CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 8:11 When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/21_Ecc_08_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 8:11 - Fear God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:10">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 8:11 <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people&#8217s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of mankind among them are fully given to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil act is not executed quickly, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When we see criminals commit crime after crime without being punished, it makes us want to start a life of crime. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When a sentence against a crime isn't carried out quickly, people are encouraged to commit crimes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Why do people commit crimes so readily? Because crime is not punished quickly enough. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whenever a sentence for a crime is not carried out swiftly, the human mind becomes determined to commit evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When a sentence is not executed at once against a crime, the human heart is encouraged to do evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Because sentence has not been done [on] an evil work speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of man is full within them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Because sentence hath not been done on an evil work speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of man is full within them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Because a decree was not done quickly upon an evil work, for this the heart of the sons of man was filled in them to do evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For because sentence is not speedily pronounced against the evil, the children of men commit evils without any fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For the sons of men perpetrate evils without any fear, because judgment is not pronounced quickly against the evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Because the sentence against an evil deed is not promptly executed, the human heart is filled with the desire to commit evil—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the human heart is fully set to do evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because vengeance against the evil-doers is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because punishment of evil doers is not done quickly, therefore the heart of sons of men is filled in them to do what is evil<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Because there is no contradiction made on the part of those who do evil quickly, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully determined in them to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1518" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Fear God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10</span>Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/6599.htm" title="6599: p̄iṯ·ḡām (N-msc) -- An edict, decree. Of Persian origin; a sentence.">the sentence</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā·‘āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">for a crime</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śêh (N-msc) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property."></a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên- (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4120.htm" title="4120: mə·hê·rāh (Adv) -- Haste, speed. Feminine of maher; properly, a hurry; hence promptly.">speedily</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">executed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">the hearts</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of men</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: mā·lê (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">become fully set</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">on doing</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Proverbs 29:1</a></span><br />A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4-5</a></span><br />Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? / But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-6.htm">Psalm 10:6</a></span><br />He says to himself, “I will not be moved; from age to age I am free of distress.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-10.htm">Isaiah 26:10</a></span><br />Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness. In the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48-51</a></span><br />But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’ / And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-11.htm">Psalm 73:11-12</a></span><br />The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” / Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Luke 12:45-46</a></span><br />But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/6-3.htm">Genesis 6:3</a></span><br />So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">1 Timothy 5:24</a></span><br />The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-3.htm">Jeremiah 5:3-4</a></span><br />O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. / Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Revelation 2:21</a></span><br />Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Psalm 50:21</a></span><br />You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a></span><br />For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-14.htm">Job 21:14-15</a></span><br />Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. / Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.</p><p class="hdg">sentence</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Exodus 8:15,32</a></b></br> But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-11.htm">Job 21:11-15</a></b></br> They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-6.htm">Psalm 10:6</a></b></br> He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for <i>I shall</i> never <i>be</i> in adversity.</p><p class="hdg">fully</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/42-15.htm">Jeremiah 42:15</a></b></br> And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-25.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/106-30.htm">Executed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-29.htm">Schemes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Sentence</a> <a href="/psalms/147-15.htm">Speedily</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-17.htm">Within</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/8-4.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/songs/1-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-20.htm">Executed</a> <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Full</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-6.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/songs/2-8.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-7.htm">Schemes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-12.htm">Sentence</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-26.htm">Speedily</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Within</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">true wisdom is modest</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Kings are to be respected</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Divine providence is to be observed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">The work of God is unsearchable</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed</b><br>This phrase highlights the importance of justice being carried out promptly. In biblical times, swift justice was crucial to maintaining order within society. The Mosaic Law, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15-21</a>, emphasized the need for fair and timely judgment to deter wrongdoing. The delay in executing justice can lead to a breakdown in societal order, as seen in the history of Israel when judges and kings failed to uphold the law. This principle is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Proverbs 20:8</a>, where a king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes, indicating the power of immediate justice.