Ecclesiastes 8:4

What does Ecclesiastes 8:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 8:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The word of a king has authority; and who may say to him, What is this you are doing?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Where the word of a king <FI>is<Fi> power <FI>is<Fi> , and who saith to him, `What dost thou?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And his word is full of power: neither can any man say to him: Why dost thou so?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

because the word of a king is power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

Context

v.3Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

v.4This passage

v.5Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man’s heart discerneth time and judgment:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 9:20

    Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus?

  • Proverbs 30:31

    The greyhound; the he-goat also; And the king against whom there is no rising up.

  • Romans 13:1

    Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

  • 1 Kings 2:46

    So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he went out, and fell upon him, so that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

  • Daniel 3:15

    Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands?

  • 1 Kings 2:29

    And it was told king Solomon, Joab is fled unto the Tent of Jehovah, and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.

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