There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler:
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ecclesiastes 10:5
What does Ecclesiastes 10:5 mean?
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Ecclesiastes 10:5
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This verse isn't just about bad leaders; it points to an "error" that feels like a mistake, an unintentional blunder by the ruler. What the writer saw was not necessarily malicious intent, but a genuine, almost accidental misplacement of power that profoundly disrupted the natural order.
There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Teacher is observing a disturbing imbalance in society, specifically how positions of honor and authority are being handed out. He sees this not as a random occurrence, but as a distinct "evil" or mistake that seems to originate from those in power, setting the stage for the following verses that expose the consequences of folly being elevated and wisdom being cast down.
Ever seen someone get a promotion they didn't deserve? Or watched a qualified person get overlooked? The Teacher in Ecclesiastes saw this too.
The verse highlights an "evil" observed under the sun: an "error proceeding from the ruler." This isn't just a minor mistake; it's a significant problem in how a leader handles their authority.
What Kind of Error?
Is the verse just comparing the error to something a ruler might do, or is it stating a fact about what rulers actually do?
There's a subtle but important linguistic point here. The little word 'as' (or 'like' in some translations) can be tricky. Some scholars point out that in Hebrew, this word can sometimes function not as a comparison, but to affirm reality – meaning, 'this is an error proceeding from the ruler.'
Reality vs. Analogy
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Imagine a world where the unqualified are promoted, and the capable are pushed aside. That's the dark picture Ecclesiastes paints.
The "error proceeding from the ruler" has tangible, devastating effects on society. The Teacher gives concrete examples of this mismanagement:
The Downfall of Merit
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Moral depravity or calamity; something that is contrary to God's created order and causes suffering or injustice in the world.
shegagah · Hebrew Noun
A mistake, oversight, or wandering from the truth; an action that deviates from the right way or wisdom.
Saul's improper exercise of authority and perceived error in judgment, offering a sacrifice he wasn't authorized to perform, highlights the disastrous consequences when leadership deviates from rightful procedure.
Proverbs 28:2This proverb directly addresses the instability and chaos that results from a nation when its leadership is corrupt or incompetent, mirroring the 'error from the ruler' described in Ecclesiastes.
Isaiah 3:12Isaiah laments a similar situation where oppressors and children rule, directly blaming the leaders for leading the people astray, illustrating the widespread harm caused by poor governance.
Luke 16:10-11Jesus' teaching on faithfulness in small matters and the management of wealth provides a parallel concerning the importance of integrity and good stewardship in positions of authority.
ellicottEcclesiastes 10:5: "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:"
(5) Error.— The word is the same as at Ecclesiastes 10:6 .
henryEcclesiastes 10:4-10: "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences."
10:4-10 Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties,…
This verse isn't just about bad leaders; it points to an "error" that feels like a mistake, an unintentional blunder by the ruler. What the writer saw was not necessarily malicious intent, but a genuine, almost accidental misplacement of power that profoundly disrupted the natural order.
The Teacher is observing a disturbing imbalance in society, specifically how positions of honor and authority are being handed out. He sees this not as a random occurrence, but as a distinct "evil" or mistake that seems to originate from those in power, setting the stage for the following verses that expose the consequences of folly being elevated and wisdom being cast down.
The Teacher is observing a disturbing imbalance in society, specifically how positions of honor and authority are being handed out. He sees this not as a random occurrence, but as a distinct "evil" or mistake that seems to originate from those in power, setting the stage for the following verses that expose the consequences of folly being elevated and wisdom being cast down.
"There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler:" — This verse isn't just about bad leaders; it points to an "error" that feels like a mistake, an unintentional blunder by the ruler. What the writer saw was not necessarily malicious intent, but a genu…
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Last reviewed October 2026