Ecclesiastes 8:3
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't just about obeying earthly kings; it pivots to a profound truth about God. "Be not hasty to go out of his sight" means don't flee from God's presence in fear, but rather, when you've messed up, don't stubbornly persist in your sin. The reason is stark: God, unlike any earthly ruler, truly does whatever He pleases, and you cannot escape His ultimate authority.
Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Preacher is offering practical wisdom on how to navigate life under the authority of rulers, and ultimately, under God's sovereign hand. He advises against rashly leaving a king's presence or persisting in wrongdoing, because earthly kings, like God, wield absolute power and act according to their will. This is presented as a warning to those who might rebel or refuse to repent, highlighting the futility of challenging such authority.
Ever felt powerless against someone in charge? This verse speaks to that feeling, but with a divine twist. What happens when authority is truly absolute?
The verse highlights the absolute and unchallengeable power of the king. The phrase 'for he does whatever he pleases' isn't just a description of human rulers; it points to a deeper reality about God's sovereignty.
Unfettered Authority
Human kings, in the context of Ecclesiastes, wield immense power. Their word is law, and their decisions are final. There's no higher court of appeal, no one to question their actions. This can feel oppressive and arbitrary, as seen in the commentary suggesting a king's will is his only law.
God's Ultimate Sovereignty
While applied to earthly kings, this principle finds its ultimate expression in God. He is the King of Kings, and His will is the ultimate reality. Unlike human rulers who are bound by their own limitations or the fear of retribution, God's power is infinite and unquestionable. This is the foundation of true confidence and the reason for reverence.
When faced with a powerful authority, what's the wise move? Is it defiance, escape, or something else entirely?
The verse offers practical wisdom for interacting with those in authority, particularly earthly kings, but the principles extend to our relationship with God.
Avoid Hasty Departures
Ask a follow-up
'Be not hasty to go from his presence' suggests avoiding rash decisions born of discontent or fear. This doesn't mean blindly obeying injustice, but rather not making impulsive withdrawals from service or relationship when provoked. In the context of earthly kings, it’s about maintaining loyalty and avoiding rebellion. Towards God, it means not fleeing in terror or despair when facing His judgment or correction. True wisdom seeks understanding and reconciliation, not impulsive escape.
Don't Persist in Wrongdoing
'Stand not in an evil thing' is a call to immediate repentance. If you've offended authority, whether human or divine, don't dig in your heels. Stubbornly defending a wrong action only solidifies your position and exacerbates the offense. True wisdom acknowledges error, seeks forgiveness, and changes course. This involves humility and a recognition of the consequences of persistence in wrongdoing.
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Referring to something that is ethically wrong, morally corrupt, or injurious to the soul; it stands in direct opposition to the will and character of God.
This passage echoes the futility of trying to 'go from his presence,' highlighting that God's omnipresence means we can never truly escape Him, whether in awe or in avoidance.
Romans 8:2The verse warns against persisting in wrong, which aligns with the idea that freedom from the 'law of sin and death' comes from the Spirit, not from defiant disobedience.
1 John 4:18This verse directly addresses the idea that 'perfect love casts out fear,' contrasting the 'hasty' or 'terror-struck' departure from God's presence with the boldness that comes from living in love.
Job 23:13This passage underscores the absolute sovereignty mentioned in Ecclesiastes 8:3, stating 'But he stands alone, and who can turn him back? And what his soul desires, that he does.'
Ecclesiastes 10:4This verse offers a practical parallel, suggesting that wisdom involves knowing how to respond appropriately to authority, even when censured, rather than acting rashly or stubbornly.
jfbEcclesiastes 8:3: "Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him."
- hasty—rather, "Be not terror-struck so as to go out of His sight." Slavishly "terror-struck" is characteristic of the sinner's feeling toward God; he vainly tries to flee out of His sight (Ps 139:7); opposed to the "shining face" of filial confidence (Ec 8:1; Joh 8:33-36; Ro 8:2; 1Jo 4:18).stand not—persist not.for he doeth—God inflicts what punishment He pleases on pers…
ellicottEcclesiastes 8:3: "Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him."
(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…
The verse isn't just about obeying earthly kings; it pivots to a profound truth about God. "Be not hasty to go out of his sight" means don't flee from God's presence in fear, but rather, when you've messed up, don't stubbornly persist in your sin. The reason is stark: God, unlike any earthly ruler, truly does whatever He pleases, and you cannot escape His ultimate authority.
The Preacher is offering practical wisdom on how to navigate life under the authority of rulers, and ultimately, under God's sovereign hand. He advises against rashly leaving a king's presence or persisting in wrongdoing, because earthly kings, like God, wield absolute power and act according to their will. This is presented as a warning to those who might rebel or refuse to repent, highlighting the futility of challenging such authority.
The Preacher is offering practical wisdom on how to navigate life under the authority of rulers, and ultimately, under God's sovereign hand. He advises against rashly leaving a king's presence or persisting in wrongdoing, because earthly kings, like God, wield absolute power and act according to their will. This is presented as a warning to those who might rebel or refuse to repent, highlighting the futility of challenging such authority.
"Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases." — The verse isn't just about obeying earthly kings; it pivots to a profound truth about God. "Be not hasty to go out of his sight" means don't flee from God's presence in fear, but rather, when you've…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
