Ecclesiastes 4:12

Paleo Hebrew Niqqud

RBT Hebrew Interlinear:

ואם וְאִם־

and if

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

ו

wə

Definition

and

Root

From H8505; a prefix

Exhaustive

The conjunctive ו is not merely a fixed coordinator with a stable semantic value (“and/but/or/then”). Its core function is linkage, not meaning. It binds units into a single discourse field—phrases, clauses, or whole scenes—while leaving the logical relation to be inferred from aspect, word order, genre, and context.

So the variability in translation (“and / but / or / even / then”) is not polyvalence in the particle; it is underspecification by design. The language expects the reader/hearer to perceive the relation rather than have it encoded.

Crucially, conjunctive ו does not imply temporal sequence. It implies continuity of attention. Think of it as:
- “this belongs with what precedes,”
- “remain within the same frame,”
“do not reset the discourse.”
This is why Hebrew can chain dozens of clauses with ו without subordination or explicit logic markers. The text advances by accumulation, not by branching syntactic trees. Meaning arises from the interaction:
- Aspect (qatal / yiqtol / participle),
- Position (fronted elements, resumptive nouns),
- Genre (law, narrative, oracle),
- Context (who speaks, to whom).
The ו simply keeps the circuit closed so these cues can operate together. Remove tense assumptions, and the system becomes coherent.

Source: The Aonic Nature of Biblical Hebrew Prepositions

אם

ʼim

Definition

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

Root

a primitive particle;

Exhaustive

a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not; (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H518

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

אִם

conjunction • Strongs_Numbers • Page 146

If; a conditional conjunction.

אִם

conjunction • Strongs_Numbers • Page 147

Conditional particle corresponding to 'if', 'whether', or 'although'. It is used with perfect and imperfect tenses to express conditions, repeated acts, or permanent states. In formulas of swearing (oaths), it implies a negative ('surely not'). It can also introduce a question.

אִם

conj. / particle • Strongs_Numbers • Page 148

Conditional particle indicating 'if', 'whether', 'either...or'; also used as a particle of time: 'when', 'since'; a particle of wishing: 'oh if!', 'would that!'; and sometimes as an exclamation: 'behold!', 'lo!'.

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

אִם

primitive particle • Page 54

1. adv. of time, when; referring either to time past, like the Germ. da, als, Am. 7: 2 when they had en-

אִם

conj. / adv. / interrog. particle • Page 55

A conditional and interrogative particle with multiple senses: 2. if, supposing that; 3. although (Judg. 13:16); 4. O that (Gen. 30:27); 5. whether... or (Ex. 19:13); 6. in swearing (not, that not; 2 Sam. 11:11); 7. perhaps that (Gen. 31:52); 8. interrogative (Jer. 3:5); 11. whether...not (Est. 4:14); 13. (אם-לא) if not, but (Gen. 24:58).

Conjunction, Particle

LXX:

LXX Usage Statistics

H0518a:

No stats available

יתקפו יִתְקְפוֹ

None

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

תקף

tâqaph

Definition

to overpower

Root

a primitive root;

Exhaustive

a primitive root; to overpower; prevail (against).

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H8630

ו

Definition

him, personal pronoun - verb/prep. 3rd person masculine singular

Root

Exhaustive

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H9033

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

תְּקִוף

noun proper masculine • Lemma_Lookup • Page 1529

(A strong one, hero; see יְקִוף) Proper Name Masculine (n. p. m.).

תַּקִּיף

noun masculine • Root תקף • Lemma_Lookup • Page 1529

(From תָּקַף Pih.) Masculine noun meaning the strong, mighty one.

תְּקֹף

noun masculine • Lemma_Lookup • Page 1531

(c. תְּקֹפָא, for which many mss. read תְּקָף or תֹּקֶף; def. הַקָּפָא) Aram. m. might, power Dan. 2, 37; 4, 27, coupled with חָכְמָא and יַקִּירָא; Targ. תֻּקְפָא, the same.

