The Power of a Three-Strand Cord: God, Marriage, and the Danger of an Ungodly Third.
Scripture says in (Ecclesiastes 4:12) “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This verse has often been used to illustrate the strength of unity in relationships—particularly in marriage—when God is at the center. But what happens when the third strand is not God, but an ungodly influence? The result is a distortion of what was meant to be sacred and secure.
When the three-strand cord consists of man, woman, and God, the relationship becomes a living covenant, grounded in light, love, and truth. In this Divine configuration, God does not remain in the shadows. HIS presence is not one of secrecy but of guidance and open communion. The only time secrecy is found with God is in the private place of prayer, where hearts are poured out and strength is renewed. As Jesus reminds us, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your FATHER, who is unseen. Then your FATHER, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).
But the counterfeit of this holy union comes when the third strand is not God, but an ungodly master. This third entity does not announce itself with light but moves in stealth, secrecy, and deception. Unlike the Holy Spirit, who brings conviction and clarity, this false third seeks to bind in darkness. “For everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20).
This isn’t just a metaphor for infidelity of the flesh, though that is certainly one form of it. Rather, it represents any relationship where a person allows another—be it ideology, influence, or even a hidden affection—to take the place of God in their heart and decision-making. In such scenarios, a three-strand cord still exists: you, another, and the ungodly master who operates behind the scenes. And yes, that cord too is strong—dangerously so—because it is bound in deceit and reinforced by fear and manipulation.
However, the beauty of God’s redemptive nature is that even what is done in darkness can be brought into the light and worked for good.
You may ask, what’s the takeaway? Choose carefully who your third strand is. A marriage bound with God as the central thread is not only powerful, it is enduring. God strengthens the bond between husband and wife, leads them in truth, and sustains them in love. This kind of union reflects HIS very nature—selfless, sacrificial, and eternal.
And as you walk in that divine unity, remember this final encouragement: Don’t use your platform to tear down anything or anyone, and yours won’t be torn down. Speak life, walk in the light, and let the God of all truth be your constant third strand.
Previously mentioned Scripture.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
New International Version
12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
King James Version
12 “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Living Bible
12 “And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Matthew 6:6
New International Version
6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6
King James Version
6 “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
Matthew 6:6
Living Bible
6 “But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your Father, who knows your secrets, will reward you.”
John 3:20
New International Version
20 “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
John 3:20
King James Version
20 “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”
John 3:20
Living Bible
20 “They hated the heavenly Light because they wanted to sin in the darkness. They stayed away from that Light for fear their sins would be exposed and they would be punished.”