Ecclesiastes 4:14
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִבֵּ֥ית
H1004
מִבֵּ֥ית
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הָסוּרִ֖ים
H612
יָצָ֣א
he cometh
H3318
יָצָ֣א
he cometh
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַּ֥ם
H1571
גַּ֥ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Genesis 41:14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.Job 5:11To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.Lamentations 4:20The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.2 Kings 24:6So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.2 Kings 25:7And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.2 Kings 24:12And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.Daniel 4:31While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
Historical Context
Ancient monarchies typically passed power dynastically, making this prisoner-to-king scenario exceptional yet memorable (Joseph, Moses, David all experienced dramatic elevation). The instability described reflects the tumultuous period of the divided kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge assumptions that circumstances determine destiny?
- What 'prisons' (literal or metaphorical) might God use as preparation for greater responsibility?
- In what ways does spiritual poverty or wealth matter more than material circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
For out of prison he cometh to reign (כִּי־מִבֵּית הָסוּרִים יָצָא לִמְלֹךְ, ki-mibeit hasurim yatsa limlokh)—literally 'from the house of prisoners he went out to become king.' Whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor (כִּי גַם בְּמַלְכוּתוֹ נוֹלַד רָשׁ, ki gam bemalkhuto nolad rash)—even one born into royalty can become impoverished.
The contrast intensifies: the wise youth rises from prison to throne (recalling Joseph in Genesis 41), while the native-born royal descends into poverty through folly. The 'house of prisoners' (beit hasurim) emphasizes the depth of the reversal—chains to crown. Meanwhile, being 'born in his kingdom' suggests inherited privilege squandered through foolishness. This illustrates Ecclesiastes' recurring theme that circumstances don't determine outcomes—wisdom and folly do. God's sovereignty operates through such reversals: 'He brings down one and exalts another' (Psalm 75:7). The Gospel ultimately reveals the greatest reversal: Christ, though rich, became poor so we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).