King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 8:5 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 8:5 in the King James Version says “Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. shall:...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. shall: Heb. shall know”

Ecclesiastes 8:5 · KJV

Context

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?

5

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. shall: Heb. shall know

6

Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

7

For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? when: or, how it shall be?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing. The Hebrew shomer mitzvah (שׁוֹמֵר מִצְוָה, keeps the commandment) promises protection to the obedient. In context, 'commandment' refers to the king's decree (v. 2-4), but the principle extends to God's commands. Obedience provides security—keeping commandments avoids the calamity disobedience brings. The phrase 'feel no evil thing' (lo yeda davar ra, לֹא־יֵדַע דָּבָר רָע) means experiencing no harm or evil consequence.

And a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. Wisdom involves da'at (יָדַע, knowing/discerning) the right et (עֵת, time/season) and mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, judgment/proper manner). The wise person knows not just what to do but when and how to do it. This echoes chapter 3's teaching about appointed times. Prudence requires timing—even right actions performed at wrong moments may fail. Wisdom discerns kairos (opportune moment), not just chronos (sequential time). This anticipates New Testament wisdom: Paul urged making 'the most of every opportunity' (Ephesians 5:16) and acting appropriately 'in season and out of season' (2 Timothy 4:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In monarchical contexts, knowing when to speak, when to stay silent, when to act, and when to wait often determined survival. Esther demonstrated this wisdom—discerning the right time to approach the king (Esther 5:1-8). Daniel showed both obedience to authority and discernment of when to maintain loyal dissent (Daniel 1:8-16; 6:10). The principle that obedience brings protection appears throughout Scripture—covenant blessings follow obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), while disobedience brings curses. Yet this isn't mechanical—the righteous sometimes suffer (as Ecclesiastes elsewhere acknowledges). The promise is general wisdom, not absolute guarantee. Full protection comes only in Christ, where obedience to God brings eternal security regardless of temporal circumstances (Romans 8:31-39).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does obedience to God's commandments provide protection and wisdom that disobedience forfeits?
  2. In what current decision do you need wisdom to discern not just what to do but the right time and manner of doing it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר1 of 11

“Whoso keepeth”

H8104

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

מִצְוָ֔ה2 of 11

“the commandment”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

לֹ֥א3 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵדַ֖ע4 of 11

“discerneth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

דָּבָ֣ר5 of 11

“thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

רָ֑ע6 of 11

“no evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְעֵ֣ת7 of 11

“both time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

וּמִשְׁפָּ֔ט8 of 11

“and judgment”

H4941

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

יֵדַ֖ע9 of 11

“discerneth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לֵ֥ב10 of 11

“heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

חָכָֽם׃11 of 11

“and a wise man's”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

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 8:5 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 8:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 5:14Philippians 1:9-101 Peter 3:13-14Romans 13:5-71 Chronicles 12:32Acts 4:19

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