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I say that this too is futile.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/21_Ecc_08_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 8:14 - God's Ways are Mysterious" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. 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This too, I say, is meaningless. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless! <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">King James Bible</a> There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New King James Version</a> There is a vanity which occurs on earth, that there are just men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> There is vanity which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the works of the wicked. On the other hand, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the works of the righteous. I say that this too is vanity. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> There is a meaningless and futile thing which is done on the earth: that is, there are righteous men whose gain is as though they were evil, and evil men whose gain is as though they were righteous. I say that this too is futility (meaningless, vain). <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> There is a vanity which is done upon the earth, that there are righteous men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> There is something else that doesn't make sense to me. Good citizens are treated as criminals, while criminals are honored as though they were good citizens. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be righteous men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> There is something being done on earth that is pointless. Righteous people suffer for what the wicked do, and wicked people get what the righteous deserve. I say that even this is pointless. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> But this is nonsense. Look at what happens in the world: sometimes the righteous get the punishment of the wicked, and the wicked get the reward of the righteous. I say it is useless. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Here is a pointless thing that happens on earth: A righteous man receives what happens to the wicked, and a wicked man receives what happens to the righteous. I concluded that this, too, is pointless. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Here is another enigma that occurs on earth: Sometimes there are righteous people who get what the wicked deserve, and sometimes there are wicked people who get what the righteous deserve. I said, "This also is an enigma." <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are just men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/8.htm">World English Bible</a> There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> There is a vanity that has been done on the earth, that there are righteous ones to whom it is coming according to the work of the wicked, and there are wicked ones to whom it is coming according to the work of the righteous. I have said that this [is] also vanity. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> There is a vanity that hath been done upon the earth, that there are righteous ones unto whom it is coming according to the work of the wicked, and there are wicked ones unto whom it is coming according to the work of the righteous. I have said that this also is vanity. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> There is vanity which was done upon the earth; that there is the just which it comes upon them according to the work of the unjust: and there is the unjust, it comes upon them according to the work of the just. I said, Also this is vanity.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> There is also another vanity, which is done upon the earth. There are just men to whom evils happen, as though they had done the works of the wicked: and there are wicked men, who are as secure, as though they had the deeds of the just: but this also I judge most vain. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> There is also another vanity, which is done upon the earth. There are the just, to whom evils happen, as though they had done the works of the impious. And there are the impious, who are very secure, as though they possess the deeds of the just. But this, too, I judge to be a very great vanity. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Bible</a> This is a vanity that occurs on earth: There are those who are just but are treated as though they had done evil, and those who are wicked but are treated as though they had done justly. This, too, I say is vanity. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people who are treated according to the conduct of the wicked, and there are wicked people who are treated according to the conduct of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; there are just men, to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; and there are wicked men, to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous; I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> There is futility that is done upon Earth because there are righteous ones to whom it happens as the work of the wicked, and there are the wicked to whom it happens like the work of righteous ones; and I said that this also is futility<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> There is a vanity which is done upon the earth: that there are righteous men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous--I said that this also is vanity. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are righteous persons to whom it happens according to the doing of the ungodly; and there are ungodly men, to whom it happens according to the doing of the just: I said, This is also vanity. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/8-14.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=1550" 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">God's Ways are Mysterious</a> 14<a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yeš- (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">There is</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: he·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">a futility</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/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the earth:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yêš (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">There are</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dî·qîm (Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">righteous men</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/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.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5060.htm" title="5060: mag·gî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. Lay the hand upon; by implication, to reach; violently, to strike.">get</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: kə·ma·‘ă·śêh (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">what the actions</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: hā·rə·šā·‘îm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">of the wicked deserve,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: wə·yêš (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">and there are</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">wicked men</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5060.htm" title="5060: šem·mag·gî·a‘ (Pro-r:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. Lay the hand upon; by implication, to reach; violently, to strike.">get</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: kə·ma·‘ă·śêh (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">what the actions</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: haṣ·ṣad·dî·qîm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">of the righteous deserve.