Ecclesiastes 10:5

There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun, as an error [which] proceedeth from the ruler:

There is {H3426} an evil {H7451} which I have seen {H7200} under the sun {H8121}, as an error {H7684} which proceedeth {H3318} from {H6440} the ruler {H7989}:

Another evil I have seen under the sun, the kind of mistake rulers make, is that

There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler:

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:5 presents a keen observation by the Preacher, also known as Qoheleth, regarding the inherent flaws and injustices often found in human governance. This verse highlights a specific type of societal ill that stems directly from those in positions of authority.

Context

This verse is part of Ecclesiastes Chapter 10, which contrasts wisdom and folly in various aspects of life, including the realm of leadership and public service. The Preacher, often identified with King Solomon, frequently observes the paradoxes and frustrations of life "under the sun" – life from a purely human, earthly perspective, without explicit reference to divine intervention. Here, he shifts focus from individual folly to the significant impact of a ruler's misjudgment or moral failing on society. It sets the stage for further examples of absurdity in leadership found in Ecclesiastes 10:6-7.

Key Themes

  • Folly in Leadership: The verse directly points to a significant problem originating "from the ruler." This isn't just a minor mistake but an "error" that leads to "evil" or harmful outcomes. It underscores the profound impact leaders have on the well-being of their subjects.
  • Injustice and Societal Disorder: The "evil" seen is often a manifestation of injustice, where the ruler's actions or inactions lead to distress, unfairness, or disorder within the community. It speaks to the potential for power to be misused or misapplied.
  • The "Under the Sun" Reality: Consistent with the book's overarching theme, this observation reflects the Preacher's pessimistic yet realistic view of life's imperfections. Even in positions of power, human fallibility and sin persist, leading to observable societal problems. Many verses in Ecclesiastes use this phrase to denote the futility or brokenness seen in the earthly realm.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "evil" here is ra (רָע), which can mean bad, evil, misery, or misfortune. In this context, it refers to something detrimental or harmful that the observer has witnessed. The term "error" comes from shegāgāh (שְׁגָגָה), which often implies an inadvertent mistake or oversight. However, in the context of a ruler's actions, it can also signify a moral failing, a significant misjudgment, or a deviation from justice that has profound and damaging consequences, rather than just a simple slip. The "ruler" is shalliṭ (שַׁלִּיט), denoting one who has dominion, authority, or power.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 10:5 serves as a timeless reminder of the critical importance of wise and just leadership. It prompts us to consider:

  • Accountability of Leaders: Those in power are not immune to making errors or perpetrating injustices that harm society. This verse highlights the need for vigilance and, where appropriate, peaceful efforts to hold leaders accountable.
  • Impact of Governance: The quality of leadership directly affects the welfare of the people. A ruler's "error" can lead to widespread "evil" or suffering, emphasizing the weight of responsibility that comes with authority.
  • Prayer for Authority: The New Testament encourages believers to pray for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. Recognizing the potential for error from rulers underscores the importance of such prayers.
  • Wisdom in Choosing Leaders: For societies where citizens have a voice, this verse subtly encourages discernment and wisdom in selecting leaders who will govern justly and avoid the "errors" that bring "evil" upon the land, as emphasized in Proverbs 29:2.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 5:13

    There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:3

    This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:1

    ¶ So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of [such as were] oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power; but they had no comforter.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:1

    ¶ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it [is] common among men:

  • Ecclesiastes 4:7

    ¶ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:16

    ¶ And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, [that] wickedness [was] there; and the place of righteousness, [that] iniquity [was] there.
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