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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 10:8 He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/21_Ecc_10_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 10:8 - Wisdom and Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake." /><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/10-8.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/10-8.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/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 8</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="/ad8.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/10-7.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 10:7">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 10:8 <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 10:9">►</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/10.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/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When you dig a well, you might fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who digs a pit will fall into it, And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite one who breaks through a wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who digs a pit [for others] may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a [stone] wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who digs a pit may fall into it, and the one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who digs a pit may fall into it, and the one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh through a wall, a serpent shall bite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you dig a pit, you might fall in; if you break down a wall, a snake might bite you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh through a fence, a serpent shall bite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever digs a pit may fall into it. Whoever breaks through a stone wall may be bitten by a snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you dig a pit, you fall in it; if you break through a wall, a snake bites you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever digs a pit may fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall may suffer a snake bite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />One who digs a pit may fall into it, and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a serpent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is digging a pit falls into it, "" And whoever is breaking a hedge, a serpent bites him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it, And whoso is breaking a hedge, a serpent biteth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He digging a ditch shall fall into it; he breaking down a wall, a serpent shall bite him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that diggeth a pit, shall fall into it: and he that breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever digs a pit will fall into it. And whoever tears apart a hedge, a snake will bite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever digs a pit may fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall, a snake may bite. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a snake.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who digs a pit shall fall into it; and he who breaks a hedge will be bitten by a serpent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He who has dug a pit will fall into it and he that breaks a hedge, a snake will bite him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; And whoso breaketh through a fence, a serpent shall bite him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and him that breaks down a hedge a serpent shall bite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-8.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=1895" 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/10.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2658.htm" title="2658: ḥō·p̄êr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To dig, search for. A primitive root; properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore.">He who digs</a> <a href="/hebrew/1475.htm" title="1475: gūm·māṣ (N-ms) -- A pit. Of uncertain derivation; a pit.">a pit</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: yip·pō·wl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">may fall</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">into it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6555.htm" title="6555: ū·p̄ō·rêṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To break through. A primitive root; to break out.">and he who breaches</a> <a href="/hebrew/1447.htm" title="1447: gā·ḏêr (N-ms) -- A wall. From gadar; a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure.">a wall</a> <a href="/hebrew/5391.htm" title="5391: yiš·šə·ḵen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- A primitive root; to strike with a sting; figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan.">may be bitten</a> <a href="/hebrew/5175.htm" title="5175: nā·ḥāš (N-ms) -- A serpent. From nachash; a snake.">by a snake.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.…<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/26-27.htm">Proverbs 26:27</a></span><br />He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Psalm 7:15-16</a></span><br />He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/9-15.htm">Psalm 9:15</a></span><br />The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Proverbs 28:10</a></span><br />He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a></span><br />For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5-6</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. / The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-6.htm">Psalm 57:6</a></span><br />They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/4-8.htm">Job 4:8</a></span><br />As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-13.htm">Hosea 10:13</a></span><br />You have plowed wickedness and reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your mighty men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm">Proverbs 1:31</a></span><br />So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-9.htm">Romans 2:9</a></span><br />There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-8.htm">Psalm 35:8</a></span><br />May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Proverbs 22:8</a></span><br />He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.</p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Judges 9:5,53-57</a></b></br> And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, <i>being</i> threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23</a></b></br> And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled <i>his</i> ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">2 Samuel 18:15</a></b></br> And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.</p><p class="hdg">a serpent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Amos 5:19</a></b></br> As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/9-3.htm">Amos 9:3</a></b></br> And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Bitten</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Breaking</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Breaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Diggeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Digging</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Digs</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Fence</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Hedge</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Others</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Bitten</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-5.htm">Breaking</a> <a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Breaks</a> <a href="/genesis/26-18.htm">Diggeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-5.htm">Digging</a> <a href="/luke/6-49.htm">Digs</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-5.htm">Fence</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-5.htm">Hedge</a> <a href="/songs/5-4.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/songs/5-9.htm">Others</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-6.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">observations of wisdom and folly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">death in life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on</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'; 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In ancient times, pits were often dug as traps for animals or enemies, symbolizing deceit or malice. The imagery suggests that those who plot harm against others may themselves suffer the consequences. This concept is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Proverbs 26:27</a>, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them," emphasizing the idea of divine justice. Theologically, it underscores the biblical theme that God sees all actions and will ensure justice is served, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."<p><b>and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern architecture, walls were often made of stone or mud-brick, providing protection and security. Breaching a wall implies an act of destruction or invasion, often associated with breaking boundaries or laws. Snakes, common in the region, would inhabit the crevices of these walls, posing a hidden danger. This imagery warns of unforeseen consequences when one disrupts established boundaries. Biblically, snakes symbolize danger and deceit, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a> with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The phrase serves as a caution against reckless or sinful actions that can lead to unexpected harm, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of wisdom and folly.