Ecclesiastes 3:16
What does Ecclesiastes 3:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:16 means
Shifting his observation from the general flow of time to human society, the Preacher notes a troubling reality: "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." He observes corruption and injustice even in the very institutions designed to uphold fairness and truth. This stark revelation highlights the pervasive nature of human sin and the breakdown of order, even in sacred or authoritative spaces, presenting a stark contrast to God's perfect work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And again, I saw under the sun, in the place of the judges, that evil was there; and in the place of righteousness, that evil was there.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And again, I have seen under the sun the place of judgment--there <FI>is<Fi> the wicked; and the place of righteousness--there <FI>is<Fi> the wicked.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I saw under the sun in the place of judgment wickedness, and in the place of justice iniquity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And moreover I saw under the sun, that in the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there.
Context
This verse marks a distinct shift in the Preacher's observations, moving from profound theological reflections on time and God's works (verses 11-15) to a concrete, lamentable reality in human society. It introduces the theme of injustice and wickedness, directly challenging the ideal of ordered existence. This observation of widespread corruption immediately prompts the Preacher's contemplation of divine judgment in the subsequent verse, offering a necessary frame of hope amidst the observed depravity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 59:14
And justice is turned away backward, and righteousness standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and uprightness cannot enter.
- Psalms 82:2
How long will ye judge unjustly, And respect the persons of the wicked? [Selah
- Micah 2:2
And they covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away: and they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.
- Micah 7:3
Their hands are upon that which is evil to do it diligently; the prince asketh, and the judge is ready for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth the evil desire of his soul: thus they weave it together.
- James 2:6
But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats?
- Ecclesiastes 4:1
Then I returned and saw 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.
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