King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 8:6 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 8:6 in the King James Version says “Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ecclesiastes 8:6 · KJV

Context

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?

8

There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. discharge: or, casting off weapons

Read Ecclesiastes 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. This verse presents a paradox: the appointed time (et, עֵת) and proper manner (mishpat, מִשְׁפָּט) exist for every purpose (chephets, חֵפֶץ), yet this truth increases human misery (ra'ah, רָעָה) rather than relieving it.

Why does knowing 'there is a time for everything' produce misery? Because humans cannot always discern what time it is or what the proper response requires. We know opportune moments exist but often cannot identify them until past. We recognize proper courses of action exist but lack wisdom to choose them. The gap between knowing times and judgments exist and actually possessing wisdom to discern them creates anguish. This echoes 3:11—God 'set eternity in their hearts, yet they cannot fathom what God has done.' We're aware of order and purpose but cannot fully grasp it, producing frustration. Only divine wisdom, ultimately revealed in Christ, resolves this misery (Colossians 2:2-3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature recognized human limitations in understanding timing and propriety. Despite studying omens, consulting advisors, and seeking wisdom, people still often misjudged situations. Even Solomon, wisest of men, made tragic errors in timing (1 Kings 11). The verse reflects realistic assessment of human condition: we possess enough knowledge to recognize order exists but insufficient wisdom to navigate it perfectly. This creates what moderns call 'existential anxiety'—awareness of meaningful structure we cannot fully access. Post-exilic readers, trying to discern God's purposes amid difficult circumstances, found validation in this honest acknowledgment. The gospel resolves this misery—Christ embodies divine wisdom, revealing the Father's purposes and providing guidance through the Spirit (John 16:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations cause you misery because you recognize a right time and way exist but cannot discern what they are?
  2. How does trusting God's perfect timing even when you cannot see it reduce the anxiety this verse describes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּ֣י1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְכָל2 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֵ֔פֶץ3 of 11

“Because to every purpose”

H2656

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

יֵ֖שׁ4 of 11

“there is”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

עֵ֣ת5 of 11

“time”

H6256

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

וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט6 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

כִּֽי7 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רָעַ֥ת8 of 11

“therefore the misery”

H7451

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

הָאָדָ֖ם9 of 11

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

רַבָּ֥ה10 of 11

“is great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

עָלָֽיו׃11 of 11
H5921

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

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 8:6 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 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 3:1Ecclesiastes 3:17Ecclesiastes 3:11Luke 19:42-44Ecclesiastes 7:13-14Luke 17:26-30

Test Your Knowledge

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