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Ecclesiastes 8:9

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¶ All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: [there is] a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

All this have I seen {H7200}, and applied {H5414} my heart {H3820} unto every work {H4639} that is done {H6213} under the sun {H8121}: there is a time {H6256} wherein one man {H120} ruleth {H7980} over another to his own hurt {H7451}.

All this I have seen, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun when one person tyrannizes another.

All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.

All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man hath power over another to his hurt.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:9 presents another profound observation from the Preacher, or Qoheleth, on the complexities and often disheartening realities of life "under the sun". Having diligently investigated all human endeavors, he notes a specific, troubling dynamic: the exercise of human authority.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where Qoheleth grapples with the limitations of wisdom, the prevalence of injustice, and the difficulty of understanding God's ways in a fallen world. He observes that while wisdom offers some advantage, it doesn't guarantee prosperity or escape from misfortune. Here, he turns his attention to the structure of human society, specifically focusing on the power dynamics between rulers and the ruled, and the often-negative outcomes of such arrangements.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Human Authority: The verse highlights the reality that people are often in positions of power over others. This isn't inherently negative, but Qoheleth's observation points to a significant flaw in how this power is frequently wielded.
  • Oppression and Its Consequences: The phrase "ruleth over another to his own hurt" is central. This suggests that the exercise of power often leads to harm, not just for the oppressed, but also, implicitly, for the oppressor or the system itself. Unjust or tyrannical rule ultimately brings about negative repercussions, perhaps through rebellion, societal decay, or divine judgment. As Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the wicked rule, the people mourn."
  • Qoheleth's Observational Wisdom: The opening phrase, "All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work," underscores the Preacher's meticulous and empirical approach to understanding life. His conclusions are drawn from direct observation and deep reflection on the human condition.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "to his own hurt" (לְרָעָתוֹ - l'ra'ato) strongly emphasizes the negative outcome. It implies that the ruler's actions, though seemingly beneficial or powerful in the short term, ultimately lead to their own detriment, ruin, or moral decay, or contribute to the downfall of their reign. This isn't just about the suffering of the subjects, but a self-destructive element inherent in oppressive power.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 8:9 serves as a sober warning for those in positions of authority, reminding them of the potential for their power to cause harm, even to themselves. It calls for humility, justice, and accountability in leadership. For those under oppressive rule, it offers a subtle comfort: the injustice is seen, and even the oppressor's actions will ultimately lead to negative consequences for them. It underscores the fallen nature of human systems and the perpetual need for righteous governance, pointing implicitly to a higher, divine standard of justice that transcends earthly power structures.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 5:8 (7 votes)

    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.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:7 (4 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 4:8 (4 votes)

    There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:13 (4 votes)

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

  • Exodus 14:28 (3 votes)

    And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:25 (3 votes)

    I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason [of things], and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness:

  • Deuteronomy 2:30 (3 votes)

    But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.