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 8:3 Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/21_Ecc_08_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 8:3 - Obey the King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases." /><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/8-3.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/8-3.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 3</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="/ad3.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/8-2.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:2">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 8:3 <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:4">►</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 />Do not be in a hurry to leave the king&#8217s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not be in a hurry to go from his presence. Do not stand in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not be in a hurry to get out of his presence. Do not join in a malevolent matter, for the king will do whatever he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don&#8217t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't quickly oppose the king or argue when he has already made up his mind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't be in a hurry to leave the king's service. Don't take part in something evil, because he can do whatever he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king can do anything he likes, so depart from his presence; don't stay in such a dangerous place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't be in a hurry to leave him, and don't persist in evil, for he does whatever he pleases. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not rush out of the king's presence in haste--do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not be hasty to go out of his presence. Do not persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatever pleaseth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be troubled at his presence, you may go, do not stand in an evil thing, for all that he pleases he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Be not troubled at his presence, thou mayest go, stand not in an evil thing, for all that he pleaseth he doth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not hasten going from his face: thou shalt not stand by the word of evil; for he shall do all that he will desire.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Be not hasty to depart from his face, and do not continue in an evil work: for he will do all that pleaseth him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You should not hastily withdraw from his presence, nor should you remain in an evil work. For all that pleases him, he will do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Be not hasty to withdraw from the king; do not persist in an unpleasant situation, for he does whatever he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Go from his presence; and do not stand firm in an evil matter; for he does whatsoever pleases him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Go from before him and do not stand in an evil matter, because all that he will desire he will do<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Be not hasty to go out of his presence; stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Be not hasty; thou shalt go forth out of his presence: stand not in an evil matter; for he will do whatsoever he shall please,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/8-3.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=1438" 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">Obey the King</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/926.htm" title="926: tib·bā·hêl (V-Nifal-Imperf-2ms) -- To disturb, terrify. A primitive root; to tremble inwardly, i.e. be alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously.">hasten</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: tê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">to leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pā·nāw (Prep-m:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">his presence,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ta·‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">persist</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">in a bad</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: bə·ḏā·ḇār (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">cause,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">he will do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">whatever</a> <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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2654.htm" title="2654: yaḥ·pōṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire.">he pleases.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”…<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/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21-22</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. / For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a></span><br />So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></span><br />“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Esther 4:11</a></span><br />“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19-22</a></span><br />Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/25-24.htm">2 Kings 25:24</a></span><br />And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2-3</a></span><br />so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him.</p><p class="hdg">not hasty</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a></b></br> If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.</p><p class="hdg">stand</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">1 Kings 1:50-52</a></b></br> And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-21.htm">1 Kings 2:21-24</a></b></br> And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/48-4.htm">Isaiah 48:4</a></b></br> Because I knew that thou <i>art</i> obstinate, and thy neck <i>is</i> an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14,15</a></b></br> The wrath of a king <i>is as</i> messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-31.htm">Proverbs 30:31</a></b></br> A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom <i>there is</i> no rising up.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></b></br> And all the inhabitants of the earth <i>are</i> reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and <i>among</i> the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Design</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Hasty</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm">Hurry</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Join</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-34.htm">Persist</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Pleaseth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Unpleasant</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-24.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Whatsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-13.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-7.htm">Design</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-11.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-4.htm">Hasty</a> <a href="/songs/1-4.htm">Hurry</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-8.htm">Join</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-16.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Persist</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-7.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/amos/4-5.htm">Pleaseth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-10.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-7.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-9.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-6.htm">Unpleasant</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Whatsoever</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>Do not hasten to leave his presence</b><br>This phrase advises patience and respect in the presence of authority, likely referring to a king or ruler. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, leaving a king's presence abruptly could be seen as disrespectful or rebellious. The biblical context emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment when dealing with those in power. <a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Proverbs 25:6-7</a> similarly advises humility before rulers. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate King, and believers are encouraged to remain in His presence through prayer and obedience.