King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 10:8 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 10:8 in the King James Version says “He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.”

Ecclesiastes 10:8 · KJV

Context

6

Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. in great: Heb. in great heights

7

I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

8

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

9

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

10

If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

Read Ecclesiastes 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it—this proverbial wisdom warns that harmful schemes often backfire on their perpetrators. The Hebrew choreh gumatz (חֹרֶה גּוּמָץ, digs a pit) refers to trap-digging, while yipol-bo (יִפָּל־בּוֹ, falls into it) describes poetic justice. Proverbs 26:27 parallels this: "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein." The second line adds another danger: whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him—poretz gader (פֹּרֵץ גָּדֵר, breaks through a wall) risks encountering serpents sheltering in stone walls.

This wisdom operates on two levels: (1) Practical—dangerous work carries inherent risks requiring caution, and (2) Moral—those who harm others often suffer similar harm themselves. The principle appears throughout Scripture: Haman hanged on his own gallows (Esther 7:10), Babylon's violence returned upon her (Habakkuk 2:8). Jesus warned that those who use the sword perish by it (Matthew 26:52).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agriculture involved both pit-digging (for storage, water collection, or animal traps) and stone wall construction (boundary markers and livestock enclosures). Both tasks carried real dangers—unstable pits could collapse, and snakes nested in wall crevices. The wisdom here applies practical observation to moral teaching: actions have consequences, often ironic ones. Early church fathers saw this verse as warning against heresy—those who undermine doctrinal boundaries risk spiritual destruction. The Reformers applied it to political intrigue and religious persecution, noting that persecutors often faced similar fates.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "pits" have you dug—harmful schemes or gossip—that might backfire, and how does this verse counsel different behavior?
  2. How does this principle of consequences challenge both naive optimism ("I can harm others without suffering") and fatalistic pessimism ("random bad things just happen")?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
חֹפֵ֥ר1 of 8

“He that diggeth”

H2658

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

גּוּמָּ֖ץ2 of 8

“a pit”

H1475

a pit

בּ֣וֹ3 of 8
H0
יִפּ֑וֹל4 of 8

“shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וּפֹרֵ֥ץ5 of 8

“into it and whoso breaketh”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

גָּדֵ֖ר6 of 8

“an hedge”

H1447

a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure

יִשְּׁכֶ֥נּוּ7 of 8

“shall bite”

H5391

to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan

נָחָֽשׁ׃8 of 8

“a serpent”

H5175

a snake (from its hiss)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 10:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 26:27Psalms 7:15-16Esther 7:10Amos 5:192 Samuel 17:23Amos 9:3

Test Your Knowledge

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