KJV ORIGINAL
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
So I declared that those who have already died are better off than those who are still living.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is expressing deep discouragement about life, saying that death seems preferable to the suffering he sees in the world.
📚 Historical Context
This comes from Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon writing about life's meaninglessness. The verse follows his observation of oppression and injustice in the world, where victims suffer with no one to comfort them. Solomon is wrestling with the harsh realities of life under the sun, speaking from a place of profound disillusionment with worldly existence.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save