One verse that encapsulates the essence of unity and strength is found in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verse 12: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This seemingly simple verse carries profound implications for our personal lives, relationships, and communities.
In this article, we will explore the deeper meaning behind the cord of three strands Bible verses and how its message continues to resonate with people of all faiths and backgrounds.
A Cord Of Three Strands Bible Verses
1. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
2. Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
4. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
5. Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
6. Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
7. Amos 3:3
“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
8. Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
9. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
10. Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Understanding the Significance of Ecclesiastes 4:12
11. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
12. Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”
13. Ecclesiastes 4:10
“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
14. Ecclesiastes 4:11
“Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?”
15. Ecclesiastes 4:13
“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.”
16. Ecclesiastes 4:14
“The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom.”
17. Ecclesiastes 4:15
“I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king’s successor.”
18. Ecclesiastes 4:16
“There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
19. Ecclesiastes 4:8
“There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. ‘For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, ‘and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?’ This too is meaningless—a miserable business!”
20. Ecclesiastes 4:6
“Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.”
Exploring the Symbolism in the Threefold Cord
21. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
22. Matthew 19:5
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
23. 1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
24. Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”
25. Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
26. Colossians 2:2
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”
27. Romans 12:4-5
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
28. 1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
29. Ephesians 4:13
“until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
30. Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The Power of Unity in Ecclesiastes 4:12
31. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
32. Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
33. 1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
34. Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
35. Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
36. Philippians 2:2
“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”
37. 1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
38. Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
39. John 17:21
“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
40. Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A Closer Look at the Threefold Cord
41. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
42. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
43. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
44. James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
45. Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
46. Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
47. 1 Corinthians 1:24
“But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
48. James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
49. Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
50. Proverbs 16:16
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
Practical Applications of the “Cord of Three Strands” Principle
51. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
52. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
53. Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
54. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
55. Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
56. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
57. 1 John 4:7-8
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love.”
58. James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
59. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
60. 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
Conclusion
In a world often marked by division and discord, the “cord of three strands” Bible verse reminds us of the enduring power of unity, cooperation, and faith. Just as three tightly woven strands are far stronger than one alone, so too are we more resilient and capable when we come together in harmony.
Whether approached from a religious perspective or as a universal message of unity, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that by binding our strengths and beliefs together, we can face life’s challenges with unwavering resolve and emerge unbroken, stronger than ever before.
