Ecclesiastes 8:3

KJV

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not hasty {H926} to go out {H3212} of his sight {H6440}: stand {H5975} not in an evil {H7451} thing {H1697}; for he doeth {H6213} whatsoever pleaseth {H2654} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be quick to leave his presence, and don't persist in doing what is wrong, for he does whatever he pleases.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

American Standard Version

Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 8:3 offers profound counsel on navigating the presence of powerful authority, likely an earthly king, by advocating for prudence and circumspection. The verse warns against impulsive or defiant actions that might incur the ruler's displeasure, emphasizing that the king's will is absolute within his domain. It serves as a practical guide for self-preservation and wise conduct in a world where power dynamics are often stark and consequences severe, subtly pointing to the ultimate, irresistible sovereignty of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (8:2-8) that specifically addresses the proper conduct and attitude toward a king or sovereign ruler. It directly follows the admonition in [Ecclesiastes 8:2](/ecclesiastes/8-2 "Ecclesiastes 8:2 - Keep the King's Commandment") to "keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God." Qoheleth, the Preacher, is exploring the complexities and often frustrating realities of life "under the sun," where human wisdom is limited, justice can be elusive, and power is often concentrated in the hands of a few. This passage provides practical wisdom for survival and flourishing within such a framework, acknowledging the limits of human control and the necessity of navigating societal structures wisely.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the king held immense, often absolute, power. His word was law, and his displeasure could lead to swift and severe consequences, including imprisonment, torture, or execution. There was often little to no recourse for the common person against a king's decree. The advice given in [Ecclesiastes 8:3](/ecclesiastes/8-3 "Ecclesiastes 8:3 - Wisdom in the Presence of Authority") is therefore deeply rooted in the pragmatic realities of such a political landscape. It reflects a world where personal safety and well-being often depended on understanding and respecting the established hierarchy, even if the ruler himself was not always just or benevolent. This context underscores the life-or-death implications of the Preacher's counsel.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it highlights **Prudence and Caution** in the face of overwhelming power, advising against rash or rebellious actions that could be misinterpreted as insubordination or guilt. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience to Authority**, particularly earthly governing powers, a concept echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). Finally, the concluding phrase, "for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him," powerfully conveys the **Sovereignty of the Ruler**. While immediately referring to an earthly king, this statement subtly points to a deeper theological truth about the ultimate, unchallengeable **Divine Sovereignty** of God, whose will truly is irresistible and whose purposes cannot be thwarted, as seen in passages like [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Absolute Sovereignty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hasty (Hebrew, _bâhal'_):** From H926, this word conveys a sense of being agitated, alarmed, or in a hurry, often implying a lack of thoughtful consideration or a panicked reaction. To be "hasty to go out of his sight" suggests an impulsive, perhaps fearful or defiant, departure that could easily be misconstrued as insubordination or an admission of guilt, thereby incurring the ruler's wrath.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term encompasses badness, moral evil, affliction, or mischief. In the context of "stand not in an evil thing," it refers to persisting in a course of action that is wrong, rebellious, or defiant against the ruler's decrees or established order. It's a warning against entrenching oneself in opposition or wrongdoing.
* **Pleaseth (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From H2654, this primitive root means "to incline to; by implication... to be pleased with, desire." The phrase "whatsoever pleaseth him" emphasizes the king's complete discretion, unchallengeable authority, and the irresistible nature of his will within his sphere of influence. It highlights the futility of resistance to such power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not hasty to go out of his sight":** This clause advises against an immediate, impulsive, or panicked withdrawal from the ruler's presence. Such a hasty departure could be perceived as disrespect, a sign of guilt, or an act of rebellion, all of which would provoke the king's anger. It emphasizes the need for composure and strategic thinking when interacting with those in authority.
* **"stand not in an evil thing":** This is a strong admonition against persisting in a wrong course of action, rebellion, or defiance against the king's will or decree. It implies not taking a firm, entrenched position in opposition to the ruler, but rather yielding or withdrawing from a path that is clearly antagonistic or disobedient.
* **"for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him."**: This concluding clause provides the rationale for the preceding advice. It underscores the absolute and unchallengeable nature of the king's power. His will is law, and he has the capacity to execute his desires without hindrance or appeal. This reality necessitates prudence and caution on the part of the subject, as resistance is futile and dangerous.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 8:3 employs several literary devices to convey its weighty message. The primary device is **Admonition**, offering direct and practical advice in imperative form ("Be not," "stand not"). The structure of the verse also demonstrates a form of **Parallelism**, where the first two clauses ("Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing") present two related aspects of wise conduct, followed by a causal clause ("for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him") that explains the necessity of such conduct. The phrase "whatsoever pleaseth him" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the near-absolute power of an earthly king, even if not truly omnipotent in a divine sense. This hyperbole, however, serves to underscore the practical reality of living under such a ruler. Furthermore, the earthly king's absolute will acts as a subtle **Typology** or **Foreshadowing** of God's ultimate and truly absolute sovereignty, a recurring theme in Qoheleth's reflections on life's uncertainties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 8:3, while rooted in the practicalities of ancient monarchies, transcends its immediate context to offer profound theological insights. It implicitly acknowledges the reality of delegated authority in the world, whether in civil government, family, or workplace. The absolute power of the earthly king serves as a poignant, albeit imperfect, analogy for the true and ultimate sovereignty of God. Just as subjects must reckon with the unchallengeable will of their human ruler, so too must humanity reckon with the irresistible will of the Creator. This verse encourages a posture of humility and wisdom in the face of power, recognizing that defiance against legitimate authority (human or divine) often leads to undesirable consequences. It teaches that understanding the nature of power, both human and divine, is foundational to living wisely and peacefully.

