Ecclesiastes 8:4
Ecclesiastes 8:4 in Multiple Translations
For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
For the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
The word of a king has authority; and who may say to him, What is this you are doing?
The king's orders have supreme authority—who is going to question him, saying, “What are you doing?”
Where the word of ye King is, there is power, and who shall say vnto him, What doest thou?
Where the word of a king [is] power [is], and who saith to him, 'What dost thou?'
for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
Where the word of a king is , there is power: and who may say to him, what doest thou?
And his word is full of power: neither can any man say to him: Why dost thou so?
We need to obey what the king says more than we need to obey what anyone else says; no one can say to the king, “◄Why are you doing that?/You should not be doing that.► [RHQ]”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 8:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
דְּבַר
מֶ֖לֶךְ
שִׁלְט֑וֹן
וּ/מִ֥י
יֹֽאמַר
ל֖/וֹ
מַֽה
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
שִׁלְט֑וֹן
shilṭôwn
H7983
power
N-ms
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
יֹֽאמַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 8:4
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
שִׁלְט֑וֹן
shilṭôwn
H7983
"power"
N-ms
This word means power or authority, referring to the ability to control or command something. It's used in the Bible to describe someone's mastery or influence over a situation. The KJV translates it as 'power'.
Definition: mastery, power Aramaic equivalent: che.sen (חֵ֫סֶן "authority" H2632)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: power. See also: Ecclesiastes 8:4; Ecclesiastes 8:8.
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יֹֽאמַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 8:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 8:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 8:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 8:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 8:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 8:4
Context — Obey the King
2Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.
3Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.
4For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
5Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 9:12 | If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’ |
| 2 | Romans 13:1–4 | Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. |
| 3 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 4 | Romans 9:20 | But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:12 | A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. |
| 6 | Proverbs 20:2 | The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. |
| 7 | Job 34:18–19 | who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 2:46 | Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 2:25 | So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died. |
| 10 | Job 33:12–13 | Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks? |
Ecclesiastes 8:4 Summary
This verse is saying that the king's word is final, and no one can question his decisions. This is similar to how God's Word is final and supreme in our lives, as seen in Psalm 119:160. We are called to submit to God's authority and to those in positions of authority over us, like the king, as long as they are not asking us to disobey God. By submitting to authority, we can demonstrate humility and trust in God's sovereignty, just as Jesus did in Philippians 2:5-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the king's word is supreme?
This means that the king has absolute authority, and no one can question his decisions, as seen in Ecclesiastes 8:4, and also in Romans 13:1-2, where we are told to submit to governing authorities.
Is this verse saying that we should never question authority?
While Ecclesiastes 8:4 says that the king's word is supreme, other verses like Acts 5:29 remind us to obey God rather than man when there is a conflict, so we must balance submission to authority with obedience to God's Word.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
Just as the king's word is supreme, God's Word is also supreme, and we are called to submit to His authority, as seen in Psalm 119:160, where it says that God's Word is perfect and trustworthy.
What does this verse teach us about humility?
Ecclesiastes 8:4 teaches us about the importance of humility in recognizing the authority of those in power over us, just as Jesus demonstrated humility in Philippians 2:5-8, where He submitted to the Father's will.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of submitting to authority in my own life, whether at work, at home, or in my community?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate humility in my relationships with others, especially those in positions of authority over me?
- How can I balance the need to submit to authority with the need to stand up for what is right and just, according to God's Word?
