Verse Comparison: Ecclesiastes 4:12
American Standard Version
And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Amplified® Bible
And though a man might prevail against him who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Contemporary English Version
Someone might be able to beat up one of you, but not both of you. As the saying goes, "A rope made from three strands of cord is hard to break."
Darby English Version
And if a [man] overpower the one, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Good News Bible
Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.
King James Version
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
New American Standard Bible
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three {strands} is not quickly torn apart.
New International Version
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
New King James Version
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
And if one can overpower him who dwells alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands does not quickly tear apart.
Revised Standard Version
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Young's Literal Translation
And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.
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