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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 8:9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/21_Ecc_08_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 8:9 - Obey the King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/8-9.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/8-9.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 9</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="/ad9.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/8-8.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:8">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 8:9 <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:10">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New International Version</a> All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">King James Bible</a> All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New King James Version</a> All this I have seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: There is a time in which one man rules over another to his own hurt. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> All this I have seen, and have applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun at a time when one person has exercised authority over another person to his detriment. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> All this I have seen and given my heart to every work that has been done under the sun wherein a man has power over another man to his calamity. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> All this I have seen while applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has exercised power over others to their detriment. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one person has authority over another to his harm. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one man has authority over another to his harm. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man hath power over another to his hurt. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I noticed all this and thought seriously about what goes on in the world. Why does one person have the power to hurt another? <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man hath power over another to his hurt. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I have seen all of this, and I have carefully considered all that is done under the sun whenever one person has authority to hurt others. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> I saw all this when I thought about the things that are done in this world, a world where some people have power and others have to suffer under them. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> I observed all this, and carefully considered everything that is undertaken on earth, especially the time when someone dominates another to his detriment. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NET Bible</a> While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time in which one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/8.htm">World English Bible</a> All this I have seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> All this I have seen so as to give my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; a time that man has ruled over man to his own evil. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> All this I have seen so as to give my heart to every work that hath been done under the sun; a time that man hath ruled over man to his own evil. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> All this I saw, and giving my heart to every work which was done under the sun: a time which man had power over man for evil to him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> All these things I have considered, and applied my heart to all the works that are done under the sun. Sometimes one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I have considered all these things, and I have applied my heart to all the works which are being done under the sun. Sometimes one man rules over another to his own harm. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Bible</a> All these things I saw and I applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun, while one person tyrannizes over another for harm. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> All this I observed, applying my mind to all that is done under the sun, while one person exercises authority over another to the other’s hurt.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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 hurt him. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I have seen all this and I have given my heart to know all work that is done under the sun, and the time when a man is authorized over a son of man to afflict him<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> All this have I seen, even applied my heart thereto, whatever the work that is done under the sun; what time one man had power over another to his hurt. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> So I saw all this, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; all the things wherein man has power over man to afflict him. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1492" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Obey the King</a> …8As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day of death. As no one can be discharged in wartime, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. 9<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.">All</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</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 have seen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nā·ṯō·wn (Conj-w:: V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">applying</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (N-msc) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">my mind</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">to every</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śeh (N-ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">deed</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.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">is done</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/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">there is a time</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.">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">one man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7980.htm" title="7980: šā·laṭ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To domineer, be master of. A primitive root; to dominate, i.e. Govern; by implication, to permit.">lords it</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: bə·’ā·ḏām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">over another</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: lə·ra‘ (Prep:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">to his own detriment.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (Pro) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Proverbs 28:16</a> A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-18</a> He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ... <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a> So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ... <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Luke 22:25-27</a> So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">1 Peter 5:3</a> not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1-2</a> What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? / You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Isaiah 3:12-15</a> Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. / The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people. / The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. ... <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13-17</a> “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, / who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. / Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. ... <a href="/ezekiel/34-4.htm">Ezekiel 34:4</a> You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. <a href="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-3</a> Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” <a href="/zechariah/11-5.htm">Zechariah 11:5</a> whose buyers slaughter them without remorse. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-4</a> 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. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/1-24.htm">2 Corinthians 1:24</a> Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm. <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Ephesians 6:9</a> And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.this<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a> I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10</a> I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.<a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7,8</a> Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun… there is<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:8,13</a> If thou seest 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 regardeth; and there be higher than they… <a href="/exodus/14-5.htm">Exodus 14:5-9,28</a> And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? … <a href="/deuteronomy/2-30.htm">Deuteronomy 2:30</a> But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Applied</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Applying</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-16.