Ecclesiastes 3:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And moreover I saw {H7200} under the sun {H8121} the place {H4725} of judgment {H4941}, that wickedness {H7562} was there; and the place {H4725} of righteousness {H6664}, that iniquity {H7562} was there.

Complete Jewish Bible

Another thing I observed under the sun: There, in the same place as justice, was wickedness; there, in the same place as righteousness, was wickedness.

Berean Standard Bible

Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.

American Standard Version

And moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:16 presents a profoundly sobering observation from the Preacher (Koheleth) regarding the pervasive corruption and injustice found within human society. Despite the inherent expectation that places designated for judgment and righteousness should uphold truth and equity, the Preacher witnesses an unsettling reality where wickedness and iniquity flourish there instead. This verse encapsulates a central tension within Ecclesiastes: the reality of a divinely ordered world juxtaposed with the brokenness, apparent chaos, and moral perversion of human experience "under the sun," prompting a deep reflection on the limitations of earthly systems and the ultimate necessity of divine accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Preacher's profound meditation on God's sovereign control over all aspects of life and time, beautifully articulated in the iconic "a time for everything" poem in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3-1-8 "Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - A Time for Everything"). Having just affirmed that God "has made everything beautiful in its time" and "has put eternity into man's heart" ([Ecclesiastes 3:11](/ecclesiastes/3-11 "Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God Makes Everything Beautiful")), the Preacher pivots sharply in [Ecclesiastes 3:9-15](/ecclesiastes/3-9-15 "Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 - The Futility of Toil and God's Enduring Work") to consider the futility of human toil and the inability of humanity to fully grasp God's work. Verse 16 then serves as a stark, disillusioning counterpoint to the earlier affirmation of divine order and the beauty of God's work. The abrupt confrontation with injustice in the very places where justice should reside sets the stage for his subsequent reflections on the need for ultimate divine judgment, which is explicitly stated in [Ecclesiastes 3:17](/ecclesiastes/3-17 "Ecclesiastes 3:17 - God Will Judge the Righteous and the Wicked"). This jarring transition highlights the Preacher's honest and unvarnished grappling with the paradoxes and frustrations of life "under the sun."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, reflects observations pertinent to ancient Near Eastern societies, regardless of its precise dating (which some scholars place later, during the Persian period). In these cultures, justice was typically administered at city gates or designated public spaces by kings, elders, or appointed officials. However, these systems were frequently susceptible to corruption, bribery, favoritism, and the abuse of power, leading to widespread disillusionment among the populace. The Preacher's lament in [Ecclesiastes 3:16](/ecclesiastes/3-16 "Ecclesiastes 3:16 - Injustice in Places of Judgment") is not an isolated complaint but a common societal grievance echoed in various ancient texts. The recurring phrase "under the sun" (appearing 29 times in Ecclesiastes) is a characteristic idiom of the book, framing the Preacher's observations from a purely earthly, empirical perspective, detached from immediate divine revelation or eternal realities, emphasizing the limitations and frustrations of human experience.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 3:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasive nature of human depravity and sin**, demonstrating that even institutions designed for good—like the judicial system—are tainted by corruption. This reinforces the Preacher's recurring lament about the vanity (Hebrew: *hebel*, meaning "vapor" or "futility") of human endeavors when viewed apart from God. Secondly, it highlights the profound **problem of injustice** as a significant source of frustration, meaninglessness, and vexation "under the sun," challenging any simplistic notion that righteousness always leads to immediate prosperity or that justice is always perfectly served on earth. Thirdly, this piercing observation serves as a crucial setup for the Preacher's eventual conclusion regarding **divine judgment and accountability**. The manifest failure of human justice systems necessitates a higher, perfect justice, a theme explicitly stated in [Ecclesiastes 3:17](/ecclesiastes/3-17 "Ecclesiastes 3:17 - God Will Judge") and reiterated with profound emphasis in the book's concluding remarks in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter: Fear God and Keep His Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this primitive root means "to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)." Here, it signifies a direct, personal observation by the Preacher, emphasizing that his lament is not mere speculation but a lived, empirical reality he has witnessed "under the sun." It conveys a sense of direct experience and deep perception of the world's brokenness and the pervasive nature of injustice.
