King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 8:9 Mean?

“All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.”

Context

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

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

All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Own hurt.**—The Hebrew is ambiguous. We might omit “own,” and understand the verse of the misery inflicted by a tyrant on his subject, not on himself. But the context speaks of the small gain from his oppressions to the tyrant himself.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 8:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.