תֹּקֶף

unknown • Lemma_Lookup • Page 1531

might, authority Esth. 9, 29; 10, 2; Dan. 11, 17 in order to come with the might of his whole kingdom (spoken of Antiochus).

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

תְּקִף

m. chald. verbal from תְּקַף • Root תקף • Page 725

1. Hard, strong. Dan. 2: 40, 42. 2. Mighty. Dan. 3: 33. [4: 3.]

תְּקֵף

chald. v. • Page 726

To be or become great or strong. Citations: Dan. 4: 8, 19. Pa. to confirm, establish: Dan. 6: 8.

תֹּקֶף

noun masculine • Root תקף • Page 726

Power, authority. Citations: Est. 9: 29; 10: 2; Dan. 11: 17.

תָּקַף

verb • Page 726

To prevail over or oppress a person, construed with an accusative. Citations: Job 14: 20; 15: 24; Ecc. 4: 12.

תְּקֹף

m. chald. emph. תִּקְפָּא • Page 726

Idem (power, authority). Citations: Dan. 4: 27.

Verb Qal imperfect third person masculine singular, Suffix pronominal third person masculine singular

LXX:

LXX Usage Statistics

H8630:

No stats available

האחד הָאֶחָד

the One

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

ה

Definition

the

Root

Demonstrative primitive

Exhaustive

definite article, the, used for all numbers and genders; originally a pronoun demonstrative, this. interrogative particle in direct and indirect questions; in disjunctive questions: whether--or.

Source: The Aonic Nature of Biblical Hebrew Prepositions

אחד

ʼechâd

Definition

properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first

Root

a numeral from H258 (אחד);

Exhaustive

a numeral from אחד; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together,

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H259

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

אֶחָד

numeral cardinal • Root אחד • Strongs_Numbers • Page 95

One; unus; first (primus).

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

אֶחָד

m. const. • Page 37

1. one; freq. 2. first. Only in numbering the days of the month. (feminine form is אַחַת).

Particle definite article, Adjective cardinal number both singular absolute

LXX:

LXX Usage Statistics

H0259:

No stats available

השנים הַשְּׁנַיִם

the Duplications/Years

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

ה

Definition

the

Root

Demonstrative primitive

Exhaustive

definite article, the, used for all numbers and genders; originally a pronoun demonstrative, this. interrogative particle in direct and indirect questions; in disjunctive questions: whether--or.

Source: The Aonic Nature of Biblical Hebrew Prepositions

שנים

shᵉnayim

Definition

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

Root

dual of H8145 (שני); feminine שתים;

Exhaustive

dual of שני; feminine שתים; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H8147

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

שְׁנַיִם

numeral • Root שנה • Strongs / High • Page 1459

Two. (Masculine dual numeral, absolute state; construct state is שְׁנֵי). Used as a numeral, substitute, or adjective, referring to a pair or the double.

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

שְׁנַיִם

masc. dual • Root שנה • Page 691

two. Includes contracted forms שְׁנֵי and שְׁתֵּי used for the number twelve. References: Gen. 7: 9, 15; Gen. 2: 25.

Particle definite article, Adjective cardinal number both dual absolute

LXX: δύο δώδεκα '' δέκα ἀμφότεροι

LXX Usage Statistics

H8147:

δύο 437× (51.1%)

δώδεκα 72× (8.9%)

'' 47× (5.2%)

δέκα 35× (4.4%)

ἀμφότεροι 26× (3.3%)

ἀμφότερα 21× (2.7%)

εἴκοσι 19× (2.3%)

δυσὶν 16× (1.6%)

ἀμφοτέρων 15× (1.9%)

--- 13× (1.7%)

יעמדו יַעַמְדוּ

None

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

עמד

ʻâmad

Definition

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

Root

a primitive root;

Exhaustive

a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H5975

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

עָמַד

verb • Root עמד • Strongs / High • Page 1102

(Intransitive) To stand upright, be set up (of a pillar); to stand still, stop; to stand before (in service), serve, wait upon; to assist, protect. (Figurative) To stand firm, endure, persist, persevere; to hold good; to continue to live.

