King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 3:16 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 3:16 in the King James Version says “And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that ...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.”

Ecclesiastes 3:16 · KJV

Context

14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

15

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. that which is past: Heb. that which is driven away

16

And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

17

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

18

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. that God: or, that they might clear God, and see, etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there—the courtroom itself is corrupted. The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, judgment) denotes the sacred space where justice should reign, yet resha (רֶשַׁע, wickedness) pollutes it. The place of righteousness, that iniquity was there—even where tsedek (צֶדֶק, righteousness) should dwell, awel (עָוֶל, iniquity/perversion) resides instead.

This is the Preacher's devastating observation: institutional corruption infects the very systems designed to uphold justice. Judges take bribes (Exodus 23:8), courts favor the powerful (Amos 5:12), righteousness becomes a commodity. This fallen-world reality points humanity toward God's ultimate judgment where no corruption exists (3:17). Jesus faced this same perverted justice—religious leaders condemned the innocent, Pilate released a murderer. Only God's eschatological judgment will finally set all things right (Acts 17:31).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon wrote during Israel's united monarchy when he himself served as supreme judge (1 Kings 3:16-28). His wisdom enabled him to see through false testimony, yet even his court wasn't immune to corruption. Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite laws) acknowledged judicial corruption as a perennial problem. Israel's prophets repeatedly condemned unjust judges who 'turn judgment to wormwood' (Amos 5:7) and 'take a bribe' (Isaiah 1:23). Post-exilic Judaism, living under Persian and Greek rule, experienced foreign legal systems often hostile to covenant values. The New Testament era saw Roman courts and Sanhedrin collaboration execute the righteous Judge (Jesus), perfectly fulfilling this verse's pattern.

Reflection Questions

  1. When you encounter corruption in systems meant to provide justice, how does this verse help you maintain both realistic expectations and prophetic outrage?
  2. How does God's promise of ultimate judgment (3:17) sustain hope when earthly justice systems fail?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְע֥וֹד1 of 12
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

רָאִ֖יתִי2 of 12

“And moreover I saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

תַּ֣חַת3 of 12
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ4 of 12

“under the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וּמְק֥וֹם5 of 12

“the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַמִּשְׁפָּט֙6 of 12

“of judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

שָׁ֣מָּה7 of 12
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָרָֽשַׁע׃8 of 12

“that iniquity”

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

וּמְק֥וֹם9 of 12

“the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַצֶּ֖דֶק10 of 12

“of righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

שָׁ֥מָּה11 of 12
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָרָֽשַׁע׃12 of 12

“that iniquity”

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 4:1Ecclesiastes 5:8Acts 23:3Psalms 58:1-2Psalms 82:2-5Psalms 94:21-22

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