- What are some ways that God's supreme authority over my life can bring me comfort and peace, even in difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 8:4
Where the word of a king [is, there is] power,.... Or "dominion" (z).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 8:4
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Where the word of a (the) king (is, there is) power. God's very "Word" is "power." So the Gospel Word (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:12).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
There is power; whatsoever he commandeth he wants not power nor instruments to execute it, and therefore can easily punish thee as he pleaseth. Who may say? Heb. who shall say? Who will presume or dare to say so? He doth not affirm that it is unlawful to say so, for Samuel said so to Saul, 1 Samuel 15, and Nathan to David, 2 Samuel 12, and several other prophets to the kings of Judah and Israel, but only that it is difficult and dangerous.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king [is, there is] power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?Ver. 4. Where the word of a king is, there is power.] Ibi dominatio. He hath long hands, and can reach thee at a great distance, as Mithridates did when with one letter he slew eigthy thousand citizens of Rome that were scattered up and down his kingdom for trading’ s sake. So Selimus the great Turk, in revenge for the loss received at the battle of Lepanto, was once in a mind to have put to death all the Christians in his dominions, in number infinite. Charles IX of France is reported to have been the death of thirty thousand of his Protestant subjects in one year’ s time, A.D. 1572. See Daniel 5:19. And who may say unto him, What doest thou?] viz., Without danger. What safety can there be in taking a bear by the tooth, or a lion by the beard? I dare not dispute, said the philosopher to the Emperor Adrian, with him that hath thirty legions at his command, Neque in eum scribere, qui potest proscribere, nor write against him that can as easily undo me as bid it to be done. Howbeit Elias, Micaiah, John Baptist, and other holy prophets and ministers have dealt plainly with great princes, and God hath secured them.
John, Bishop of Salisbury, reproved the Pope to his face; and yet the Canonists say, that although the Pope should draw millions of souls to hell with him, none may dare to say unto him, What doest thou? But Philip the Fair made bold with his Holiness when he began his letter to him with Sciat Fatuitas Tua, &c. So did the barons of England in King John’ s days, when declaring against the Pope and his conclave, by whom they were excommunicated, they cried out thus in their remonstrance, Fie on such rascal knaves. Adelmelect, Bishop of Sherborn, A.D. 705, reproved Pope Sergius sharply to his face for his adultery. So did Bishop Lambert reprehend King Pepin for the same fault, A.D. 798. And Archbishop Odo, King Edwin, burning his concubines in the forehead with a hot iron, and banishing them into Ireland. Father Latimer dealt no less faithfully with King Henry VIII in his sermons at Court. And being asked by the king how he dared to be so bold to preach after that manner, he answered that duty to God and to his prince had enforced him to it; and now that he had discharged his conscience, his life was in his Majesty’ s hands, &c. Truth must be spoken, however it be taken. If God’ s messengers must be mannerly in the form, yet in the matter of their message to great ones they must be resolute.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
(4) Power.—The word used here and Ecclesiastes 5:8, only occurs again in the Chaldee part of Daniel. In the latter part of the Hebrew verse is one of the many reminiscences of the work of Job (Job 9:12; see also Wis 12:12).
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 8:4
4. Where the word of a king is, there is power] Better, Forasmuch as the word of a king is power, or rather authority. The latter word in the Hebrew text is used in Chaldee as meaning a ruler, or potentate. In the last clause, “Who may say unto him, What doest thou?” we have an echo of Job 34:13, where the question is asked in reference to the sovereignty of God. The covert protest of the writer shews itself in thus transferring, as with a grave irony, what belonged to the Divine King to the earthly ruler who claimed a like authority. The despot stands, or thinks he stands, as much above the questionings and complaints of his subjects, as the Supreme Ruler of the Universe does above those of men in general.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:4
4. Word of a king — The king’s “word,” or royal mandate, conveys his power, and a subject may not resist or demand explanation. Equally so in a republican government.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 8:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Is in the Well, Will Be in the Bucket by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of our words, warning that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment, as stated in Matthew 12:36. He categorizes variou |
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The Day of Power by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual conditions of the professing church, highlighting the dangers of general slumber, ignorance, hypocrisy, perversion, and rebellion. He emph |
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Preaching Prohibition by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of truth and the consequences of lying. They emphasize that the United States seems to have lost sight of this, with corruption |
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(Pdf Book) Touching Godliness Through Submission by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound importance of submission to God and His delegated authorities, arguing that true godliness is rooted in humility and obedience. He highlights |
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Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and |
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Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday | This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and |
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A Look at Authority 1: Spiritual & False by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of authority in serving. He refers to Mark 10:45, where Jesus states that he came not to be served, but to serve and give his li |