עָמַד

verb • Root עמד • Strongs / High • Page 1103

To stand, stand up, stand still, stop, endure, continue, abide, be calm, stay, remain (Kal); To be established, preserved, set (Niph.); To be placed, continue to stand upright (Hoph.); To set up, to erect, place, make firm, appoint, constitute, establish, impart, set forth for a law, to make stand (Hif.).

עָמַד

verb • Root עמד • Strongs / High • Page 1103

Intransitive: to waver (Kal not used); causative (Hif. הֶעֱמִיר): to make waver, to cause to shake; to make rigid, to lame. (Transposed from עָמַק.)

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

עִמָּד

preposition • Root עם • Page 513

Equivalent to עִם; a preposition found only with the suffix עִמָּדִי, meaning 'with'.

עָמַד

verb • Root עמד • Page 513

I. 1. To stand, stay (1 Sam. 20:38); to stand before someone as a servant (Gen. 41:46). 2. To stand firm, to abide (Ps. 33:11, 102:27). 3. To continue, stay (Ex. 9:28, Lev. 13:5). 4. To keep (a covenant) (Ezek. 17:14); to stand up, arise (Dan. 12:1, 8:23). 5. Passive of Hiphil: to be set, placed, appointed (Ezra 10:14).

עָמַד

verb • Root עמד • Page 513

Found only in Hiphil (Ezek. 29:7), by transposition for הַמְעַדְתָּ meaning 'thou causedst their loins to shake.'

Verb Qal imperfect third person masculine plural

LXX: ἔστη ἔστησαν εἱστήκει στήσεται στήσονται

LXX Usage Statistics

H5975:

ἔστη 65× (11.6%)

ἔστησαν 56× (10.2%)

εἱστήκει 21× (4.2%)

στήσεται 18× (3.5%)

στήσονται 14× (2.7%)

ἔστησεν 14× (2.5%)

στῆθι 12× (2.4%)

--- 10× (2.0%)

στήσει 9× (1.6%)

στῆναι 9× (1.7%)

נגדו נֶגְדּוֹ

None

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

נגד

neged

Definition

a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

Root

from H5046 (נגד);

Exhaustive

from נגד; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before; about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H5048

ו

Definition

him, personal pronoun - verb/prep. 3rd person masculine singular

Root

Exhaustive

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H9033

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

נֶגֶד

noun / masculine / preposition • Root נגד • Strongs / High • Page 941

The front, the visible part. Used as a preposition: before, in the presence of, in front of, opposite to, over against. Can be used for 'straight on' or 'directly forward'.

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

נֶגֶד

substantive / adv. • Page 425

What is before or in front. As an adverb: (1.) over against (2 K. 2:7, 15), (2.) against (2 Sam. 18:13). As a preposition: (1.) before, coram (Job 4:16; Ex. 34:10), (2.) over against (Ex. 19:2), (3.) against (1 K. 21:10), (4.) near, in the neighborhood of (1 Chr. 8:32).

Noun common both singular construct, Suffix pronominal third person masculine singular

LXX: ἐναντίον ἐναντίασ ἀπέναντι ἐνώπιον κατέναντι

LXX Usage Statistics

H5048:

ἐναντίον 27× (17.6%)

ἐναντίασ 20× (11.2%)

ἀπέναντι 18× (11.8%)

ἐνώπιον 16× (10.1%)

κατέναντι 15× (9.8%)

ἐνώπιόν 8× (5.2%)

'' 5× (2.8%)

κατεναντίον 4× (2.6%)

ἔναντι 3× (2.0%)

τρόπον 2× (1.0%)

והחוט וְהַחוּט

None

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

ו

wə

Definition

and

Root

From H8505; a prefix

Exhaustive

The conjunctive ו is not merely a fixed coordinator with a stable semantic value (“and/but/or/then”). Its core function is linkage, not meaning. It binds units into a single discourse field—phrases, clauses, or whole scenes—while leaving the logical relation to be inferred from aspect, word order, genre, and context.

