King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 8:2 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 8:2 in the King James Version says “I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.”

Ecclesiastes 8:2 · KJV

Context

1

Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. the boldness: Heb. the strength

2

I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.

3

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

4

Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

Read Ecclesiastes 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. The Preacher advises submitting to royal authority, grounded in sacred oath. The Hebrew shamar (שָׁמַר, keep) means to guard, observe, or obey carefully. The phrase 'oath of God' (shevuat elohim, שְׁבוּעַת אֱלֹהִים) likely refers to covenant loyalty sworn before God—either the king's coronation oath or subjects' pledge of allegiance witnessed by the divine.

This counsel addresses civic responsibility under monarchical government. Israelite kings ruled under God's authority (Deuteronomy 17:14-20), and citizens owed obedience as ultimately rendered to God Himself. This principle extends beyond monarchy to all legitimate governing authority. Paul later commanded submission to governing authorities as God's servants (Romans 13:1-7), and Peter urged honoring the king (1 Peter 2:13-17). The oath's sacredness transforms political obedience into spiritual duty—defiance becomes not merely civil disobedience but covenant violation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern monarchies functioned through oaths binding subjects to rulers. Israel's covenant framework meant kings ruled under divine mandate (2 Samuel 5:3; 1 Kings 1:30), and citizens' loyalty had theological significance. Solomon himself received pledges of allegiance (1 Kings 1:47-53). The 'oath of God' elevated political loyalty beyond mere pragmatism to sacred obligation. However, this obedience had limits—when rulers commanded what contradicted God's law, obedience to God superseded political loyalty (Acts 5:29). The Reformers developed this into resistance theory: lesser magistrates could oppose tyrants violating God's law, but private citizens should generally submit while trusting God's justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding governmental authority as established by God affect your attitude toward laws and leaders you may disagree with?
  2. Where is the boundary between submitting to authority 'in regard of the oath of God' and the duty to obey God rather than humans when they conflict?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֲנִי֙1 of 8
H589

i

פִּי2 of 8

“commandment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

מֶ֣לֶךְ3 of 8

“the king's”

H4428

a king

שְׁמֹ֔ר4 of 8

“I counsel thee to keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וְעַ֕ל5 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּבְרַ֖ת6 of 8

“and that in regard”

H1700

a reason, suit or style

שְׁבוּעַ֥ת7 of 8

“of the oath”

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

אֱלֹהִֽים׃8 of 8

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 8:2 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 8:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 24:21Titus 3:1Romans 13:1-51 Peter 2:13-171 Kings 2:431 Chronicles 29:24

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