* **place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** From H4725, this term properly means "a standing, i.e., a spot," but is used widely for a "locality (general or specific)." In this context, it denotes the physical settings or institutions where judgment and righteousness are expected to be administered, such as courts, city gates, or public forums. The use of "place" highlights that even in these designated, supposedly sacred spaces, corruption resides, making the observation particularly poignant.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this word properly means "a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially," encompassing a sentence, formal decree, law, or the act and place of judging. Here, it refers to the legal and judicial processes and institutions designed to uphold justice and administer the law. The presence of "wickedness" within the "place of judgment" is therefore a profound irony, a perversion of its very purpose.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _reshaʻ'_):** From H7562, this term denotes "a wrong (especially moral); iniquity, wicked(-ness)." It signifies deliberate wrongdoing, often with legal implications of injustice and a departure from moral uprightness. The repetition of this root for both "wickedness" and "iniquity" in the verse emphasizes the pervasive and identical nature of the corruption witnessed in both the "place of judgment" and the "place of righteousness," underscoring its deep-seated presence.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** From H6664, this word signifies "the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity." It refers to what is morally correct, just, and upright, conforming to a standard of truth and integrity. Its stark juxtaposition with "iniquity" highlights the tragic corruption of what ought to be pure, fair, and just, revealing a world turned upside down.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And moreover I saw under the sun":** This introductory phrase signals a new, significant observation from the Preacher, framed within his characteristic "under the sun" perspective. This idiom emphasizes that his insights are derived from empirical observation of earthly realities and human experience, often without explicit reference to divine intervention or eternal revelation. It sets a tone of grounded, albeit often frustrating, realism.
* **"the place of judgment, that wickedness was there":** This clause reveals the Preacher's shocking and disillusioning discovery: even in the very venues or systems (such as courts or legal proceedings) established to administer justice, uphold the law, and ensure fairness, he found corruption, perversion, and moral evil. It speaks to the deep-seated failure of human institutions to live up to their intended, noble purpose.
* **"and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there":** This parallel clause intensifies the lament and broadens its scope. "The place of righteousness" refers to contexts where moral uprightness, equity, and integrity should prevail—perhaps in ethical leadership, communal standards, or even religious practices. Yet, the Preacher observes that "iniquity" (the same Hebrew word as "wickedness") is present, indicating that even where virtue and truth are expected, wrongdoing, moral perversion, and injustice are found, highlighting the pervasive nature of human fallenness across all societal strata.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:16 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of pervasive injustice. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two balanced clauses: "the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there." This structural repetition emphasizes the widespread and deep-seated nature of the problem, showing that corruption is not isolated but contaminates both legal and moral spheres of human life. The verse skillfully uses **Juxtaposition**, placing the ideal ("judgment," "righteousness") directly against the harsh reality ("wickedness," "iniquity"). This stark contrast creates a profound sense of irony and disillusionment, highlighting the tragic disconnect between what ought to be and what truly is. Furthermore, the phrase "under the sun" functions as a recurring **Idiom** or **Motif** throughout Ecclesiastes. It consistently frames the Preacher's observations within the confines of earthly human experience, thereby underscoring the limited, often frustrating, and ultimately futile perspective of life when viewed apart from divine revelation and eternal purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the pervasive reality of sin and the inherent brokenness of human systems in a fallen world. It challenges any utopian view of human society, asserting that even the most noble institutions, designed for order and justice, are susceptible to corruption and moral decay. This observation is not merely a cynical complaint but a realistic assessment that sets the stage for the Preacher's deeper theological conclusions about God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect justice. The manifest failure of earthly justice systems necessitates a divine judge, providing a crucial bridge to the book's overarching message that true meaning, lasting satisfaction, and ultimate justice are found only in God and His future judgment. This lament echoes the universal biblical truth that human sin permeates all aspects of creation and society, making perfect human-administered justice an elusive and ultimately unattainable ideal.

* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None Is Righteous")
* [Proverbs 17:15](/proverbs/17-15 "Proverbs 17:15 - Condemning the Righteous and Justifying the Wicked")
* [Isaiah 59:4](/isaiah/59-4 "Isaiah 59:4 - No One Pleads Justly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 3:16 offers a timeless mirror for humanity, reflecting the enduring reality of injustice in a fallen world. It encourages us not to be naive about human institutions—whether governmental, corporate, educational, or even religious—recognizing that they are all susceptible to the taint of sin and the corrupting influence of power. This verse calls us to a sober realism, acknowledging that perfect justice is rarely, if ever, found "under the sun." However, this realism should not lead to despair, cynicism, or apathy. Instead, it should fuel our longing for God's perfect justice and motivate us to be diligent agents of righteousness in our spheres of influence, even as we recognize the inherent limitations of our efforts. It reminds us that our ultimate hope for true, unblemished justice rests not in flawed human systems, but in the sovereign God who "will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" ([Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Judge All Things")). Our present efforts for justice, though imperfect, become acts of faith and obedience, anticipating the day when all wrongs will be righted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your own experience have you witnessed "wickedness" or "iniquity" in "places of judgment" or "righteousness," and how did it impact you?**
* **How does the Preacher's observation challenge or affirm your view of human institutions and their inherent capacity for delivering true justice?**
* **In what practical ways can believers respond to pervasive injustice in society without succumbing to cynicism or despair?**
* **How does the biblical promise of God's ultimate judgment provide comfort, hope, or motivation in the face of persistent earthly injustice?**

### FAQ
**What does "under the sun" mean in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under the sun" is a defining and recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, appearing 29 times. It encapsulates the scope of the Preacher's observations, referring to human life, experience, and endeavors as perceived from an earthly, temporal viewpoint, often without explicit reference to eternity or direct divine intervention. It highlights the limitations and frustrations of a purely human, material perspective, emphasizing the futility (*hebel*) of life when viewed apart from God's ultimate purpose and eternal plan. It serves to frame the Preacher's exploration of meaning and vanity from a finite, human standpoint, setting the stage for his eventual conclusion that true meaning is found only in fearing God and keeping His commandments ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Whole Duty of Man")).

**Is Ecclesiastes 3:16 a pessimistic verse?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes 3:16 certainly presents a stark and sobering observation of pervasive injustice, it is more accurately described as profoundly realistic rather than purely pessimistic. The Preacher (Koheleth) is not simply complaining; he is honestly grappling with the brokenness and moral disorder of the world as he observes it. This verse, like many others in Ecclesiastes, serves to strip away illusions about human perfection or the inherent fairness of earthly systems. By exposing these difficult realities, the Preacher ultimately guides his readers toward a greater, transcendent truth: that ultimate justice and true meaning are found not "under the sun" but in God's sovereign plan and future judgment. It is a necessary and crucial step in his larger argument, pointing to a higher hope and the ultimate accountability that God will bring, as explicitly stated in [Ecclesiastes 3:17](/ecclesiastes/3-17 "Ecclesiastes 3:17 - God Will Judge") and [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 3:16, with its lament over pervasive injustice in the very places where righteousness should reign, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Preacher's observation of "wickedness" and "iniquity" in the "place of judgment" perfectly foreshadows the ultimate perversion of justice witnessed in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. The very religious and political authorities, who were meant to uphold God's law and administer justice, condemned the innocent Lamb of God, demonstrating the profound depth of human depravity and the utter failure of earthly systems to deliver true righteousness. Yet, it is precisely through this ultimate act of injustice that God's perfect justice and boundless mercy were simultaneously revealed. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered Once for Sins")), bore the iniquity of us all ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")), becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His resurrection further assures us that while earthly judgment may be corrupted, God's ultimate verdict is true and righteous. Moreover, Christ's future return will establish a new heavens and a new earth where "righteousness dwells" ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), finally eradicating all wickedness and iniquity from the places of judgment and righteousness, bringing the Preacher's longing for ultimate justice to its glorious and perfect conclusion in the eternal reign of Christ ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 5:8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth; and [there be] higher than they.

Acts 23:3

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [thou] whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

James 2:6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Psalms 58:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

Psalms 58:2

Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.