So the variability in translation (“and / but / or / even / then”) is not polyvalence in the particle; it is underspecification by design. The language expects the reader/hearer to perceive the relation rather than have it encoded.

Crucially, conjunctive ו does not imply temporal sequence. It implies continuity of attention. Think of it as:
- “this belongs with what precedes,”
- “remain within the same frame,”
“do not reset the discourse.”
This is why Hebrew can chain dozens of clauses with ו without subordination or explicit logic markers. The text advances by accumulation, not by branching syntactic trees. Meaning arises from the interaction:
- Aspect (qatal / yiqtol / participle),
- Position (fronted elements, resumptive nouns),
- Genre (law, narrative, oracle),
- Context (who speaks, to whom).
The ו simply keeps the circuit closed so these cues can operate together. Remove tense assumptions, and the system becomes coherent.

Source: The Aonic Nature of Biblical Hebrew Prepositions

ה

Definition

the

Root

Demonstrative primitive

Exhaustive

definite article, the, used for all numbers and genders; originally a pronoun demonstrative, this. interrogative particle in direct and indirect questions; in disjunctive questions: whether--or.

Source: The Aonic Nature of Biblical Hebrew Prepositions

חוט

chûwṭ

Definition

a string; by implication, a measuring tape

Root

from an unused root probably meaning to sew;

Exhaustive

from an unused root probably meaning to sew; a string; by implication, a measuring tape; cord, fillet, line, thread.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H2339

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

חוּט

verb • Root חוט • Strongs / High • Page 465

A verb, not used in this form, meaning to bind, to encircle, to surround. Closely connected with the roots חָוָה and חָיָה.

חוּט

noun masculine • Root חוט • Strongs / High • Page 465

A thread, a line, or a measuring-line.

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

חוּט

chald. v. • Page 217

to sew together. Aph. to repair (a wall). Ezra 4:12.

חוּט

noun masculine • Root הוט • Page 217

1. a thread (Ecc. 4:12, Gen. 14:23). 2. a line, cord (Josh. 2:18). 3. a band, fillet (Cant. 4:3).

Conjunction, Particle definite article, Noun common both singular absolute

LXX: σπαρτίον ὡσ

LXX Usage Statistics

H2339:

σπαρτίον 4× (41.7%)

ὡσ 2× (25.6%)

המשלש הַמְשֻׁלָּשׁ

None

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

ה

Definition

the

Root

Demonstrative primitive

Exhaustive

definite article, the, used for all numbers and genders; originally a pronoun demonstrative, this. interrogative particle in direct and indirect questions; in disjunctive questions: whether--or.

Source: The Aonic Nature of Biblical Hebrew Prepositions

שלש

shâlash

Definition

to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years)

Root

a primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e. treble; but apparently used only as denominative from H7969 (שלוש),

Exhaustive

a primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e. treble; but apparently used only as denominative from שלוש,; to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years); do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old).

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H8027

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

שָׁלַשׁ

verb intransitive • Root שלש • Strongs / High • Page 1439

(not used) intrans. to be stout, firm, strong, of warriors and heroes.

Particle definite article, Verb Pual participle passive masculine singular absolute

LXX: τριετίζουσαν

LXX Usage Statistics

H8027:

τριετίζουσαν 2× (23.8%)

לא לֹא

not

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

לא

lôʼ

Definition

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

Root

or לוא; or לה; (Deuteronomy 3:11), a primitive particle;

Exhaustive

or לוא; or לה; (Deuteronomy 3:11), a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles; [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H3808

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

לֹא

negative particle • Root אל • Strongs / High • Page 759

A negative particle; not, no. It functions as an absolute negative, a negative answer to a question, or a refusal. Used with verbs in various tenses and moods to express negation or prohibition.

לֹא

particle • Strongs / High • Page 761

A K'ri reading for לוֹ.

לֹא

adverb / particle • Strongs / High • Page 760

Not; No; Nothing (substantive use); Before (cognate sense to טֶרֶם).