<p><b>the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil</b><br>This part of the verse addresses the human tendency towards sin when there is a lack of immediate consequences. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of human will and emotion. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> describes the heart as deceitful and desperately wicked, suggesting that without restraint, people are inclined to pursue evil. The delay in justice can embolden individuals to continue in sin, as seen in the narrative of the Judges, where Israel repeatedly fell into idolatry and immorality when there was no strong leadership. This concept is also reflected in <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28-32</a>, where God gives people over to a depraved mind when they persist in sin without repentance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into human nature and the pursuit of meaning.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The societal and legal structures of ancient Israel provide context for understanding the implications of justice and its execution.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>- Refers to individuals who commit crimes or engage in evil actions. The verse addresses the consequences of delayed justice on their behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_timely_justice.htm">The Importance of Timely Justice</a></b><br>Delayed justice can lead to an increase in wickedness as it emboldens wrongdoers. It is crucial for societies to uphold justice promptly to deter evil actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_human_heart's_inclination.htm">The Human Heart's Inclination</a></b><br>The verse highlights the natural inclination of the human heart towards evil when unchecked. This calls for vigilance in personal and communal moral accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_perfect_justice.htm">God's Perfect Justice</a></b><br>While human justice systems may fail or delay, believers can trust in God's perfect and ultimate justice. This assurance should guide our responses to injustice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority.htm">The Role of Authority</a></b><br>Authorities are instituted by God to execute justice. Christians are called to respect and support just governance while advocating for reforms where justice is lacking.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_reflection_and_repentance.htm">Personal Reflection and Repentance</a></b><br>Reflect on areas in life where delayed consequences have led to complacency in sin. Seek God's forgiveness and strength to pursue righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_in_psalm_50_21.htm">In Psalm 50:21, why would a just God choose silence in the face of evil, and doesn’t this clash with other scriptures depicting divine intervention?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_lack_evidence_of_divine_justice.htm">2 Chronicles 6:22–23: This suggests immediate, divinely guided justice in conflicts; why is there little evidence of such direct interventions in historical records? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_12_6_align_with_wicked's_fate.htm">In Job 12:6, how does the idea that “the tents of robbers are at peace” harmonize with other scriptures that insist the wicked are eventually punished? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_wicked_people_often_prosper.htm">Job 18:5–6: If the wicked are supposedly extinguished like a fading lamp, why do corrupt individuals throughout history often prosper? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Sentence.</span>--This is a Persian word only found in <a href="/esther/1-20.htm" title="And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.">Esther 1:20</a>, and in Chaldee parts of Ezra and Daniel.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - The verse states one of the results of God's forbearance in punishing the evil. <span class="cmt_word">Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily.</span> The verse begins with <span class="accented">asher,"</span> because," as in <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a>, which connects the sentence with the allegation of vanity just preceding, as well as with what follows. <span class="accented">Pithgam</span>, "sentence," "edict," is a foreign word of Persian origin, found in <a href="/esther/1-20.htm">Esther 1:20</a> and in Chaldee portions of Ezra (<a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Ezra 4:17</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/4-14.htm">Daniel 4:14</a>, etc.). God seems to us to delay in punishing the guilty because we behold only one little portion of the course of his providence; could we take a more comprehensive view, anomalies would disappear, and we should see the end of these men (<a href="/psalms/73-17.htm">Psalm 73:17</a>). But a contracted, skeptical view leads to two evils - first, a weakening of faith in God's moral government; and second, a miserable fatalism which denies man's responsibility and saps his energy. Of the former of these results Koheleth here treats. <span class="cmt_word">Therefore the heart of the sons of men.</span> The heart is named as the seat of thought and the prime mover of action (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:3</a>; <a href="/esther/7-5.htm">Esther 7:5</a>; <a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18, 19</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Is fully set in them to do evil</span>; literally, <span class="accented">is full in them</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> their heart becomes filled with thoughts which are directed to evil, or full of courage, hence "emboldened" (Revised Version margin) to do evil. Vulgate, <span class="accented">absque timore ullo filii hominum perpetrant mala</span>; Septuagint, "Because there is no contradiction (<span class="greek">ἀντίῥῤησις</span>) made on the part of (<span class="greek">ἀπὸ</span>) those who do evil speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully persuaded (<span class="greek">ἐπληροφορήθη</span>) in them to do evil." The long-suffering of God, instead of leading such men to repentance, hardens them in their infidelity (<a href="/psalms/73-11.htm">Psalm 73:11</a>). Primarily, the reference is still to tyrannical despots, who, in their seeming impunity, are em-boldened to pursue their evil course. But the statement is true generally. As Cicero says, "Quis ignorat maximam illecebram esse peccandi impunitatis spem?" ('Pro Milone,' 16.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sentence</span><br /><span class="heb">פִתְגָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(p̄iṯ·ḡām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6599.htm">Strong's 6599: </a> </span><span class="str2">An edict, decree</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a crime</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָעָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is not</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵין־</span> <span class="translit">(’ên-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speedily</span><br /><span class="heb">מְהֵרָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·hê·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4120.htm">Strong's 4120: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hurry, promptly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">executed,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַעֲשָׂ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ă·śāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the hearts</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֧ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of men</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָדָ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">become fully set</span><br /><span class="heb">מָלֵ֞א</span> <span class="translit">(mā·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fill, be full of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on doing</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil.</span><br /><span class="heb">רָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>