Ecclesiastes 4:9

KJV

Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

KJV (with Strong's)

Two {H8147} are better {H2896} than one {H259}; because they have {H3426} a good {H2896} reward {H7939} for their labour {H5999}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Two are better than one, in that their cooperative efforts yield this advantage:

Berean Standard Bible

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.

American Standard Version

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 4:9 presents a profound declaration from the Preacher, asserting the inherent superiority and tangible benefits of companionship and collaboration over solitary effort. This verse encapsulates a timeless wisdom, emphasizing that shared endeavors yield a "good reward," signifying not only increased productivity and material gain but also mutual support, resilience, and a more fulfilling experience of life's labors. It stands as a counterpoint to the often-observed futility and isolation "under the sun," highlighting the redemptive power of partnership in a world prone to vanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 4:9 is situated within a broader discourse by Qoheleth (the Preacher) on the various struggles, injustices, and often seemingly futile aspects of life "under the sun." Prior verses in chapter 4 lament the oppression faced by the powerless, to the extent that Qoheleth considers the dead more fortunate than the living, and those yet unborn most fortunate of all, as they have not witnessed the evil under the sun [Ecclesiastes 4:1-3](/ecclesiastes/4-1-3 "Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 - The Oppression of the Powerless"). He then observes the envy that drives relentless toil, deeming it "vanity and a striving after wind" [Ecclesiastes 4:4](/ecclesiastes/4-4 "Ecclesiastes 4:4 - The Envy of Toil"), and contrasts this with the foolishness of idleness [Ecclesiastes 4:5](/ecclesiastes/4-5 "Ecclesiastes 4:5 - The Foolishness of Idleness"). Immediately preceding verse 9, Qoheleth observes the lonely, isolated individual who labors without end, lacking companionship and purpose, concluding that such a life is "vanity and a grievous travail" [Ecclesiastes 4:7-8](/ecclesiastes/4-7-8 "Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 - The Lonely Toiler"). Against this backdrop of solitary sorrow and unrewarded toil, verse 9 introduces a stark contrast, presenting companionship as a vital antidote to the pervasive "hebel" (vanity) of life. The subsequent verses [Ecclesiastes 4:10-12](/ecclesiastes/4-10-12 "Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 - The Advantages of Companionship") further elaborate on the practical benefits of partnership, such as mutual assistance in times of falling, warmth, and increased strength against adversaries, culminating in the powerful image of the "threefold cord."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes reflects a period of established wisdom tradition in ancient Israel, likely during or after the Solomonic era, though its precise dating is debated. The observations of Qoheleth resonate with the realities of an agrarian society where physical labor was central to survival and prosperity. In such a context, individual toil could be arduous and dangerous, whether in farming, herding, or craftsmanship. The concept of "reward for their labour" would have been understood in terms of agricultural yield, successful trade, or wages for services rendered. Furthermore, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, were highly communal. Family, clan, and tribal structures were foundational, and individual identity was often intertwined with community belonging. While Qoheleth critiques societal ills, his affirmation of companionship aligns with the inherent value placed on community and mutual support in the broader cultural landscape, contrasting the ideal of communal living with the often-observed isolation of the ambitious or the oppressed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ecclesiastes and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores **The Value of Companionship**, presenting it as a fundamental human need and a practical necessity for flourishing. It directly counters the theme of isolation and the futility of solitary striving, suggesting that meaningful relationships provide an antidote to the "hebel" (vanity) of life "under the sun." Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Mutual Support and Resilience**, illustrating how shared burdens and combined efforts lead to greater effectiveness and the ability to overcome adversity. The "good reward" extends beyond material gain to encompass the emotional, psychological, and spiritual benefits of not facing life's challenges alone. This is vividly illustrated in the subsequent verses, such as the idea that if one falls, the other can lift him up [Ecclesiastes 4:10](/ecclesiastes/4-10 "Ecclesiastes 4:10 - Lifting Up a Fallen Companion"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Productivity and Fruitfulness**, suggesting that collaborative effort yields a more abundant and satisfying outcome than individual exertion. It implies that while toil is inherent to life [Ecclesiastes 2:22-23](/ecclesiastes/2-22-23 "Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 - The Toil of Man"), partnership can transform burdensome labor into a source of genuine reward and contentment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word (H2896) signifies 'good' in its widest sense, encompassing beauty, favor, prosperity, and moral excellence. In this context, it highlights the qualitative superiority and advantageous nature of partnership over solitude. It indicates that companionship leads to a more flourishing, effective, and beneficial existence, implying not just practical benefits but also an enhanced quality of life.
* **reward (Hebrew, _sâkâr'_):** Referring to payment of contract, salary, fare, maintenance, or compensation (H7939), _sâkâr_ here extends beyond mere financial gain to denote the comprehensive benefits and positive outcomes derived from collaborative effort. It implies that shared labor yields tangible and intangible advantages, such as increased efficiency, mutual support, shared joy, and resilience, which make the toil worthwhile and satisfying.
* **labour (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl'_):** This term (H5999) denotes toil, wearing effort, or worry, whether of body or mind, often associated with grievance, pain, or trouble. It is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, often associated with the futility and wearisomeness of human striving "under the sun." However, in this verse, the presence of a "good reward" for _ʻâmâl_ suggests that partnership can transform burdensome toil into a fruitful and meaningful endeavor, mitigating the sense of vanity often associated with solitary work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Two [are] better than one;":** This opening clause presents the core assertion of the verse, establishing a clear qualitative superiority of a pair over an individual. It immediately sets the foundational premise that companionship offers distinct and significant advantages in life's endeavors, challenging the notion that self-reliance is always the optimal path. The implied comparison is not merely numerical but qualitative, suggesting that the combined entity possesses a greater capacity for good, effectiveness, and resilience.
* **"because they have a good reward for their labour.":** This explanatory clause provides the rationale for the initial statement. The "good reward" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb sâkâr_) signifies the beneficial outcomes, increased effectiveness, and mutual support that result from shared effort. It implies that the collective toil (Hebrew: _ʻâmâl_) of two yields a more satisfying, productive, and fruitful return than solitary exertion, making the effort worthwhile and alleviating the burden of solitary striving. This reward encompasses not only material gain but also the invaluable benefits of shared burdens and mutual encouragement.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 4:9 employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. It uses **Juxtaposition** by contrasting "two" with "one," immediately highlighting the superior quality of the former. This creates a clear dichotomy that underscores the central message regarding the benefits of companionship versus isolation. The verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, a concise and memorable declaration of a universal truth, characteristic of wisdom literature. Its simple, declarative structure lends it an authoritative and timeless quality, making it easily quotable and applicable. Furthermore, the phrase "good reward for their labour" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (material or tangible reward) stands for the whole (the multifaceted benefits of companionship, including emotional support, shared burdens, increased resilience, and protection), which are further elaborated in the subsequent verses of the chapter. The verse's brevity and directness also contribute to its **Didactic** purpose, serving as a clear instruction for living wisely and effectively in the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 4:9, while a practical observation, carries profound theological weight, reflecting God's design for human relationship and community. It implicitly affirms the relational nature of humanity, created in the image of a relational God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The "good reward" for labor in partnership points to the divine blessing on collaborative effort, suggesting that human flourishing is often found not in isolated striving but in the strength and support of others. This principle resonates with the biblical emphasis on community, mutual care, and the body of Christ, where diverse individuals are called to work together for a common purpose. It counters the pervasive "hebel" (vanity) of solitary existence by demonstrating that shared life can yield genuine and lasting good, offering a glimpse of the purposeful and blessed life God intends for His people.