</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I say</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">that this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: šeg·gam- (Pro-r:: Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">too</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: hā·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">is futile.</a> 15So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.…<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="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3-14</a> For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. / They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. / They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. ... <a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-15</a> Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? / Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. / Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. ... <a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a> Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15-18</a> So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” / At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. / “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. ... <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Psalm 37:7-9</a> Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. / Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a> Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? <a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16-17</a> Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Isaiah 57:1-2</a> The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil. / Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Proverbs 11:18</a> The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward. <a href="/psalms/92-7.htm">Psalm 92:7</a> that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed. <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Matthew 5:45</a> that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. <a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Luke 16:25</a> But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a> For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:6-7</a> After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, / and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>There is a vanity which is done on the earth; that there be just men, to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.a vanity<a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4,8</a> Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit… <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:3</a> This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.<a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:5</a> There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:there shall be just<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:14</a> The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:15</a> All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.<a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:1-3</a> For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Deserve</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Happeneth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Happens</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Something</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-6.htm">Deserve</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Happeneth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm">Happens</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-8.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-23.htm">Something</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.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>There is a futility that is done on the earth: The concept of futility, or vanity, is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, reflecting the Hebrew word "hevel," which suggests a sense of meaninglessness or transience. This phrase sets the stage for the observation of life's apparent injustices. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, speaks from a perspective of wisdom and experience, observing the world under the sun, a phrase indicating a focus on earthly life apart from divine revelation. This futility is a result of the fallen state of the world post-Genesis 3, where sin introduced disorder and frustration into creation.There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve: This observation highlights the perplexing reality of moral inversion in a fallen world. The righteous, those who live according to God's commandments, sometimes suffer consequences typically associated with wickedness. This echoes the experiences of Job, who suffered despite his righteousness, and foreshadows the ultimate righteous sufferer, Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of the world despite His sinlessness. This inversion challenges the retributive justice system seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where blessings and curses are tied to obedience and disobedience.and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve: Conversely, the wicked, those who live in opposition to God's laws, often prosper and enjoy the blessings that seem due to the righteous. This is a common lament in the Psalms, such as <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, where the psalmist struggles with the prosperity of the wicked. This reality underscores the tension between the present age and the eschatological hope of divine justice, where God will ultimately set things right, as seen in <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>, where God promises to wipe away every tear and eliminate death and suffering.I say that this too is futile: The Preacher concludes with a reiteration of the futility of these observations, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding and the inability to find ultimate meaning in earthly experiences alone. This statement invites readers to look beyond the temporal and seek wisdom and understanding from God, who alone can provide true justice and meaning. It points to the need for faith in God's sovereign plan, as articulated in <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>, where all things work together for good for those who love God. This futility also serves as a call to trust in God's ultimate justice and the hope of redemption through Christ, who will one day restore all things.<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. He reflects on the paradoxes and injustices of life. 2. <a href="/topical/r/righteous_men.htm">Righteous Men</a> Individuals who live according to God's laws and principles, yet experience outcomes that seem unjust or contrary to their actions. 3. <a href="/topical/w/wicked_men.htm">Wicked Men</a> Those who live in opposition to God's commands, yet sometimes receive rewards or outcomes that seem undeservedly favorable. 