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<!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 3:16 Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/21_Ecc_03_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:16 - From Dust to Dust" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness." /><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/3-16.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/3-16.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/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 16</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="/ad16.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/3-15.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:15">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:16 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:17">►</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/3.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/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, <i>that</i> wickedness <i>was</i> there; and the place of righteousness, <i>that</i> iniquity <i>was</i> there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Moreover I saw under the sun: <i>In</i> the place of judgment, Wickedness <i>was</i> there; And <i>in</i> the place of righteousness, Iniquity <i>was</i> there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Furthermore, I have seen under the sun <i>that</i> in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Furthermore, I have seen under the sun <i>that</i> in the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Furthermore, I have seen under the sun <i>that</i> in the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moreover, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Everywhere on earth I saw violence and injustice instead of fairness and justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I saw something else under the sun: There is wickedness where justice should be found. There is wickedness where righteousness should be found.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In addition, I have also noticed that in this world you find wickedness where justice and right ought to be. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I also examined on earth: where the halls of justice were supposed to be, there was lawlessness; and where the righteous were supposed to be, there was lawlessness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I saw something else on earth: In the place of justice, there was wickedness, and in the place of fairness, there was wickedness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And again, I have seen under the sun the place of judgment—there [is] the wicked; and the place of righteousness—there [is] the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And again, I have seen under the sun the place of judgment -- there is the wicked; and the place of righteousness -- there is the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And yet I saw under the sun the place of judgment, there the unjust one; and the place of the just one, there the unjust one.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I saw under the sun in the place of judgment wickedness, and in the place of justice iniquity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I saw under the sun: instead of judgment, impiety, and instead of justice, iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And still under the sun in the judgment place I saw wickedness, and wickedness also in the seat of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moreover I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there as well.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And moreover, I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And again I have seen under the sun the place of judgment: there is wickedness, and the place of righteousness: there is evil<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgement, there was the ungodly one; and the place of righteousness, there was the godly one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-16.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=581" 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/3.htm">From Dust to Dust</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: wə·‘ō·wḏ (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">Furthermore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’î·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·šā·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">the sun</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mə·qō·wm (N-msc) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">that in the place</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: ham·miš·pāṭ (Art:: N-ms) -- Judgment. ">of judgment</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there is</a> <a href="/hebrew/7562.htm" title="7562: hā·re·ša‘ (Art:: N-ms) -- Wickedness. From rasha'; a wrong.">wickedness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: ū·mə·qō·wm (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">and in the place</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: haṣ·ṣe·ḏeq (Art:: N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">of righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there is</a> <a href="/hebrew/7562.htm" title="7562: hā·rā·ša‘ (Art:: N-ms) -- Wickedness. From rasha'; a wrong.">wickedness.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed.”…<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="/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2-4</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah / Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Isaiah 5:7</a></span><br />For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Habakkuk 1:2-4</a></span><br />How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? / Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. / Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12-15</a></span><br />For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. / Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. / Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-9.htm">Micah 3:9-11</a></span><br />Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, / who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. / Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-9</a></span><br />Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? / Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. / Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3-9</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. / They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. / They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Proverbs 17:15</a></span><br />Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Isaiah 59:14-15</a></span><br />So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. / Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1-8</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Romans 2:1-3</a></span><br />You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. / And we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. / So when you, O man, pass judgment on others, yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7-8</a></span><br />The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? / Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-6.htm">James 2:6-7</a></span><br />But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? / Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:1</a></b></br> So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of <i>such as were</i> oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors <i>there was</i> power; but they had no comforter.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:8</a></b></br> If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for <i>he that is</i> higher than the highest regardeth; and <i>there be</i> higher than they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/21-9.htm">1 Kings 21:9-21</a></b></br> And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/job/34-1.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-20.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Something</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-20.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-11.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Something</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">is an excellence in God's works</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast</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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Furthermore, I saw under the sun</b><br>This phrase introduces the observation of the Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon. "Under the sun" is a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the earthly, temporal perspective of human life. It suggests a viewpoint limited to the material world, without considering the eternal or divine perspective. This phrase sets the stage for the observations about human justice and morality.<p><b>that in the place of judgment there is wickedness</b><br>The "place of judgment" refers to courts or places where justice is expected to be administered. In ancient Israel, judges were appointed to uphold God's law, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>. However, the Preacher observes corruption and injustice, a theme echoed in other scriptures like <a href="/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23</a> and <a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a>, where leaders pervert justice for personal gain. This reflects the fallen nature of humanity and the pervasive influence of sin, even in institutions meant to uphold righteousness.<p><b>and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness</b><br>The "place of righteousness" could refer to religious institutions or communities where God's standards are to be upheld. Yet, the presence of wickedness here highlights the hypocrisy and moral failure within religious settings. This mirrors Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees in <a href="/matthew/23.htm">Matthew 23</a>, where He condemns their outward piety but inward corruption. It underscores the biblical theme that true righteousness is a matter of the heart, not just external compliance.