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Ecclesiastes 4:4 Cross References
Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Ecclesiastes 4:4. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Ecclesiastes 4:4 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.
1 John 3:12 (KJV) »
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 (KJV) »
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
1 Samuel 18:14 (KJV) »
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
1 Samuel 18:29 (KJV) »
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.
1 Samuel 18:8 (KJV) »
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
Ecclesiastes 2:26 (KJV) »
For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 2:21 (KJV) »
For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
Ecclesiastes 4:16 (KJV) »
There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 6:9 (KJV) »
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 6:11 (KJV) »
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
Proverbs 27:4 (KJV) »
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Genesis 37:2 (KJV) »
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
Genesis 4:4 (KJV) »
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
Acts 7:9 (KJV) »
And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
James 4:5 (KJV) »
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Ecclesiastes 4:4
Verse: "Then I saw that all toil and achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:4)
Summary of the Verse Meaning
The writer of Ecclesiastes reflects on the nature of human labor and the motivations behind it. In this verse, it is observed that much of productivity stems from envy—competitive strivings that ultimately yield emptiness.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Henry emphasizes the vanity of striving for success driven by jealousy. He notes that this relentless pursuit leads individuals to miss the joy of their own accomplishments. Instead of seeking joy in their work, many focus on outdoing their neighbors, which ultimately results in dissatisfaction.
Albert Barnes' Commentary
Barnes elaborates on the futility of envy as a motivator for work. He argues that regardless of what one achieves, working out of envy is a 'chasing after the wind,' providing nothing of lasting value. This highlights the lack of peace and contentment that comes from such motivations.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke states that the verse serves as a critique of societal values that prioritize material success over inner fulfillment. He indicates that when individuals pursue achievements solely to outshine others, they overlook the true purpose of work, which should be to enhance life rather than compete with it.
Bible Cross References
This verse can be cross-referenced with the following scriptures that reflect similar themes of envy, toil, and the pursuit of meaning:
- Proverbs 14:30: "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."
- James 3:16: "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
- Galatians 5:26: "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
- Ecclesiastes 1:8: "All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."
- Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
- Psalm 37:1: "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong."
- 1 John 2:15: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them."
Thematic Connections
The exploration of this verse reveals broader themes in Scriptural context:
- Human Envy: The destructive nature of envy is a recurrent theme throughout the Scriptures, often leading individuals away from God’s intention for joy and contentment.
- The Purpose of Work: Ecclesiastes often discusses the meaning of work, suggesting that labor devoid of spiritual focus is ultimately futile.
- Comparative Biblical Analysis: Many New Testament writings echo the themes present in Ecclesiastes, encouraging believers to pursue love, humility, and mutual support instead of rivalry.
Conclusion
Ecclesiastes 4:4 serves as a profound reminder of the futility of human ambition driven by envy. Understanding this verse through the insights of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provides a multifaceted view of the complexities of human motivation. By reflecting on these angles and connecting various Bible verses, we gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between work, ambition, and the importance of community over competition.