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Bible >Ecclesiastes >Chapter 4 > Verse 14

◄ Ecclesiastes 4:14►

New International Version
The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom.

New Living Translation
Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison.

English Standard Version
For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.

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

King James Bible
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas alsohe that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

New King James Version
For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom.

New American Standard Bible
for he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

NASB 1995
For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

NASB 1977
For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

Legacy Standard Bible
For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

Amplified Bible
for the poor youth has [used his wisdom and] come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

Christian Standard Bible
For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

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

Contemporary English Version
Even if you were not born into the royal family and have been a prisoner and poor, you can still be king.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A young man came out of prison to rule as king, even though he had been born in poverty in that same kingdom.

International Standard Version
The former can come out of prison to reign, while the latter, even if born to kingship, may become poor.

NET Bible
For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.

New Heart English Bible
For out of prison he came forth to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

Webster's Bible Translation
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

Majority Text Translations

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

World English Bible
For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For from a house of prisoners he has come out to reign, for even in his own kingdom he has been poor.

Young's Literal Translation
For from a house of prisoners he hath come out to reign, for even in his own kingdom he hath been poor.

Smith's Literal Translation
For from the house of those turning away he came forth to reign; for also he being born in his kingdom became poor.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Because out of prison and chains sometimes a man cometh forth to a kingdom: and another born king is consumed with poverty.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For sometimes, one goes forth from prison and chains, to a kingdom, while another, born to kingly power, is consumed by need.

New American Bible
for from a prison house he came forth to reign; despite his kingship he was born poor.

New Revised Standard Version
One can indeed come out of prison to reign, even though born poor in the kingdom.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Out of prison he has come to reign, because also in his own kingdom he had been born miserable.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because from prison he goes forth to reign, for also in his kingdom he was born poor

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For out of prison he came forth to be king; although in his kingdom he was born poor.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, becausehe also that was in his kingdom has become poor.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Futility of Power
13Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.14For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship,though he was born poor in his own kingdom.15I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed this second one, the youth who succeeded the king.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 2:8
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Psalm 113:7-8
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump / to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people.

Genesis 41:14
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.

1 Kings 11:28
Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.

2 Samuel 7:8
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Job 5:11
He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

1 Kings 16:2
“Even though I lifted you out of the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin and to provoke Me to anger by their sins.

2 Chronicles 36:1
Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 1:52
He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.

James 1:9-10
The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

Philippians 2:7-9
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. / Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,

1 Corinthians 1:27-28
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,

Treasury of Scripture

For out of prison he comes to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becomes poor.

for out

Genesis 41:14,33-44
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shavedhimself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh…

Job 5:11
To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

Psalm 113:7,8
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust,and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; …

also

1 Kings 14:26,27
And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made…

2 Kings 23:31-34
Jehoahazwas twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's namewas Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah…

2 Kings 24:1,2,6,12
In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him…

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Although Birth Born Forth House Kingdom Kingship Poor Poverty Prison Prisoners Reign Throne Whereas Young Youth

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Although Birth Born Forth House Kingdom Kingship Poor Poverty Prison Prisoners Reign Throne Whereas Young Youth

Ecclesiastes 4

1.vanity is increased unto men by oppression
4.by envy
5.by idleness
7.by covetousness
9.by solitariness
13.by willfulness

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship
This phrase highlights a dramatic reversal of fortune, a common theme in biblical narratives. The imagery of a youth rising from prison to kingship evokes the story of Joseph inGenesis 41, who was imprisoned in Egypt before interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and being elevated to a position of power. This transformation underscores the sovereignty of God in elevating individuals according to His purposes, regardless of their circumstances. It also reflects the biblical principle that God can use humble beginnings to achieve His divine plans, as seen in the life of David, who was a shepherd before becoming king (1 Samuel 16).

though he was born poor in his own kingdom
This part of the verse emphasizes the humble origins of the youth, suggesting that he was not only imprisoned but also born into poverty. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual poverty or a lack of worldly status, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. The idea that someone born poor can rise to a position of authority is a testament to God's ability to exalt the humble (James 4:10). It also foreshadows the life of Jesus Christ, who was born in humble circumstances (Luke 2:7) and yet is the King of Kings. This phrase challenges societal norms that equate wealth and status with success, reminding believers that true worth and potential are determined by God's calling and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Poor Man
Represents individuals who rise from humble beginnings or adverse circumstances to positions of influence or authority.

