpredictable shifts in human affairs. The passage contributes to Qoheleth's overarching argument about the vanity of all human endeavors when pursued as ends in themselves, apart from a divine perspective, a theme echoed throughout [the book of Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes - The Preacher's Search for Meaning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel, likely during or after the Solomonic era, given the traditional authorship attributed to Solomon. The political landscape of the ancient Near East was characterized by monarchies, often with unstable successions, coups, and the rise of new dynasties from unexpected origins. The concept of a "prison" (H1004, _bayith_) could refer to a literal dungeon, but also metaphorically to a state of oppression, lowliness, or obscurity, from which a person might unexpectedly rise to power. Conversely, those "born in his kingdom" would typically inherit privilege and status. However, the historical reality often saw heirs losing their positions due to folly, rebellion, or external conquest. The Preacher's observations reflect a common ancient wisdom tradition that recognized the unpredictable ebb and flow of human fortunes, challenging the notion that birthright or established power guaranteed stability. This instability was a stark reality for many ancient kingdoms, where power could shift dramatically, as seen in various historical accounts of kings being deposed or replaced, sometimes by individuals from humble or imprisoned backgrounds, as illustrated in [the story of Joseph](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph's Rise to Power") or [David's ascent](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King").
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 4:14 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Transience of Power and Wealth**, reinforcing Qoheleth's pervasive message that all earthly achievements and positions are fleeting and ultimately meaningless "under the sun." No human reign or accumulation of wealth is permanent, challenging humanity's inherent desire for lasting legacy and control. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Unpredictability of Human Fortune**, demonstrating that status is not fixed by birth or current circumstances. One can rise from the lowest depths to the highest office, while another can fall from the pinnacle of privilege to destitution. This unpredictability serves to humble human pride and expose the illusion of self-sufficiency. Finally, it implicitly touches upon the theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly**, particularly when read in conjunction with [Ecclesiastes 4:13](/ecclesiastes/4-13 "Ecclesiastes 4:13 - A Wise Youth and a Foolish King"). The rise of the "poor and wise youth" suggests that wisdom, even in humble origins, can lead to ascendancy, whereas folly, even in high places, leads to downfall, echoing a foundational principle of biblical wisdom literature found throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prison (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word (H1004) primarily means "house," but its extensive range of applications includes "dungeon" or "prison" when referring to a place of confinement. In this context, it signifies a state of extreme lowliness, confinement, or obscurity, from which one might unexpectedly emerge. It emphasizes the humble or oppressed origins of the individual who rises to power, highlighting the dramatic nature of their ascent.
* **cometh (Hebrew, _yâtsâ'_):** This verb (H3318) means "to go out" or "to come forth." Here, it denotes the act of emerging or being brought out from a state of confinement or obscurity. It signifies a decisive movement from one condition to another, specifically from a low state to a position of authority, emphasizing the active and perhaps surprising nature of this transition.
* **reign (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** This primitive root (H4427) means "to reign" or "to ascend the throne." It signifies the act of assuming royal authority and exercising kingship. In contrast to the "prison" from which one comes, "reign" represents the pinnacle of human power and status, highlighting the complete reversal of fortune experienced by the rising individual.
* **born (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This verb (H3205) means "to bear young" or "to beget." Here, it refers to someone who is born into a particular status or lineage, specifically within the existing "kingdom." This emphasizes inherited privilege and a natural expectation of maintaining one's position, setting up the stark contrast with the one who rises from nothing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For out of prison he cometh to reign":** This clause describes the unexpected ascent of an individual from a state of lowliness, confinement, or obscurity ("prison") to the highest position of power ("to reign"). It implies a dramatic reversal of fortune, where a person previously overlooked or oppressed gains supreme authority. This can be interpreted literally as a prisoner becoming king, or metaphorically as someone from humble or disadvantaged beginnings rising to prominence. The "he" implicitly refers back to the "poor and wise youth" of the preceding verse, whose wisdom and character enable this improbable rise.
* **"whereas also [he that is] born in his kingdom becometh poor":** This clause presents the contrasting fate of another individual—one who was born into privilege and expected to inherit or maintain a high status within the existing "kingdom." Despite their advantageous birthright, this person ultimately "becometh poor," signifying a loss of wealth, status, or power, and a descent into obscurity or destitution. This highlights the instability of inherited privilege and the unpredictable nature of human affairs, where even those with every advantage can experience downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 4:14 is rich in **Contrast**, presenting two diametrically opposed scenarios: the rise from "prison" to "reign" versus the fall from being "born in his kingdom" to becoming "poor." This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the unpredictable and often ironic nature of human fortune. The verse also employs **Irony**, as it subverts typical expectations: one would expect those born into royalty to maintain their status, and those in prison to remain confined. Instead, the opposite occurs, highlighting the futility of relying on human systems or inherited privilege. Furthermore, there is an element of **Paradox** in the idea that wisdom, even in poverty, can lead to ascendancy, while folly, even in kingship, can lead to ruin, challenging conventional notions of power and success.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 4:14 profoundly illustrates the Preacher's central theme of "vanity" (Hebrew, _hevel_) by showcasing the inherent instability and unpredictability of human power and prosperity. It reveals that human efforts to secure lasting status or legacy "under the sun" are ultimately futile, as fortunes can reverse dramatically and unexpectedly. This serves as a theological reminder that true security and meaning cannot be found in worldly achievements or inherited positions, but only in a right relationship with God, who alone is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations and individuals. The verse challenges human pride and self-reliance, pointing to a divine order that often confounds human expectations, where the humble are exalted and the proud are brought low. This divine sovereignty over human affairs is a recurring biblical motif, underscoring that God's purposes, not human schemes, ultimately prevail.

* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer: God Raises the Poor")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Song: He Has Brought Down the Mighty")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 4:14 offers a sobering yet liberating perspective on life's unpredictable journey. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that our status, wealth, or influence are not guaranteed by birthright, effort, or even current success. For those who feel overlooked or are in a "prison" of obscurity or disadvantage, the verse offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us that God can raise up the humble and wise. Conversely, for those in positions of power or privilege, it serves as a potent warning against arrogance and complacency, urging them to steward their influence wisely and with an awareness of its transient nature. Ultimately, the verse redirects our focus from the fleeting achievements of this world to the enduring values of wisdom, character, and a life lived in reverence for God, which alone offer true stability and meaning beyond the shifting sands of human fortune. It encourages us to find our identity and security not in what we possess or achieve, but in who we are in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unpredictability of human fortune, as described in this verse, challenge your own assumptions about security and success?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to find your ultimate security in earthly status or possessions, and how can this verse reorient your perspective?**
* **What qualities (e.g., wisdom, humility, diligence) does this verse implicitly commend, and how can you cultivate them in your own life, regardless of your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Does "prison" in Ecclesiastes 4:14 refer only to a literal jail?**

Answer: While "prison" (Hebrew: H1004, _bayith_) can certainly refer to a literal jail or dungeon, in the context of Ecclesiastes 4:14, it is often understood more broadly as a metaphor for a state of lowliness, obscurity, oppression, or disadvantage. The contrast is between someone emerging from a humble or confined background to prominence, versus someone born into privilege who falls into poverty. This metaphorical interpretation aligns with the Preacher's observations about the unpredictable shifts in human fortune, where status is not fixed by birth or current circumstances. The emphasis is on the dramatic reversal of fortune, regardless of the precise nature of the "prison."

**How does this verse relate to the idea of "justice" in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes often grapples with the apparent lack of immediate justice "under the sun," where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 7:15](/ecclesiastes/7-15 "Ecclesiastes 7:15 - The Righteous Perish, the Wicked Prosper")). Ecclesiastes 4:14, while not directly about moral justice, contributes to this theme by highlighting the unpredictable and often seemingly arbitrary nature of human success and failure. It shows that even those born with every advantage can fall, and those from the lowest positions can rise. This observation challenges human notions of a predictable, merit-based system of reward and punishment in this life, reinforcing the Preacher's conclusion that ultimate justice and meaning are found only in fearing God and keeping His commandments, as stated in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Matter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 4:14, with its stark contrast between one rising from obscurity to reign and another falling from privilege to poverty, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though "born in his kingdom" as the Son of God and heir to the throne of David, willingly emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant and being "born in a manger" (a place of humility and lowliness, far from a palace), as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation"). He came not as an earthly king to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His life mirrored the "poor and wise youth" of Ecclesiastes, as He came from humble Nazareth, was often without a place to lay His head ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), and was ultimately rejected by His own people, suffering crucifixion—a death reserved for criminals, akin to being in "prison." Yet, through His death and resurrection, He "cometh to reign," not just over an earthly kingdom, but as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). His ascent from the grave to the right hand of the Father ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exalted to the Right Hand of God")) is the ultimate reversal of fortune, demonstrating God's power to exalt the humble and bring down the proud. Thus, Ecclesiastes 4:14 foreshadows the divine paradox of Christ's humiliation and exaltation, revealing that true power and lasting reign come not through earthly privilege, but through humble obedience and sacrificial love.

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

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.