<p><b>and do not persist in a bad cause</b><br>This warns against stubbornly supporting or engaging in actions that are unjust or unwise. Historically, aligning with a bad cause could lead to severe consequences, especially under a monarch's rule. The Bible frequently warns against evil associations and actions, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14-15</a>. This phrase underscores the importance of aligning oneself with righteousness and truth, reflecting the biblical call to pursue justice and avoid sin.<p><b>for he will do whatever he pleases</b><br>This highlights the sovereign power of a king, who has the authority to act according to his will. In the historical context of monarchies, a king's decisions were often final and unquestionable. This can be connected to the sovereignty of God, as seen in <a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a>, where God's will is supreme over all creation. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority of God, who, unlike earthly kings, is perfectly just and righteous in all His ways.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>Represents authority and power, often seen as a figure of leadership and governance. In the context of Ecclesiastes, the king can symbolize earthly authority or God’s sovereign rule.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_subject.htm">The Subject</a></b><br>The individual in the presence of the king, representing those under authority who must navigate their relationship with power wisely.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_court.htm">The Court</a></b><br>The setting where the king and his subjects interact, symbolizing the broader context of societal and governmental structures.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>Recognize the importance of respecting those in positions of authority, as they are placed there by God’s sovereign will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_decision-making.htm">Wisdom in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Exercise discernment and patience when dealing with authority figures. Avoid hasty decisions that could lead to negative consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_rebellion.htm">Avoiding Rebellion</a></b><br>Understand the dangers of persisting in a bad cause. Rebellion against rightful authority can lead to personal and communal harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God’s Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust in God’s ultimate control over earthly authorities. Even when leaders act according to their own will, God’s purposes prevail.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prudent_conduct.htm">Prudent Conduct</a></b><br>Conduct yourself wisely in the presence of authority, knowing that your actions and attitudes reflect your faith and character.<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/what's_the_spirit_world's_nature.htm">What is the nature of the spirit world?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_compassion_and_forgiveness.htm">What does the Bible say about chronic pain?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_non-believers_shout_joyfully.htm">How can 'all the earth' (Psalm 100:1) be expected to shout joyfully if many do not believe in or acknowledge this God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_8_2-4_conflict_with_israelite_history.htm">Could the portrayal of authority and submission in Ecclesiastes 8:2-4 be at odds with historical records of Israelite governance, suggesting a possible later editorial influence?</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>(3) I believe the rendering of our version to be correct, though some have taken it, "Be not hasty: go out of his eight." The best commentary on this verse is <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm" title="If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses.">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a>, which gives the meaning, "When censured by the king, do not abandon the hope of retaining his favour, nor obstinately persist in what he condemns." I do not find adequate proof of the assertion of some commentators, that "go out of his sight" can mean "withdraw allegiance from him," and so that the "evil thing" means a rebellious conspiracy. The advice, "Be not hasty" to rebel, instead of "do not rebel," is inconsistent with the context.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - Further advice concerning political behavior. <span class="cmt_word">Be not hasty to go out of his</span> (the king's) <span class="cmt_word">sight</span>. Do not, from some hasty impulse, or induced by harsh treatment, cast off your allegiance to your liege lord. We have the phrase, "go away," in the sense of quitting of service or desertion of a duty, in <a href="/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16</a>; <a href="/hosea/11-2.htm">Hosea 11:2</a>. So St. Peter urges servants to be subject unto their masters, "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward" (<a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18</a>). Solomon might have given this advice to the Israelites who were ready to follow Jeroboam's lead; though they could have remained loyal to Rehoboam only from high religious motives. But it is better to bear even a heavy yoke than to rebel. The Septuagint has, "Be not hasty; thou shalt go from his presence" - which seems to mean, "Be not impatient, and all will be well." But the authorized rendering is correct (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a>). We may quote Mendelssohn's comment cited by Chance on <a href="/job/34-16.htm">Job 34:16</a>, "This is a great rule in politics, that the people must have no power to pronounce judgment upon the conduct of a king, whether it be good or bad; for the king judges the people, and not the reverse; and if it were not for this rule, the country would never be quiet, and without rebels against the king and his law." <span class="cmt_word">Stand not in an evil thing</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">Neque permaneas in opere malo</span>, "Persist not in an evil affair." But the verb here implies rather the engaging in a matter than continuing an undertaking already begun. The "affair" is conspiracy, insurrection; and Koheleth warns against entering upon and taking part in any such attempt. This seems to be the correct explanation of the clause; but it is, perhaps intentionally, ambiguous, and is capable of other interpretations. Thus Ginsburg, "Do not stand up (in a passion) because of an evil word." Others, "Obey not a sinful command," or "Hesitate not at an evil thing," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. if the king orders it. Wordsworth, referring to <a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>. renders, "Stand not in the way of sinners," which seems to be unsuitable to the context. The Septuagint gives, "Stand not in an evil word" (<span class="greek">λόγῳ</span>, perhaps "matter"). The reason for the injunction follows. <span class="cmt_word">For he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.</span> The irresponsible power of a despotic monarch is here signified, though the terms are applicable (as some, indeed, take them as alone appertaining) to God himself (but see <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2</a>). The Septuagint combines with this clause the commencement of the following verse, "For he will do whatsover he pleases, even as a king using authority (<span class="greek">ἐξουσιάζων</span>)." Some manuscripts add <span class="greek">λαλεῖ</span>, "he speaks." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/8-3.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">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hasten</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּבָּהֵ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(tib·bā·hêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to leave</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּלֵ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(tê·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his presence,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפָּנָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">persist</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲמֹ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a bad</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֑ע</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 /><br /><span class="word">cause,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּדָבָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will do</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - 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">whatever</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he wants.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחְפֹּ֖ץ</span> <span class="translit">(yaḥ·pōṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2654.htm">Strong's 2654: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:3 Don't be hasty to go out (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:4" /></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>