<br><br>This verse, in its entirety, points to the pervasive nature of sin and the need for divine intervention. It foreshadows the ultimate judgment and righteousness brought by Jesus Christ, who will establish true justice and righteousness, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a> and fulfilled in <a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1-4</a>.<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. He reflects on the injustices he observes in the world.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/place_of_judgment.htm">Place of Judgment</a></b><br>- This refers to courts or places where justice is expected to be administered. Solomon notes the presence of wickedness even in these places.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/place_of_righteousness.htm">Place of Righteousness</a></b><br>- This could refer to religious or moral settings where righteousness should prevail, yet Solomon observes wickedness here as well.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wickedness.htm">Wickedness</a></b><br>- The presence of moral corruption and injustice in places where justice and righteousness are expected.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a></b><br>- A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to denote life on earth, emphasizing the human perspective and the temporal nature of worldly affairs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_injustice.htm">The Reality of Injustice</a></b><br>Acknowledge that injustice is a reality in our world, even in places where we expect fairness and righteousness. This should not lead to despair but to a deeper reliance on God's ultimate justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_righteousness.htm">The Call to Righteousness</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to be agents of righteousness and justice in a world filled with wickedness. This involves personal integrity and advocating for justice in our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>While we may see wickedness in places of judgment, we must trust that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring about justice. Our hope is in His perfect judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Reflect on areas in our own lives where we may contribute to injustice or fail to uphold righteousness. Seek God's guidance to align our actions with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_engagement.htm">Active Engagement</a></b><br>Engage actively in societal structures to promote justice and righteousness. This can include voting, community service, and supporting policies that reflect biblical values.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_2-3_contradict_pro-life.htm">In Ecclesiastes 4:2–3, the speaker says the dead or unborn are more fortunate than the living—does this contradict the Bible’s overall respect for life? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_94_align_with_swift_judgment.htm">Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_wicked_prosper_if_god_is_just.htm">If God is righteous (Jeremiah 12:1), why do the wicked prosper unchecked?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_1's_justice_align_with_job.htm">How can Psalm 1's vision of immediate justice be reconciled with biblical accounts like Job, where the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to prosper?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) This verse introduces the consideration of the difficulty arising from the imperfection of moral retribution in this life. Other places where the iniquity of judges is mentioned are <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm" title="So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.">Ecclesiastes 4:1</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm" title="If you see the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regards; and there be higher than they.">Ecclesiastes 5:8</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm" title="All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.">Ecclesiastes 6:7</a>; <a href="/context/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm" title="All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt.">Ecclesiastes 8:9-10</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16-22.</span> - Acknowledging the providential government of God, which controls events and places man's happiness out of his own power, one is confronted also by the fact that there is much wickedness, much injustice, in the world, which oppose all plans for peaceful enjoyment. Doubtless there shall be a day of retribution for such iniquities; and God allows them now in order to try men and to teach them humility. Meantime man's duty and happiness consist, as before said, in making the best use of the present and improving the opportunities which God gives him. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment</span>. Koheleth records his experience of the prevalence of iniquity in high places. <span class="accented">The place of judgment</span> (<span class="accented">mishat</span>); where justice is administered. The accentuation allows (cf. <a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>) this to be regarded as the object of the verb. The Revised Version, with Hitzig, Ginsburg, and others, take <span class="hebrew">מְקום</span> as an adverbial expression equivalent to "in the place." The former is the simpler construction. "And moreover," at the commencement of the verse, looks back to ver. 10," I have seen the travail," etc. That <span class="cmt_word">wickedness</span> (<span class="accented">resha</span>) was there. On the judicial seat iniquity sat instead of justice. <span class="cmt_word">The place of righteousness</span> (<span class="accented">tsedek</span>). "Righteousness" is the peculiar characteristic of the judge himself, as "justice" is of his decisions. <span class="cmt_word">That iniquity</span> (<span class="accented">resha</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>was there</span>. The word ought to be translated "wickedness" or "iniquity" in both clauses. The Septuagint takes the abstract for the concrete, and at the end has apparently introduced a clerical error, which has been perpetuated in the Arabic and elsewhere, "And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, there was the ungodly (<span class="greek">ἀσεβής</span>); and the place of the righteous, there was the <span class="accented">godly</span> (<span class="greek">εὐσεβής</span>)." The Complutensian Polyglot reads <span class="greek">ἀσεβὴς</span> in both places. It is impossible to harmonize these statements of oppression and injustice here and elsewhere (<span class="accented">e.g.</span>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:1</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:8</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9, 10</a>) with Solomon's authorship of the book. It is contrary to fact that such a corrupt state of things existed in his time, and in writing thus he would be uttering a libel against himself. If he was cognizant of such evils in his kingdom, he had nothing to do but to put them down with a high hand. There is nothing to lead to the belief that he is speaking of other countries and other times; he is stating his own personal experience of what goes on around him. It is true that in Solomon's latter days disaffection secretly prevailed, and the people felt his yoke grievous (<a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4</a>); but there is no evidence of the existence of corruption in judicial courts, or of the social and political evils of which he speaks in this book. That he had a prophetical for, sight of the disasters that would accompany the reign of his successor, and endeavors herein to provide consolation for the future sufferers, is a pious opinion without historical basis, and cannot be justly used to support the genuineness of the work. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-16.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">Furthermore,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְע֥וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I saw</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאִ֖יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’î·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sun</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·meš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> </span><span class="str2">The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that in the place</span><br /><span class="heb">מְק֤וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(mə·qō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of judgment</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּשְׁפָּט֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there is</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֣מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(šām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wickedness,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֶ֔שַׁע</span> <span class="translit">(hā·re·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7562.htm">Strong's 7562: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and in the place</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְק֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·qō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצֶּ֖דֶק</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·ṣe·ḏeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there is</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(šām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wickedness.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָֽשַׁע׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7562.htm">Strong's 7562: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:17" /></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>