* [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "It Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone")
* [Proverbs 27:17](/proverbs/27-17 "Iron Sharpens Iron")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:9 transcends its ancient context, offering timeless guidance for human flourishing in all eras. It challenges the modern inclination towards radical individualism and self-sufficiency, reminding us that true strength and greater reward often lie in shared journeys. Whether in marriage, family, friendships, professional teams, or spiritual communities, embracing partnership mitigates burdens, amplifies joys, and fosters resilience. It calls us to actively seek out and cultivate meaningful relationships, to be present for others, and to allow others to be present for us, recognizing that our collective efforts can achieve far more than our isolated struggles. This verse encourages us to value interdependence, to offer and receive support, and to understand that the "good reward" of life is often found not in what we accumulate alone, but in what we accomplish and experience together, enriching both the process and the outcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to operate in isolation, and how might embracing partnership bring a "good reward" to those efforts?**
* **How does the principle of "two are better than one" challenge contemporary notions of self-reliance or competitive individualism?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to strengthen a partnership (in family, work, or ministry) for mutual benefit and greater effectiveness?**
* **Beyond material gain, what "good rewards" have you experienced through collaboration and companionship in your life?**

### FAQ
**Does "reward" in this verse only refer to financial or material gain?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word for "reward" (_sâkâr_) can certainly refer to wages or payment, in the context of Ecclesiastes 4:9 and the subsequent verses, its meaning is much broader. The "good reward" encompasses not only increased productivity or material benefits but also crucial intangible advantages. These include mutual support in times of difficulty (as seen in [Ecclesiastes 4:10](/ecclesiastes/4-10 "Lifting Up a Fallen Companion")), shared warmth and comfort ([Ecclesiastes 4:11](/ecclesiastes/4-11 "Shared Warmth")), and enhanced strength and protection against adversaries ([Ecclesiastes 4:12](/ecclesiastes/4-12 "The Threefold Cord")). Therefore, the "good reward" signifies the comprehensive benefits that make life's toil more fruitful, meaningful, and less burdensome when undertaken in companionship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 4:9, with its emphasis on the superiority of companionship and the "good reward" of shared labor, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the community He established. Christ Himself, while divine, lived a life of profound relationality, constantly in communion with the Father [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "The Son Does What the Father Does") and choosing twelve disciples to share in His ministry and labor [Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "The Choosing of the Twelve Apostles"). His commission to His followers was not for solitary evangelism but for collective mission, sending them out "two by two" [Mark 6:7](/mark/6-7 "Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"), demonstrating the practical wisdom of partnership in advancing God's kingdom. The "good reward" for their labor was not merely earthly success but the advancement of the Kingdom of God and the salvation of souls, culminating in the spiritual harvest. Furthermore, the church, as the very Body of Christ, perfectly embodies the principle that "two are better than one." Believers, diverse in gifts and callings, are united in Christ [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "The Body of Christ") to accomplish the Father's will, bearing one another's burdens [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Bear One Another's Burdens") and collectively striving for the gospel [Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Striving Together for the Faith"). The ultimate "good reward" for this collective labor is the glorification of God and the eternal inheritance promised to those who are in Christ [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Working for the Lord"), revealing God's design for His people to live and labor in interdependent community, reflecting His own triune nature.

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

Proverbs 27:17

¶ Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Genesis 2:18

¶ And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

1 Corinthians 12:18

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

1 Corinthians 12:21

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Mark 6:7

¶ And he called [unto him] the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Numbers 11:14

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because [it is] too heavy for me.

John 4:36

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.