2.The King
Symbolizes those in positions of power, possibly highlighting the transient nature of authority and leadership.

3.Prison
A metaphor for difficult or restrictive circumstances from which one can emerge to achieve greatness.

4.Kingdom
Represents the realm or sphere of influence where one exercises authority or leadership.

5.Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, offering wisdom on the nature of life, leadership, and human endeavors.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Elevation
God can elevate anyone from humble or adverse circumstances to positions of influence according to His purpose.

Humility and Leadership
True leadership often begins with humility and an understanding of one's origins, fostering empathy and wise governance.

The Transience of Earthly Power
Earthly positions of power are temporary; what matters is how one uses their influence for God's glory.

Trust in God's Timing
Trust in God's timing and plan, as He can change circumstances in ways beyond human understanding.

The Value of Wisdom Over Wealth
Wisdom and character are more valuable than wealth or status, as they lead to lasting impact and legacy.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4

Is there a second chance for salvation?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 promotes partnership, yet 4:13-16 points to the fleeting nature of leadership--does this suggest a contradiction in views on societal structure?

In Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, how does the encouragement to enjoy life reconcile with passages elsewhere that emphasize self-denial or suffering?

What are the main themes of the Bible's books?

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14)Becometh.--Instead of this translation, it is better to render,in his kingdom he was even poor;but there is ambiguity in the Hebrew, as in the English, whether the antecedent of the "his" and the "he" is the old king or the new one.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. -For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. The ambiguity of the pronouns has induced different interpretations of this verse. It is plain that the paragraph is intended to corroborate the statement of the previous verse, contrasting the fate of the poor, clever youth with that of the old, foolish king. The Authorized Version makes the pronoun in the first clause refer to the youth, and those in the second to the king, with the signification that rich and poor change places - one is abased as the other is exalted. Vulgate,Quod de carcere catenisque interdum quis egrediatnr ad regnum;et alius natus in regno inopia consummatur. The Septuagint is somewhat ambiguous,Ὅτι ἐξ οἴκου τῶνδεσμίων ελξελεύσεται τοῦ βασιλεῦσαι ὅτι καίγε ἐν βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ ἐγενήθη πένης, "For from the house of prisoners he shall come forth to reign, because in his kingdom he [who?] was born [or, 'became'] poor." It seems, however, most natural to make the leading pronouns in both clauses refer to the youth, and thus to render: "For out of the house of prisoners goeth he forth to reign, though even in his kingdom he was born poor."Beth hasurim is also rendered "house of fugitives," and Hitzig takes the expression as a description of Egypt, whither Jeroboam fled to escape the vengeance of Solomon. Others see here an allusion to Joseph, who was raised from prison, if not to be king, at least to an exalted position which might thus be designated. In this case the old and foolish king who could not look to the future is Pharaoh, who could not understand the dream which was sent for his admonition. Commentators have wearied themselves with endeavoring to find some other historical basis for the supposed allusion in the passage. But although many of these suggestions (e.g., Saul and David, Joash and Amaziah, Cyrus and Astyages, Herod and Alexander) meet a part of the case, none suit the whole passage (vers. 13-16). It is possible, indeed, that some particular allusion is intended to some circumstance or event with which we are not acquainted. At the same time, it seems to us that, without much straining of language, the reference to Joseph can be made good. If it is objected that it cannot be said that Josephwas born in the kingdom of Egypt, we may reply that the words may be taken to refer to his cruel position in his own country, when he was despoiled and sold, and may be said metaphorically to have "become poor;" or the wordnolad may be considered as equivalent to "came," "appeared," and need not be restricted to the sense of "born."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּֽי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

[the youth] came
יָצָ֣א(yā·ṣā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

from prison
מִבֵּ֥ית(mib·bêṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A house

to be king,
לִמְלֹ֑ךְ(lim·lōḵ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4427:To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

even though
כִּ֛י(kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

he was born
נוֹלַ֥ד(nō·w·laḏ)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

poor
רָֽשׁ׃(rāš)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7326:To be in want or poor

in his kingdom.
בְּמַלְכוּת֖וֹ(bə·mal·ḵū·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom

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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:14 For out of prison he came forth (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)