Ecclesiastes 8:6

KJV

¶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [is] great upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because to every purpose {H2656} there is {H3426} time {H6256} and judgment {H4941}, therefore the misery {H7451} of man {H120} is great {H7227} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

For to everything there is a right time and a judgment, since people are greatly troubled

Berean Standard Bible

For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.

American Standard Version

for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 8:6 offers a profound observation on the human condition, asserting that for every human endeavor or "purpose," there is an appointed "time" and a proper "judgment" or manner of execution. The Preacher laments that humanity's inability to perfectly discern or align with this divine timing and method is the fundamental reason for the profound and pervasive "misery" that burdens human existence. It highlights the inherent limitations of human wisdom and control in a world governed by a sovereign, often inscrutable, divine order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where the Preacher, Koheleth, grapples with the complexities, paradoxes, and often frustrating realities of life "under the sun." Having explored the limits of human wisdom and the unpredictability of both good and evil in [Ecclesiastes 7:15-29](/ecclesiastes/7-15 "Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 - The Limits of Wisdom"), Koheleth then turns to the theme of authority and the difficulty of discerning God's ways. [Ecclesiastes 8:1-5](/ecclesiastes/8-1 "Ecclesiastes 8:1-5 - Wisdom and Authority") advises obedience to the king, acknowledging the king's power and the limitations of human knowledge regarding future events. Verse 6 then serves as a lament, providing the underlying reason for human suffering: our inability to fully grasp the divine timing and proper execution for every purpose. It underscores the futility of human efforts to control outcomes when we lack perfect foresight or understanding of God's appointed seasons.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ecclesiastes reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, which sought to understand the world and human experience through observation and divine revelation. The "under the sun" motif is central, emphasizing a human perspective on life, often without explicit reference to the afterlife, focusing instead on the tangible realities of earthly existence. In a world without modern scientific understanding, natural phenomena, social order, and personal fortunes were often attributed to divine providence or inscrutable forces. The Preacher, likely a king or a sage adopting a royal persona, observes the common human struggle with predictability and control. The cultural context would have valued wisdom and discernment as means to navigate life successfully, yet Koheleth consistently challenges the notion that human wisdom alone can guarantee a good outcome or alleviate suffering, pointing instead to a higher, often hidden, divine order.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Timing:** The phrase "to every purpose there is time and judgment" deeply echoes the famous passage in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - A Time for Everything"), which asserts that there is an appointed season and a proper way for every human activity. This theme reinforces the idea that God orchestrates or at least permits specific times for all events, and human attempts to operate outside this divine framework can lead to unintended consequences. It suggests a cosmic order that humans cannot fully comprehend or manipulate.
* **Human Ignorance and Limitations:** The "misery of man" is directly attributed to his inability to perfectly discern or align with this divine "time and judgment." Humans often act without complete knowledge of the future or the optimal course of action, leading to unforeseen difficulties, poor outcomes, and distress. This highlights humanity's finite control over circumstances and the future, a recurring concern for the Preacher, who consistently points to the limits of human wisdom and foresight, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 7:23-24](/ecclesiastes/7-23 "Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 - The Elusiveness of Wisdom").
* **The Reality of Misery:** The verse directly links human suffering ("misery") to this fundamental disconnect between human intention and divine timing/judgment. Because we cannot fully comprehend or manipulate the perfect timing and consequences of our actions, life often brings trouble and distress. This is not necessarily a moral judgment but a stark observation of the natural consequence of human limitations in a world governed by unseen spiritual laws and divine will, leading to the pervasive sense of vanity and futility that permeates the book, as articulated in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purpose (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** From H2656, this word denotes "pleasure," "desire," or "a matter." In this context, it refers to a person's will, intention, or a specific undertaking. It encompasses human plans, goals, and endeavors. The verse implies that every human intention or pursuit has a divinely appointed context for its success or failure.
* **Time (Hebrew, _ʻêth'_):** From H6256, this signifies an "appointed season" or an "opportune moment." It is not merely chronological time but a specific, fitting moment for an action or event to occur. The Preacher emphasizes that acting at the wrong time, even with good intentions, can lead to negative outcomes.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this term can mean a "verdict," "justice," "custom," or "manner." Here, it refers to the proper way, method, or discernment required for a purpose to be executed correctly. It implies the right procedure, the just course, or the appropriate decision that aligns with the inherent order of things.
* **Misery (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word is broad, encompassing "evil," "trouble," "distress," "calamity," or "adversity." It underscores the profound difficulties, suffering, and vexation that humans experience when their purposes are thwarted or when they fail to grasp or adhere to the divine order of things—the right time and the right way.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because to every purpose there is time and judgment":** This clause establishes the foundational premise. It posits that every human intention, desire, or undertaking (purpose) is subject to an overarching divine framework of timing (`ʻêth`) and proper execution or discernment (`mishpâṭ`). This suggests that human endeavors are not autonomous but operate within a divinely ordered reality where success is contingent upon aligning with these unseen principles. It implies a cosmic wisdom that dictates the opportune moment and the correct manner for all things.
* **"therefore the misery of man [is] great upon him."**: This clause presents the direct consequence of the first. Because humanity lacks the perfect foresight and wisdom to always discern the precise "time" and "judgment" for every "purpose," the inevitable result is profound and pervasive "misery." This "misery" (`raʻ`) is not necessarily a punishment but an intrinsic outcome of human finitude and ignorance in a world where divine timing and order prevail. The "great" (`rab`) extent of this misery underscores its universal and burdensome nature, affecting all humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 8:6 primarily employs **Cause and Effect**, where the human inability to discern divine timing and judgment is presented as the direct cause of human misery. This logical progression highlights the Preacher's observational methodology. There is also an element of **Lament** or **Sober Observation**, as the verse expresses a deep-seated frustration with the human condition rather than offering a solution. Furthermore, the verse contains a subtle **Paradox**: humans are driven by purpose and desire to act, yet their actions are often thwarted by forces beyond their control, leading to the very suffering they seek to avoid. The Preacher uses this to underscore the futility of relying solely on human wisdom "under the sun."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 8:6 powerfully articulates the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, a central theme throughout the wisdom literature. It humbles humanity by exposing the limits of our knowledge and control, reminding us that even our best-laid plans are subject to a higher, often inscrutable, divine order. This perspective encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God, rather than self-reliance. It challenges the notion that human wisdom or effort alone can guarantee success or happiness, pointing instead to the necessity of aligning with God's timing and ways, even when they are not fully understood. The "misery" described is a natural consequence of operating outside this divine alignment, emphasizing the need for trust in God's providence.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 10:23](/jeremiah/10-23 "Jeremiah 10:23 - Man's Way Not His Own")
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13 "James 4:13-15 - God's Will for the Future")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 8:6 serves as a profound call to humility and a realistic assessment of our human limitations. While we are inherently driven to plan, strive, and pursue purposes, this verse reminds us that true wisdom involves acknowledging that we do not control all outcomes or perfectly understand all timing. Our "misery" often stems from our frustrated attempts to impose our will on a world that operates according to a divine timetable and a divine "judgment" or manner. This understanding does not lead to passivity but encourages patience, resilience, and a deep reliance on a higher wisdom. It invites us to release the burden of perfect control and instead cultivate a spirit of trust in God's providence, even when His ways are mysterious or difficult. Recognizing that much of our distress comes from the inherent complexity of life and our finite understanding can help us navigate challenges with greater realism, less self-blame, and a deeper peace, knowing that we are not solely responsible for orchestrating every outcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Preacher's observation about "time and judgment" resonate with your own experiences of planning and unforeseen outcomes?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel the "misery" of not being able to perfectly control timing or circumstances?**
* **How can acknowledging human limitations, as described in this verse, lead to greater humility and trust in God rather than despair?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate patience and surrender to God's timing in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that human planning is futile or that we should be fatalistic?**