<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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation where Solomon reigned, providing the cultural and historical context for the book of Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pit.htm">The Pit</a></b><br>- A metaphorical or literal trap that one might dig, representing the consequences of one's actions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wall.htm">The Wall</a></b><br>- Represents boundaries or protections that, when breached, can lead to unforeseen dangers.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_snake.htm">The Snake</a></b><br>- Symbolizes hidden dangers or consequences that arise from reckless actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_consequences.htm">The Principle of Consequences</a></b><br>Our actions have consequences, and we must be mindful of the paths we choose. Reckless or malicious actions can lead to our downfall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respecting_boundaries.htm">Respecting Boundaries</a></b><br>Breaching boundaries, whether moral, ethical, or physical, can lead to unforeseen dangers. We must respect the limits set by God and society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a></b><br>God’s justice ensures that those who plot evil will face the consequences of their actions. Trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_action.htm">Wisdom in Action</a></b><br>Wisdom involves foreseeing potential dangers and acting to avoid them. We should seek God’s wisdom in our daily decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-reflection.htm">Self-Reflection</a></b><br>Regularly examine your actions and motives to ensure they align with God’s will, avoiding pitfalls and breaches that lead to harm.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_'cast_bread'_yield_results.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:1, how is “casting bread upon the waters” supposed to yield a result when bread would dissolve or sink? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'all_is_vanity'_contradict_purpose.htm">In Ecclesiastes 12:8, does the statement 'all is vanity' contradict the idea of purpose found elsewhere in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_ecclesiastes_10_8_literal_or_metaphorical.htm">When Ecclesiastes 10:8 warns that whoever digs a pit may fall into it, is this literal or metaphorical, and are there any historical or archaeological findings to support such fatalistic outcomes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_'creeping_things'_in_the_temple.htm">In Ezekiel 8:10, why would the temple contain images of 'creeping things' if this contradicts the temple's strict laws against idolatry?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Commentators cannot be said to have been very successful in their attempts to trace a connection between the proverbs of this chapter. Perhaps nothing better can be said than that the common theme of these proverbs is the advantage of wisdom, and here in particular of caution in great enterprises. It is forcing the connection to imagine that the enterprise from which the writer seeks to dissuade, is that of rebellion against the ruler whose error is condemned (<a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm" title="There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceeds from the ruler:">Ecclesiastes 10:5</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Diggeth a pit.</span>--See <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm" title="Whoever digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return on him.">Proverbs 26:27</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/27-26.htm" title="Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein.">Ecclesiasticus 27:26</a>. The word here used for "pit" is found in later Hebrew, and nowhere else in the Old Testament.<p><span class= "bld">An hedge.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">a stone wall, </span>in the crevices of which serpents often have their habitation. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm" title="And, see, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.">Proverbs 24:31</a>; <a href="/lamentations/3-9.htm" title="He has enclosed my ways with hewn stone, he has made my paths crooked.">Lamentations 3:9</a>; <a href="/amos/5-19.htm" title="As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.">Amos 5:19</a>.) This verse admits of a curious verbal comparison with <a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm" title="And they that shall be of you shall build the old waste places: you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.">Isaiah 58:12</a>, "builder of the breach," in one, answering to "breacher of the building" in the other. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 8-11.</span> - Section 13. <span class="accented">Various proverbs expressing the benefit of prudence and caution, and the danger of folly</span>. The connection with what has preceded is not closely marked, but is probably to be found in the bearing of the maxims on the conduct of the wise man who has incurred the resentment of a ruler, and might be inclined to disaffection and revolt. They are intentionally obscure and capable of a double sense - a necessary precaution if the writer lived under Persian despots. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it.</span> This proverb occurs in <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Proverbs 26:27</a>, and, as expressive of the retribution that awaits evil-doers, finds parallels in <a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Psalm 7:15, 16</a>; <a href="/psalms/9-15.htm">Psalm 9:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Psalm 10:2</a>; Ecclus. 27:25, 26. The" pit" (<span class="accented">gummats</span>, <span class="greek">ἅπαξ λεγόμενον</span>) is such a one as was made to capture wild animals, and the maker of it is supposed to approach it incautiously, and to fall into it. But the scope of our passage is rather to speak of what may possibly occur than to insist on the Nemesis that inevitably overtakes transgressors. Its object is to inspire caution in the prosecution of dangerous undertakings, whether the enterprise be the overthrow of a tyrant, or any other action of importance, or whether, as some suppose, the arraignment of the providential ordering of events is intended, in which ease there would be the danger of blasphemy and impatience. <span class="cmt_word">And whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him</span>. The futures throughout vers. 8 and 9 are not intended to express certainty, as if the results mentioned were inevitable, but rather possibility, and might be rendered, with Delitzsch, "may fall," "may bite," etc. The "hedge" is rather a wall (<a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Proverbs 24:31</a>), in the crevices of which poisonous snakes have made their abode, which are disturbed by its demolition (comp. Ames 5:19). <span class="accented">Nachash</span>, here used, is the generic name of any serpent. The majority of the snakes found in Palestine are harmless; but there are some which are very deadly, especially the cobra and those which belong to the viper family. There is no allusion here to the illegal removal of landmarks, a proceeding which might be supposed to provoke retribution; the hedge or wail is one which the demolisher is justified in removing, only in doing so he must look out for certain contingencies, and guard against them. Metaphorically, the pulling down a wall may refer to the removal of evil institutions in a state, which involves the reformer in many difficulties and perils. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-8.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">He who digs</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹפֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·p̄êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2658.htm">Strong's 2658: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pry into, to delve, to explore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a pit</span><br /><span class="heb">גּוּמָּ֖ץ</span> <span class="translit">(gūm·māṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1475.htm">Strong's 1475: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may fall into it,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפּ֑וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(yip·pō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he who breaches</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפֹרֵ֥ץ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ō·rêṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6555.htm">Strong's 6555: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break through</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a wall</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּדֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(gā·ḏêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1447.htm">Strong's 1447: </a> </span><span class="str2">A circumvallation, an inclosure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may be bitten</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְּׁכֶ֥נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·šə·ḵen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5391.htm">Strong's 5391: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by a snake.</span><br /><span class="heb">נָחָֽשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḥāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5175.htm">Strong's 5175: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:8 He who digs a pit may fall (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:9" /></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>