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

לֹא

adverb • Page 338

A primitive adverb of negation (more rarely לוֹא). 1. not. 2. no (Gen. 19:2). 3. nothing (Job 6:21). 4. without (1 Chr. 2:30). 5. interrogative, nonne? (Jon. 4:11). 6. lest, that not (Ex. 28:32). 7. In combination with adjectives/substantives it gives a negative signification (e.g., לֹא עֹז without strength).

Particle negative

LXX: οὐκ οὐ μὴ οὐδὲ οὐχ

LXX Usage Statistics

H3808:

οὐκ 1137× (34.5%)

οὐ 797× (24.2%)

μὴ 184× (5.6%)

οὐδὲ 150× (4.5%)

οὐχ 127× (3.9%)

οὐχὶ 120× (3.6%)

--- 98× (3.0%)

'' 94× (2.4%)

---% 62× (1.5%)

οὐκέτι 50× (1.4%)

במהרה בִמְהֵרָה

None

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

ב

bə

Definition

in, by

Root

A primitive particle; a prefix

Exhaustive

(beth) — in / within / by means of

Core value: interiority, enclosure, participation

ב does not primarily mean “in time” (“when”) or even “in space.” It marks being inside a domain, whether that domain is:
- spatial (house, land),
- conceptual (wisdom, covenant),
- modal (strength, fear),
- instrumental (by means of).
Aonically, ב marks immersion.
not “when X happened” but “within the state or field of X.”
This is why ב־יום does not need to mean “on the day (chronological)” but “within the day-realm / condition”.

Source: The Aonic Nature of Biblical Hebrew Prepositions

מהרה

mᵉhêrâh

Definition

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

Root

feminine of H4118 (מהר);

Exhaustive

feminine of מהר; properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly; hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H4120

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

מְהֵרָה

feminine noun / adverb • Root מהר • Strongs / High • Page 819

haste, speed; used adverbially for quickly, hastily.

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

מְהֵרָה

f. verbal • Root מהר • Page 359

haste, celerity, quickness. Ps. 147: 15. Ecc. 4: 12. as an adv. hastily, quickly, Num. 17: 11.

Preposition, Adverb

LXX: ταχέωσ ταχὺ τάχοσ τάχει

LXX Usage Statistics

H4120:

ταχέωσ 5× (27.0%)

ταχὺ 4× (22.3%)

τάχοσ 3× (14.2%)

τάχει 2× (9.5%)

ינתק יִנָּתֵק׃

None

STRONGS

Strong's Lexicon

נתק

nâthaq

Definition

to tear off

Root

a primitive root;

Exhaustive

a primitive root; to tear off; break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out.

Source: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance — H5423

Fürst

Fürst Lexicon

נָתַק

verb • Root נתק • Strongs / High • Page 1001

To pull away, push off, tear off, draw away. (Nif.) to be torn off, broken off, melt away. (Pih.) to tear asunder, tear up, tear open, loosen. (Hif.) to push away, drive away. (Hof.) to be driven away.

נָתַק

verb • Root נתק • Strongs / High • Page 1001

(Not used in Kal) transitive verb meaning to cover, to cover over, to overlay.

Gesenius

Gesenius Lexicon

נָתַק

verb • Page 464

1. To pluck or tear off (Jer. 22:24). 2. To draw off (from a place) in war (Judg. 20:32). 3. Part. pass. נָתוּק: castratus, avulsis testiculis (Lev. 22:24).

Verb Niphal imperfect third person masculine singular

LXX: --- διαρρήξω διέρρηξεν

LXX Usage Statistics

H5423:

--- 2× (7.2%)

διαρρήξω 2× (7.2%)

διέρρηξεν 2× (6.6%)

RBT Translation:

No verse found

RBT Paraphrase:
No verse found

Julia Smith Literal 1876 Translation:
And if one shall become strong against him, two shall stand before him; and a three-fold thread shall not be quickly broken.

LITV Translation:
And if one overthrows him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly torn apart.

Brenton Septuagint Translation:
And if one should prevail against him, The two shall withstand him; And a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.