Ecclesiastes8
English Standard Version
1 is like the ? And the of a ? A makes his , and the of his is .
2 say: the , of to him.
3Be to his . Do take your in an , he he .
4For the of the is , and may to him, are you ?
5Whoever a will , and the will the proper and the just .
6 there a and a , him.
7 he does is to be, for can him it will be?
8 has to the , or over the of . There is from , will those who are to it.
9 I while my to is the , had over to his .
10 I the . They used to go and of the and were in the where they had such . is .
11 the an is not , the of the of is to .
12 a and his life, it will be with those who , they him.
13But it will be with the , will he his like a , he does .
14There a , there are people to it to the of the , and there people to whom it to the of the . I that is .
15And , has the to and and be , for this will with him in his through the of his that has him the .
16 I my to , and to the is , how neither nor do ,
17then I the of , that the is the . may in , he will it out. Even though a to , he it out.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Ecclesiastes 8.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Commendations of wisdom. (1-5). To prepare for sudden evils and death. (6-8). It shall be well with the righteous, and ill with the wicked. (9-13). Mysteries of Providence. (14-17).
vv1-5
None of the rich, the powerful, the honourable, or the accomplished of the sons of men, are so excellent, useful, or happy, as the wise man. Who else can interpret the words of God, or teach aright from his truths and dispensations? What madness must it be for weak and dependent creatures to rebel against the Almighty! What numbers form wrong judgments, and bring misery on themselves, in this life and that to come!
vv6-8
God has, in wisdom, kept away from us the knowledge of future events, that we may be always ready for changes. We must all die, no flight or hiding-place can save us, nor are there any weapons of effectual resistance. Ninety thousand die every day, upwards of sixty every minute, and one every moment. How solemn the thought! Oh that men were wise, that they understood these things, that they would consider their latter end! The believer alone is prepared to meet the solemn summons. Wickedness, by which men often escape human justice, cannot secure from death.
vv9-13
Solomon observed, that many a time one man rules over another to his hurt, and that prosperity hardens them in their wickedness. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. A good man's days have some substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Let us pray that we may view eternal things as near, real, and all-important.
Key Words
מִי: who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
חָכָם: wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
יָדַע: to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)
פֵּשֶׁר: {an interpretation}
דָּבָר: a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אָדָם: ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
חׇכְמָה: wisdom (in a good sense)
פָּנִים: the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.)
אוֹר: to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
עֹז: strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 8Communion with God and true wisdom cause a man's face to shine, typified by Moses descending Sinai.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
An oath of allegiance or covenant made before God to submit to the sovereign authority.
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The solemnity of the king's oath of covenant, sworn by God, which cannot be broken without penalty.
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Keeping the authority's command not only for wrath, but for conscience sake in regard of God.
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The supreme power of a ruler's word, where none can demand of him, 'What doest thou?'
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The wise man discerns that there is a proper time and judgment for every purpose.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Wickedness and false covenants with death cannot deliver or protect those given to it.
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God's delayed execution of sentence is meant for repentance, but wicked men abuse it to harden hearts.
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Wicked rulers are soon forgotten in the city, contrasting with the blessed memory of the just.
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Joab coming to and going from the altar illustrates wicked men seeking shelter in the holy place.
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The pompous burial of the wicked rich man forms an awful contrast to his eternal state.
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Because they experience no changes or sudden judgments, the wicked do not fear God.
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Lawful military exemptions exist under Moses, but there is no discharge in the war of death.
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Recommending joyful, sober enjoyment of food and labor as gifts from God under the sun.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The unsearchable depth of God's judgments and ways, which man cannot fully find out.
Supported by Matthew Henry