Answer: No, the verse does not advocate for fatalism or the abandonment of planning. Instead, it offers a realistic assessment of human limitations within a divinely ordered world. The Preacher acknowledges that humans have "purpose" (`chêphets`), implying that we are meant to pursue goals and exert effort. However, the verse highlights that the *success* of these purposes is contingent upon aligning with an appointed "time" (`ʻêth`) and a proper "judgment" (`mishpâṭ`) or manner, which are often beyond our full comprehension. The "misery" arises not from planning itself, but from the frustration of our plans being thwarted when they are out of sync with this divine order. It encourages humility and reliance on God's sovereignty, rather than a resignation to fate. It reminds us that while we plan, God ultimately directs our steps, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps").

**What is the practical difference between "time" and "judgment" in this verse?**

Answer: "Time" (`ʻêth`) refers to the opportune moment or appointed season for an action or event. It's about *when* something should happen. For example, there's a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted ([Ecclesiastes 3:2](/ecclesiastes/3-2 "Ecclesiastes 3:2 - A Time to Plant")). "Judgment" (`mishpâṭ`), in this context, refers to the proper way, method, or discernment required for an action. It's about *how* something should be done, or the right decision to make. So, for every purpose, there's not only a right moment but also a right manner or approach. Our misery comes from our inability to perfectly discern both the "when" and the "how" that align with divine wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 8:6, with its lament over the great misery of humanity stemming from our inability to discern God's perfect "time and judgment" for every "purpose," finds its profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity's struggle with understanding divine timing and the right way to live is a symptom of our fallen condition and separation from God's perfect wisdom. In Christ, this fundamental human dilemma is resolved. Jesus is the embodiment of God's perfect timing and judgment; His entire life, ministry, death, and resurrection unfolded according to God's precise plan and perfect will. He consistently acted in perfect alignment with the Father's "time" ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Time Has Not Yet Come"), [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus Knew His Hour Had Come")) and "judgment" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Judges Righteously")). He is the ultimate wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), through whom we can now understand God's purposes and live in alignment with His will. Moreover, the "misery of man" is ultimately addressed by Christ's atoning work. He took upon Himself the full weight of human suffering and sin, offering salvation and true peace that transcends our earthly frustrations ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). Through faith in Him, we are no longer left to our own limited understanding to navigate life's purposes, but are guided by the Holy Spirit, who reveals God's truth and helps us walk in His ways ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). In Christ, the great misery of man finds its ultimate hope and resolution, as He perfectly fulfills God's purposes and brings us into right relationship with the One who holds all time and judgment in His hands.

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 3:1

¶ To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:17

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for [there is] a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Luke 19:42

Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Luke 19:44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Luke 17:26

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Luke 17:30

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

¶ He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.