Ecclesiastes 8

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 8 of 12

1 Who is as the wise one? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and by might his face is changed.

2 I say, Keep the king's mouth, even on the matter of the oath of God;

3 do not hasten to go from before him. Do not take a stand in an evil matter, for all that he pleases he does.

Read full chapter in the Bible Reader

Chapter Summary

Kings are greatly to be respected. It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked ones in prosperity.

Key Hebrew Words

קָדוֹשׁ֙ sacred H6918 · TWOT 1990b
הָֽבֶל vapour H1892 · TWOT 463a
מִצְוָ֔ה commandment H4687 · TWOT 1887b
חֵ֔פֶץ delight H2656 · TWOT 712b
לֵ֥ב Leb Qamay H3820 · TWOT 1071a

People & Context

Obedience to the King

A wise man is known by his shining face and must keep the king's commands due to the oath of God. The king's word holds unquestionable power.

Human Limitations and Unavoidable Death

Although there is a proper time and judgment for everything, man's misery is great because he cannot predict what shall be. No human has the power to …

The Danger of Delayed Justice

Because sentences against evil works are not executed quickly, the hearts of men are emboldened to do evil, though ultimately it will only be well for…

Timeline

Obedience to the King

A wise man is known by his shining face and must keep the king's commands due to the oath of God. The king's word holds unquestionable power.

Ecclesiastes 8:1-5
Human Limitations and Unavoidable Death

Although there is a proper time and judgment for everything, man's misery is great because he cannot predict what shall be. No human has the power to restrain the spirit.

Ecclesiastes 8:6-8
The Danger of Delayed Justice

Because sentences against evil works are not executed quickly, the hearts of men are emboldened to do evil, though ultimately it will only be well for those who fear God.

Ecclesiastes 8:9-13

Read Ecclesiastes 8 in the KJ3 Reader

Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

Open in Bible Reader
Ecclesiastes 7EcclesiastesEcclesiastes 9