Ecclesiastes 8:6

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

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.

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

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

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

Ecclesiastes 8:6 is a poignant observation from the Preacher (Koheleth) on the human condition, particularly our struggle with understanding and controlling life's outcomes. It highlights the inherent challenge in discerning the right "time" and "judgment" for every "purpose," which often leads to significant "misery."

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Ecclesiastes where the Preacher reflects on the limitations of human wisdom and power, even in the face of authority. Chapter 8 often deals with the mysteries of divine providence and the inability of humans to fully grasp God's work. The previous verses speak of obeying the king and the difficulty in knowing what is to come, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of life under the sun. This verse serves as a lament, explaining why humanity experiences so much distress despite efforts to plan or control.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Timing: The phrase "to every purpose there is time and judgment" reinforces a central theme of Ecclesiastes, first introduced more extensively in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. It suggests that there is an appointed season and a right way of acting for every endeavor, which is ultimately orchestrated or known by God. Human attempts to rush or delay against this divine timing can lead to negative consequences.
  • Human Ignorance and Limitations: The "misery of man" stems from his inability to perfectly discern or align with this divine "time and judgment." We often act without full knowledge of the future or the best course of action, leading to unforeseen difficulties or poor outcomes. This highlights humanity's limited control over circumstances and the future, a recurring concern for the Preacher.
  • The Reality of Misery: The verse directly links human suffering ("misery") to this fundamental disconnect. Because we cannot fully comprehend or manipulate the perfect timing and consequences of our actions, life often brings trouble and distress. This isn't necessarily a moral judgment, but an observation of the natural consequence of human limitations in a world governed by unseen spiritual laws and divine will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "purpose" is chephets (חֵפֶץ), which can mean desire, pleasure, matter, or business. It refers to a person's will or intention. "Time" is 'eth (עֵת), denoting an appointed season or opportune moment. "Judgment" is mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), which can refer to justice, a custom, or the manner of doing something. In this context, it implies discerning the right way or method. The word for "misery" is ra'ah (רָעָה), commonly translated as evil, trouble, or distress. It underscores the profound difficulties humans encounter when they fail to grasp or adhere to the divine order of things.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 8:6 calls for humility and a recognition of our human limitations. While we are encouraged to plan and act, this verse reminds us that true wisdom involves acknowledging that we do not control all outcomes or understand all timing. It encourages patience and a reliance on a higher wisdom, rather than despair in the face of life's unpredictable nature. Understanding this can help us navigate life's challenges with greater realism and perhaps less self-blame, knowing that much of our "misery" comes from the inherent complexity of life and our finite understanding. It also subtly points to the need for trusting in God's providence, even when His ways are mysterious.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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