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Exercised</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/psalms/136-3.htm">Lords</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-22.htm">Others</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-23.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Thereto</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-13.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Applied</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Applying</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-7.htm">Exercised</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-13.htm">Lords</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-24.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Others</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-15.htm">Thereto</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 8</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">true wisdom is modest</a> 2. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Kings are to be respected</a> 6. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Divine providence is to be observed</a> 12. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity</a> 16. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">The work of God is unsearchable</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>All this I have seen The author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on his observations of life. This phrase emphasizes the experiential nature of the wisdom literature, where personal observation and reflection are key. Solomon, known for his wisdom, had the opportunity to witness the complexities of human behavior and governance firsthand. This aligns with the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which explores the vanity and fleeting nature of worldly pursuits.applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun This phrase highlights the intentional and thorough examination of human actions. "Under the sun" is a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes, signifying life on earth from a human perspective, often with a focus on the temporal and material aspects. The phrase suggests a comprehensive study of human behavior, echoing the wisdom tradition of seeking understanding and discernment. It also reflects the biblical call to wisdom, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>, where acquiring wisdom is paramount.there is a time when one man lords it over another This observation points to the misuse of power and authority, a common theme in biblical texts. The phrase can be connected to the warnings against oppression found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16</a> and <a href="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Isaiah 3:12-15</a>. It reflects the fallen nature of humanity, where power can lead to tyranny and injustice. Historically, this can be seen in the reigns of various kings in Israel and Judah, where some rulers abused their power, leading to societal decay.to his own detriment The misuse of power ultimately harms the oppressor, a theme consistent with biblical teachings on justice and righteousness. This phrase suggests that those who exploit others will face consequences, aligning with the principle of reaping what one sows, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>. It also echoes the wisdom literature's emphasis on the futility of unjust actions, as they lead to personal and spiritual ruin. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who, in contrast, used His authority for service and sacrifice, embodying the ultimate example of righteous leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and observations. 2. <a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a> A phrase frequently used in Ecclesiastes, symbolizing life on earth and human endeavors apart from divine perspective. It emphasizes the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits. 3. <a href="/topical/a/authority_and_oppression.htm">Authority and Oppression</a> The verse highlights the dynamic of power where one person has authority over another, often leading to oppression or harm. This reflects the broader theme of injustice and the misuse of power in human society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_human_authority.htm">The Reality of Human Authority</a> Human authority is a reality in our world, but it is often marred by sin and selfishness. Recognize the potential for both good and harm in positions of power. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_righteous_leadership.htm">The Call to Righteous Leadership</a> As Christians, we are called to lead with integrity and humility, following the example of Christ who came to serve rather than to be served. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_accountability.htm">The Importance of Accountability</a> Those in authority should be held accountable to ensure that power is not abused. This includes both personal accountability and systemic checks and balances. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the misuse of authority, believers can trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. He sees all deeds done under the sun and will bring about His righteous judgment. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_wisdom_in_relationships.htm">Seeking Wisdom in Relationships</a> In all relationships, whether in positions of authority or under authority, seek wisdom and discernment to act justly and love mercy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 8</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'one_nation_under_god'_mean.htm">Why do people prefer darkness over light?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'crucify_the_flesh'_mean.htm">What is the ultimate value of spiritual enlightenment?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_israelites_bound_commands_then.htm">Exodus 13:9 - Is there any historical evidence that Israelites literally bound these commands on their hands or foreheads at this time?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_penance.htm">What is the Bible's view on penance?</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>(9) Own hurt.--The Hebrew is ambiguous. We might omit "own," and understand the verse of the misery inflicted by a tyrant on his subject, not on himself. But the context speaks of the small gain from his oppressions to the tyrant himself.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - All this have I seen (<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:23</a>); i.e. all that has been mentioned in the preceding eight verses, especially the conviction of retributive justice. He gained this experience by giving his mind to the consideration of men's actions. There is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. This version is certainly incorrect. A new sentence is not commenced here, but the clause is closely connected with what precedes; and "his own hurt" should he "his [equivocally] hurt." Thus Wright and Volck: "All this have I seen, even by applying my heart to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when man ruleth over man to his hurt." Most modern commentators consider that the hurt is that of the oppressed subject; but it is possible that the sense is intentionally ambiguous, and the injury may be that which the despot inflicts, and that which he has to suffer. Both these have been signified above. There is no valid reason for making, as Cox does, this last clause commence ver. 10, and rendering, "But there is a time when a man ruleth over men to their hurt." <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>All כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every this זֶ֤ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that I have seen, רָאִ֙יתִי֙ (rā·’î·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see applying וְנָת֣וֹן (wə·nā·ṯō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set my mind לִבִּ֔י (lib·bî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre to every לְכָֽל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every deed מַעֲשֶׂ֔ה (ma·‘ă·śeh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that is done נַעֲשָׂ֖ה (na·‘ă·śāh) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make under תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun; הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (haš·šā·meš) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement [there is] a time עֵ֗ת (‘êṯ) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when when אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that one man הָאָדָ֛ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being lords it שָׁלַ֧ט (šā·laṭ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7980.htm">Strong's 7980: </a> To dominate, govern, to permit over another בְּאָדָ֖ם (bə·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being to his own detriment. לְרַ֥ע (lə·ra‘) Preposition | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:9 All this have I seen and applied (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:10" /></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>