◄ Ecclesiastes 8:3 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

New Living Translation
Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants.

English Standard Version
Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases.

Berean Standard Bible
Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

King James Bible
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

New King James Version
Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.”

New American Standard Bible
Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”

NASB 1995
“Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”

NASB 1977
“Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Do not be in a hurry to go from his presence. Do not stand in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”

Amplified Bible
Do not be in a hurry to get out of his presence. Do not join in a malevolent matter, for the king will do whatever he pleases.

Christian Standard Bible
Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.

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

Contemporary English Version
Don't quickly oppose the king or argue when he has already made up his mind.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't be in a hurry to leave the king's service. Don't take part in something evil, because he can do whatever he pleases.

Good News Translation
The king can do anything he likes, so depart from his presence; don't stay in such a dangerous place.

International Standard Version
Don't be in a hurry to leave him, and don't persist in evil, for he does whatever he pleases.

Majority Standard Bible
Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

NET Bible
Do not rush out of the king's presence in haste--do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases.

New Heart English Bible
Do not be hasty to go out of his presence. Do not persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

Webster's Bible Translation
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatever pleaseth him.

World English Bible
Don’t be hasty to go out of his presence. Don’t persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do not be troubled at his presence, you may go, do not stand in an evil thing, for all that he pleases he does.

Young's Literal Translation
Be not troubled at his presence, thou mayest go, stand not in an evil thing, for all that he pleaseth he doth.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt not hasten going from his face: thou shalt not stand by the word of evil; for he shall do all that he will desire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Be not hasty to depart from his face, and do not continue in an evil work: for he will do all that pleaseth him:

Catholic Public Domain Version
You should not hastily withdraw from his presence, nor should you remain in an evil work. For all that pleases him, he will do.

New American Bible
Be not hasty to withdraw from the king; do not persist in an unpleasant situation, for he does whatever he pleases.

New Revised Standard Version
Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Go from his presence; and do not stand firm in an evil matter; for he does whatsoever pleases him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Go from before him and do not stand in an evil matter, because all that he will desire he will do
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Be not hasty to go out of his presence; stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Be not hasty; thou shalt go forth out of his presence: stand not in an evil matter; for he will do whatsoever he shall please,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Obey the King
…2Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. 3Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. 4For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Proverbs 24:21-22
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. / For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...

Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

1 Samuel 24:6
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”

Matthew 22:21
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Proverbs 20:2
The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.

Esther 4:11
“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”

2 Samuel 15:19-22
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ...

2 Kings 25:24
And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”

Nehemiah 2:2-3
so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”


Treasury of Scripture

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him.

not hasty

Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

stand

1 Kings 1:50-52
And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar…

1 Kings 2:21-24
And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife…

Isaiah 48:4
Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

for

Proverbs 16:14,15
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it…

Proverbs 30:31
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

Daniel 4:35
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Jump to Previous
Bad Delay Design Evil Fixed Hasty Hurry Join King's Leave Matter Mayest Persist Pleases Pleaseth Pleasing Presence Quick Sight Stand Unpleasant Whatever Whatsoever
Jump to Next
Bad Delay Design Evil Fixed Hasty Hurry Join King's Leave Matter Mayest Persist Pleases Pleaseth Pleasing Presence Quick Sight Stand Unpleasant Whatever Whatsoever
Ecclesiastes 8
1. true wisdom is modest
2. Kings are to be respected
6. Divine providence is to be observed
12. It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity
16. The work of God is unsearchable














Berean Study Bible
Do not be quick
The phrase "do not be quick" suggests a caution against haste and impulsiveness. In the Hebrew context, the word often implies a sense of urgency or rashness. The wisdom literature of the Bible frequently advises against hasty decisions, emphasizing the importance of patience and deliberation. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of seeking God's guidance and wisdom before acting.

to leave his presence
"His presence" refers to the presence of a king or authority figure. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the presence of a king was considered sacred and powerful. Leaving a king's presence hastily could be seen as disrespectful or rebellious. Spiritually, this can be interpreted as a call to remain in God's presence, valuing the time spent with Him and not rushing away from divine guidance and fellowship.

and do not persist
The word "persist" here implies stubbornness or obstinacy. In the Hebrew, it carries the connotation of continuing in a course of action despite knowing it is wrong. This serves as a warning against hard-heartedness and the refusal to heed wise counsel or correction, which is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature.