4. <a href="/topical/e/earth.htm">Earth</a> The setting for the observed injustices and paradoxes, representing the human experience and the temporal world. 5. <a href="/topical/f/futility.htm">Futility (Hebrew: ?????, hevel)</a> A key theme in Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness," indicating the transient and perplexing nature of life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_injustice.htm">The Reality of Injustice</a> Life on earth is marked by apparent injustices where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. This should not surprise us but rather remind us of the fallen state of the world. <a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_understanding.htm">The Limitations of Human Understanding</a> Our perspective is limited, and we may not always understand God's purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty is essential, even when life seems unfair. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_faithfulness.htm">The Call to Faithfulness</a> Despite the apparent futility, believers are called to remain faithful and righteous, trusting that God will ultimately bring justice. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> Focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary earthly outcomes helps believers navigate the paradoxes of life with hope and perseverance. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a> Sharing experiences and supporting one another in a faith community can provide encouragement and perspective when facing life's injustices.<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/why_does_eliphaz_claim_innocents_don't_perish.htm">In Job 4:7, how could Eliphaz assert that no innocent person has ever perished when history shows countless examples of righteous people suffering? </a> <a href="/q/how_do_the_wicked_prosper_in_divine_justice.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 implies that the wicked might sometimes prosper; how does that align with other biblical promises of divine justice?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_94_align_with_swift_judgment.htm">Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_greedy_exploiters_thrive_unpunished.htm">If Job 20:19-20 suggests a direct correlation between greed and swift downfall, why do some wealthy exploiters seem to thrive indefinitely without facing apparent divine retribution?</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>(14) Happeneth.--The word is used in this sense only in <a href="/esther/9-26.htm" title="Why they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come to them,">Esther 9:26</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - There is a vanity which is done upon the earth. The vanity is named in what follows, viz. the seeming injustice it, the distribution of good and evil. There be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked (comp. ver. 10; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16</a>). The melancholy fact is noted that the righteous often experience that fate with which the wicked are threatened, which their conduct might be expected to bring upon them. The verb translated "happeneth" (nags), with el, "to come to," "strike against," is thus used only in later Hebrew, e.g., <a href="/esther/9-26.htm">Esther 9:26</a>. According to the work of the righteous. The wicked meet with that outward prosperity and success which were thought to be the special reward of those who served God. The Vulgate is explanatory, "There are just men whom evils befall as if they did the works of the wicked; and there are wicked men who are as free from care as if they had the deeds of the just." Commenting on <a href="/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10, 11</a>, St. Gregory writes, "It is by no means always the case in this life that God renders to each man according to his work and according to his own ways. For both many who commit unlawful and wicked deeds he prevents of his free grace, and converts to works of holiness; and some who are devoted to good deeds he reproves by means of the scourge, and so afflicts those who please him, as though they were displeasing to him.... God doubtless so ordains it of his inestimable mercy, that both scourges should torture the just, lest their doings should elate them, and that the unjust should pass this life at least without punishment, because by their evil doings they are hastening onwards to those torments which are without end. For that the just are sometimes scourged in no way according to their deserts is shown by this history of Job. Elihu, therefore, would speak more truly if he had said that there is not unmercifulness and iniquity in God, even when he seems not to render to men according to their ways. For even that which we do not understand is brought forth from the righteous balance of secret judgment" ('Moral.,' 24:44). Koheleth ends by repeating his melancholy refrain, I said that this also (indeed) is vanity. This conclusion, however, does not lead to despair or infidelity. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>There is יֶשׁ־ (yeš-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> Being, substance, existence, is a futility הֶבֶל֮ (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’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 נַעֲשָׂ֣ה (na·‘ă·śāh) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the earth: הָאָרֶץ֒ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land There are יֵ֣שׁ (yêš) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> Being, substance, existence, is righteous [men] צַדִּיקִ֗ים (ṣad·dî·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> Just, righteous who אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ (’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 get מַגִּ֤יעַ (mag·gî·a‘) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5060.htm">Strong's 5060: </a> To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike what the actions כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (kə·ma·‘ă·śêh) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property of the wicked [deserve], הָרְשָׁעִ֔ים (hā·rə·šā·‘îm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> Wrong, an, bad person and there are וְיֵ֣שׁ (wə·yêš) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> Being, substance, existence, is wicked [men] רְשָׁעִ֔ים (rə·šā·‘îm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> Wrong, an, bad person who אֲלֵהֶ֖ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to get שֶׁמַּגִּ֥יעַ (šem·mag·gî·a‘) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5060.htm">Strong's 5060: </a> To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike what the actions כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (kə·ma·‘ă·śêh) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property of the righteous deserve. הַצַּדִּיקִ֑ים (haṣ·ṣad·dî·qîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> Just, righteous I say אָמַ֕רְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say that this זֶ֖ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that too שֶׁגַּם־ (šeg·gam-) Pronoun - relative | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and is futile. הָֽבֶל׃ (hā·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:14 There is a vanity which is done (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:15" /></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>