* [Proverbs 25:6-7](/proverbs/25-6-7 "Proverbs 25:6-7 - Do Not Exalt Yourself Before a King")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1-2 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13-14 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submit to Human Authority for the Lord's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 8:3 provides timeless principles for navigating relationships with authority figures in all spheres of life, from governmental leaders and employers to parents and spiritual mentors. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of prudence, thoughtful engagement, and respectful submission, rather than impulsive defiance or persistent rebellion. In a world that often encourages challenging every rule, this verse reminds us of the wisdom in understanding power dynamics and choosing our battles carefully. It's not about blind obedience, but about discerning when to yield for the sake of peace and order, and when to stand firm on principle (a distinction the verse doesn't explicitly make but is implied by the "evil thing" clause if interpreted morally rather than just politically). Ultimately, it encourages us to acknowledge that some wills are absolute, whether an earthly ruler's in their domain or, more profoundly, God's sovereign plan for the universe, which we are called to align ourselves with.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my typical attitude towards authority figures in my life, whether in government, work, or family?**
* **In what situations might I be tempted to be "hasty to go out of his sight" or "stand in an evil thing" when faced with difficult instructions or consequences from those in authority?**
* **How does understanding the absolute will of an earthly king, as described here, deepen my appreciation for God's truly sovereign will and my response to it?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse advocate for blind obedience to all authority, even unjust rulers?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While Ecclesiastes 8:3 strongly advises prudence and caution in the presence of authority, it's primarily practical wisdom for self-preservation and wise conduct in a world where rulers held absolute power. It acknowledges the *reality* of that power and the severe consequences of rash actions or open defiance. The phrase "stand not in an evil thing" could be interpreted as not persisting in a *morally* evil act at the king's command, but the primary thrust is about avoiding actions that would incur the king's wrath. The Bible elsewhere provides examples and commands for righteous civil disobedience when earthly laws directly contradict divine commands, as seen in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"), where Peter declares, "We must obey God rather than men." Therefore, Ecclesiastes 8:3 teaches prudence and respect for legitimate authority, but it does not preclude a higher obedience to God when His commands are at stake. It focuses on avoiding *rash* or *rebellious* actions that could be easily misconstrued and lead to severe, avoidable consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 8:3, with its stark portrayal of an earthly king's absolute power, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. While the Preacher warns against the arbitrary will of human rulers, Christ embodies a divine sovereignty that is not capricious but perfectly just, loving, and redemptive. Jesus Himself demonstrated profound wisdom and submission to earthly authorities when appropriate, paying taxes ([Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - Paying the Temple Tax")) and submitting to arrest and trial, even unto death, though innocent. Yet, He never compromised divine truth or His mission. Unlike an earthly king whose power is limited and often wielded imperfectly, Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose will truly "doeth whatsoever pleaseth him" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Will")), not by arbitrary decree, but by perfect wisdom and love for His creation. Our submission to Christ is not born of fear of arbitrary wrath, but out of love, trust, and gratitude for His perfect sacrifice and His promise of abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 8:3, therefore, points us to the need for a perfect King, found in Jesus, whose reign is not oppressive but liberating, inviting us to find rest for our souls in His easy yoke and light burden ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")).

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 10:4

¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Daniel 5:19

And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

Proverbs 14:29

¶ [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Acts 5:8

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Proverbs 30:31

A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up.