in a bad cause
A "bad cause" refers to actions or decisions that are morally or ethically wrong. The Hebrew word for "bad" can also mean evil or harmful. This phrase warns against aligning oneself with unrighteous endeavors or supporting unjust actions. It underscores the biblical call to pursue righteousness and justice, avoiding complicity in wrongdoing.

for he will do whatever he wants
This phrase acknowledges the sovereign power of the king, who has the authority to act according to his will. Historically, kings in the ancient world wielded significant power, often acting unilaterally. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty. While earthly rulers have authority, God's will is supreme, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. This encourages believers to trust in God's perfect will and timing, even when human authority seems overwhelming.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(3) I believe the rendering of our version to be correct, though some have taken it, "Be not hasty: go out of his eight." The best commentary on this verse is Ecclesiastes 10:4, which gives the meaning, "When censured by the king, do not abandon the hope of retaining his favour, nor obstinately persist in what he condemns." I do not find adequate proof of the assertion of some commentators, that "go out of his sight" can mean "withdraw allegiance from him," and so that the "evil thing" means a rebellious conspiracy. The advice, "Be not hasty" to rebel, instead of "do not rebel," is inconsistent with the context.

Pulpit Commentary
Verse 3. - Further advice concerning political behavior. Be not hasty to go out of his (the king's) sight. Do not, from some hasty impulse, or induced by harsh treatment, cast off your allegiance to your liege lord. We have the phrase, "go away," in the sense of quitting of service or desertion of a duty, in Genesis 4:16; Hosea 11:2. So St. Peter urges servants to be subject unto their masters, "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward" (1 Peter 2:18). Solomon might have given this advice to the Israelites who were ready to follow Jeroboam's lead; though they could have remained loyal to Rehoboam only from high religious motives. But it is better to bear even a heavy yoke than to rebel. The Septuagint has, "Be not hasty; thou shalt go from his presence" - which seems to mean, "Be not impatient, and all will be well." But the authorized rendering is correct (comp. Ecclesiastes 10:4). We may quote Mendelssohn's comment cited by Chance on Job 34:16, "This is a great rule in politics, that the people must have no power to pronounce judgment upon the conduct of a king, whether it be good or bad; for the king judges the people, and not the reverse; and if it were not for this rule, the country would never be quiet, and without rebels against the king and his law." Stand not in an evil thing; Vulgate, Neque permaneas in opere malo, "Persist not in an evil affair." But the verb here implies rather the engaging in a matter than continuing an undertaking already begun. The "affair" is conspiracy, insurrection; and Koheleth warns against entering upon and taking part in any such attempt. This seems to be the correct explanation of the clause; but it is, perhaps intentionally, ambiguous, and is capable of other interpretations. Thus Ginsburg, "Do not stand up (in a passion) because of an evil word." Others, "Obey not a sinful command," or "Hesitate not at an evil thing," i.e. if the king orders it. Wordsworth, referring to Psalm 1:1. renders, "Stand not in the way of sinners," which seems to be unsuitable to the context. The Septuagint gives, "Stand not in an evil word" (λόγῳ, perhaps "matter"). The reason for the injunction follows. For he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. The irresponsible power of a despotic monarch is here signified, though the terms are applicable (as some, indeed, take them as alone appertaining) to God himself (but see Proverbs 20:2). The Septuagint combines with this clause the commencement of the following verse, "For he will do whatsover he pleases, even as a king using authority (ἐξουσιάζων)." Some manuscripts add λαλεῖ, "he speaks."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

hasten
תִּבָּהֵ֤ל (tib·bā·hêl)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 926: To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously

to leave
תֵּלֵ֔ךְ (tê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

his presence,
מִפָּנָיו֙ (mip·pā·nāw)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

and do not
אַֽל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

persist
תַּעֲמֹ֖ד (ta·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

in a bad
רָ֑ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

cause,
בְּדָבָ֣ר (bə·ḏā·ḇār)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

for
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he will do
יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

whatever
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

he wants.
יַחְפֹּ֖ץ (yaḥ·pōṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire


Links
Ecclesiastes 8:3 NIV
Ecclesiastes 8:3 NLT
Ecclesiastes 8:3 ESV
Ecclesiastes 8:3 NASB
Ecclesiastes 8:3 KJV

Ecclesiastes 8:3 BibleApps.com
Ecclesiastes 8:3 Biblia Paralela
Ecclesiastes 8:3 Chinese Bible
Ecclesiastes 8:3 French Bible
Ecclesiastes 8:3 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:3 Don't be hasty to go out (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 8:2
Top of Page
Top of Page