Ecclesiastes 8 3

Ecclesiastes 8:3 kjv

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Ecclesiastes 8:3 nkjv

Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him."

Ecclesiastes 8:3 niv

Do not be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

Ecclesiastes 8:3 esv

Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases.

Ecclesiastes 8:3 nlt

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.

Ecclesiastes 8 verses

Ecclesiastes 8 3 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 8:3 advises discretion and prudence in dealing with earthly rulers. It warns against impulsive or hasty withdrawal from a ruler's presence, particularly if one has incurred disfavor, and against persistent involvement in rebellious or wrongful actions. The rationale for this cautionary advice is rooted in the sovereign and unchallengeable authority of the ruler, who possesses the power to execute their will as they see fit. This verse emphasizes self-preservation and wise conduct in the face of human power, reflecting a pragmatic approach to navigating life in a fallen world under often arbitrary authorities.

Ecclesiastes 8 3 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 8 continues the Preacher’s exploration of life under the sun, particularly focusing on the role of justice, authority, and human fate. Verses 2-9 specifically deal with how a wise person should interact with governing authority. Building on Ecclesiastes 8:2, which advises keeping the king’s command, verse 3 elaborates on how one should navigate potentially tense situations with a ruler. The Preacher acknowledges the reality of absolute monarchy in the ancient world, where the king’s word was law and his displeasure could lead to severe consequences. The counsel is not an endorsement of tyrannical rule, but a pragmatic guide for survival and prosperity within an often-unpredictable system of human power, where the sovereign has almost limitless discretion over his subjects. The chapter then broadens to discuss the limits of human knowledge regarding divine justice and the ultimate equality of death.

Ecclesiastes 8 3 Word analysis

• Be not hasty (אַל תִּבָּהֵל - al tivvahēl): This imperative advises against sudden, rash, or anxious movement. The Hebrew root bahal often implies being terrified, alarmed, or hurried, especially when feeling threatened or panicking. It suggests a warning against emotional, ill-considered reactions when one faces displeasure or pressure from authority. It contrasts with wise deliberation and calm conduct.
• to go out (מִפָּנָיו - mi-p̄āṅāyw): Literally "from his face" or "from his presence." This signifies withdrawing, leaving, or fleeing the ruler's immediate presence. It implies either an abrupt departure out of fear or defiance, or a withdrawal in an act of disobedience. The wisdom here is to maintain one's composure and position rather than impulsively severing ties or making a desperate retreat.
• of his sight: The phrase mi-p̄āṅāyw clearly conveys "from his presence" or "from his face," emphasizing being in the immediate proximity or under the direct scrutiny of the king. It highlights the directness and personal nature of the king's authority.
• stand not (אַל תַּעֲמֹד - al taʿămōḏ): This means "do not persist," "do not continue to stand," or "do not take your stand." It suggests not taking a defiant or oppositional stance, and also not lingering or becoming entangled in a situation of wrongdoing. It implies an ongoing state or commitment to an action.
• in an evil thing (בְּדָבָר רָע - bədāḇār raʿ): Daḇār is a very broad Hebrew term meaning "word," "thing," "matter," "affair," "decree," or "plan." Raʿ means "evil," "bad," "calamitous," or "harmful." Together, "evil thing" refers to any matter or deed that is rebellious, unlawful, harmful, or morally wrong, especially in the context of opposing authority. It specifically warns against siding with or participating in acts that provoke the king’s anger or violate his commands.
• for he doeth (יַעֲשֶׂה - yaʿăśeh): Literally "he will do" or "he performs." This highlights the king's active power and resolve to bring about his intentions.
• whatsoever pleaseth him (כָּל אֲשֶׁר יַחְפֹּץ - kī kol 'ašer yeḥpōṣ): Ḥapaṣ means "to delight in," "to desire," "to take pleasure in," or "to wish." This phrase underscores the king’s absolute and unconstrained power to carry out his desires, regardless of anyone else's opinion or opposition. His will is effectively law. This power is absolute in his domain, much like God's absolute sovereignty but applied to a human ruler.

• "Be not hasty to go out of his sight": This phrase warns against acting rashly when in disfavor with a powerful ruler. It suggests avoiding an impulsive, perhaps even defiant, departure from the ruler's presence, which could be seen as an act of contempt or rebellion and lead to severe consequences. The wise person remains, though carefully, acknowledging the power dynamics.
• "stand not in an evil thing": This warns against complicity or persistence in any matter or course of action that is considered evil, harmful, or rebellious, especially against the established authority. It advises dissociation from disloyal acts and those who engage in them, underscoring the danger of aligning with or participating in rebellion.
• "for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him": This clause provides the underlying justification for the advice. It emphasizes the ruler’s unchallenged authority and capacity to act according to his will. His power means that resistance or defiance is futile and dangerous, as there is no higher human appeal or limitation on his decisions within his realm. This reality compels prudence and submission.

Ecclesiastes 8 3 Bonus section

The advice in Ecclesiastes 8:3 is primarily practical, focusing on self-preservation and strategic living rather than a theological endorsement of any specific king's actions. It provides counsel from an "under the sun" perspective, acknowledging the imperfect nature of human authority. This pragmatism stands distinct from other biblical commands for civil obedience (Rom 13:1-7, 1 Pet 2:13-17) which also root submission in the fact that governing authorities are instituted by God for order, thereby carrying divine sanction. However, the Preacher's focus here is simply on the reality of human power, whatever its source, and the personal consequences of challenging it. It can be seen as a realistic understanding that while ultimately God is sovereign over kings (Prv 21:1, Dan 2:21), a human ruler's immediate, arbitrary will can still have deadly consequences, thus wise counsel is needed to navigate such a world. This verse underscores the finite power of individuals against absolute human authority, pointing towards the need for divine wisdom when facing human limitations.

Ecclesiastes 8 3 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:3 offers profound pragmatic wisdom for living successfully under powerful, often autocratic, human authority. It cautions against two specific behaviors: hasty and emotional reactions (like a sudden flight or defiant withdrawal) when a ruler is displeased, and entanglement or persistence in wrongful or rebellious acts against that authority. The core reasoning provided is the absolute power of the king, who operates without earthly constraints on his will.

This verse doesn't condone unrighteous rule, but it acknowledges the harsh reality of it. The Preacher (Qoheleth) observes that resisting a ruler's will is often perilous, as the ruler can act with unchecked power. Therefore, wisdom dictates a strategy of discretion, caution, and timely submission, rather than confrontation that will inevitably fail and invite severe reprisal. It's a counsel for self-preservation and for avoiding unnecessary suffering under the hand of those mightier than oneself. It suggests that while divine justice may prevail eventually, in the immediate "under the sun" reality, earthly power demands respect and calculated navigation. This guidance underscores the theme throughout Ecclesiastes that human effort and reasoning have limits, especially in contending with established powers.