Ecclesiastes 10:5
Ecclesiastes 10:5 in Multiple Translations
There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, like an error which comes by chance from a ruler:
I also realized there's another evil here on earth: rulers make a big mistake
There is an euil that I haue seene vnder the sunne, as an errour that proceedeth from the face of him that ruleth.
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error that goeth out from the ruler,
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were by an error proceeding from the face of the prince:
There is something else that I have seen here on this earth, something that rulers sometimes do that is wrong/inappropriate:
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 10:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 10:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֣שׁ
רָעָ֔ה
רָאִ֖יתִי
תַּ֣חַת
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
כִּ/שְׁגָגָ֕ה
שֶׁ/יֹּצָ֖א
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י
הַ/שַּׁלִּֽיט
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
רָעָ֔ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
רָאִ֖יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
כִּ/שְׁגָגָ֕ה
shᵉgâgâh
H7684
unintentionally
Prep | N-fs
שֶׁ/יֹּצָ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Rel | V-Qal
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | Prep | N-cp
הַ/שַּׁלִּֽיט
shallîyṭ
H7989
domineering
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 10:5
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
רָעָ֔ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
רָאִ֖יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
כִּ/שְׁגָגָ֕ה
shᵉgâgâh
H7684
"unintentionally"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to sin unintentionally or make a mistake without realizing it, like in Leviticus 4:2 where it talks about sinning through ignorance. It emphasizes accidental wrongdoing. This concept is important in the Bible.
Definition: 1) sin, sin of error or inadvertence, inadvertent sin 1a) error
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: error, ignorance, at unawares; unwittingly. See also: Leviticus 4:2; Numbers 15:27; Ecclesiastes 10:5.
שֶׁ/יֹּצָ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Rel | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/שַּׁלִּֽיט
shallîyṭ
H7989
"domineering"
Art | Adj
This word describes someone who is in charge or has power over others, like a ruler or warrior. It is used to convey strength and leadership. In the Bible, it is translated as 'governor' or 'ruler'.
Definition: 1) having mastery, domineering, master 1a) having mastery 1a1) ruler (subst) 1b) domineering, imperious Aramaic equivalent: shal.lit (שַׁלִּיט "ruling" H7990)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: governor, mighty, that hath power, ruler. See also: Genesis 42:6; Ecclesiastes 8:8; Ecclesiastes 10:5.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 10:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 10:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:5
Context — Wisdom and Folly
3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler:
6Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. 7I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 5:13 | There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 4:7 | Again, I saw futility under the sun. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:3 | This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 6:1 | There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind: |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 3:16 | Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 4:1 | Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. |
Ecclesiastes 10:5 Summary
This verse in Ecclesiastes 10:5 is talking about how even people in charge, like rulers or leaders, can make mistakes. This is a reminder that nobody is perfect, not even those with a lot of power or authority, as we see in Romans 3:23. It's like when a parent or teacher makes a mistake - it doesn't mean they're bad people, it just means they're human. We should try to be understanding and forgiving, just like God is with us, as shown in Psalm 103:12 where our sins are removed from us as far as the east is from the west.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of evil is the writer of Ecclesiastes referring to in this verse?
The evil referred to in Ecclesiastes 10:5 is the error or mistake that comes from a ruler, highlighting the flaws in human leadership, as also seen in Romans 3:23 where all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.
Is this verse saying that all rulers are evil or make mistakes?
No, the verse is not making a blanket statement about all rulers, but rather observing that even those in positions of authority can err, which is a reminder to pray for our leaders as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Ecclesiastes 10:5 fits into the broader discussion of the unpredictability and flaws of human systems and leadership, as seen in verses 6 and 7, which describe the unpredictability of social status and position.
What can we learn from this verse about our own leadership or positions of influence?
This verse teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing our potential for error, encouraging us to seek wisdom and guidance from God, as Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- How have I seen or experienced the consequences of errors made by those in authority, and what can I learn from these experiences?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of humility in my own life, recognizing my potential for mistakes and seeking guidance from God?
- What does this verse say about the nature of power and authority, and how should this understanding shape my interactions with those in leadership positions?
- How can I balance the instruction to respect authority with the reality that those in power can make mistakes, as seen in Matthew 22:21 where we are told to give back to Caesar what is Caesar's?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:5
There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun,.... Which Solomon had observed in the course of his life, practised in some kingdoms and by some princes on earth, under the sun; for there is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:5
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: There is an evil ... as [or through: since kª- is used in Psalms 10:4] an error which proceedeth from
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
I have observed another great vanity and misdemeanour amongst men. As an error which proceedeth from the ruler; so the sense is, like those errors which rulers commonly commit. Or rather, which is indeed an error proceeding from the ruler; for the following miscarriage must needs come from those who have power of conferring honour and power, &c. So the Hebrew caph is not a note of likeness, but of reality, as it Isaiah 5:10, and oft elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
Ecclesiastes 10:5 There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun, as an error [which] proceedeth from the ruler:Ver. 5. As an error which proceedeth from the ruler.] Or, An ignorance, as Jerome renders it; ωςακουσιον - so the Septuagint - as a thing unwillingly done. An error, an infirmity it must be called, because committed by great ones; but in true account it is a gross evil, the very pest of virtue and cause of confusion - viz., the advancement of most unworthy and incapable persons, and that for the prince’ s pleasure sake, because he will seem absolute. An earl of Kildare was complained of to our Henry VIII, and when his adversary concluded his invective with, Finally, all Ireland cannot rule this earl, the king replied, Then shall this earl rule all Ireland; and so, for his jest sake, made him deputy. Heyl. Geog., p. 506.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
(5) Error.—The word is the same as at Ecclesiastes 10:6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
Verse 5. An error which proceedeth from the ruler] What this error in the ruler is, the two following verses point out: it is simply this - an injudicious distribution of offices, and raising people to places of trust and confidence, who are destitute of merit, are neither of name nor family to excite public confidence, and are without property; so that they have no stake in the country, and their only solicitude must naturally be to enrich themselves, and provide for their poor relatives. This is frequent in the governments of the world; and favouritism has often brought prosperous nations to the brink of ruin. Folly was set in dignity; the man of property, sense, and name, in a low place. Servants - menial men, rode upon horses - carried every thing with a high and proud hand; and princes, - the nobles of the people, were obliged to walk by their sides, and often from the state of things to become in effect their servants. This was often the case in this country, during the reign of Thomas a Becket, and Cardinal Woolsey. These insolent men lorded it over the whole nation; and the people and their gentry were raised or depressed according as their pride and caprice willed. And, through this kind of errors, not only a few sovereigns have had most uncomfortable and troublesome reigns, but some have even lost their lives.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:5
5. as an error which proceedeth from the ruler] The last word serves as a link connecting this verse with the preceding. It might be wise at times to bow to the temper of a despotic ruler, but the ruler was not always right. What the Debater had seen was to him a blot upon the government of him who allowed it. There lies below the surface the half-suppressed thought that this anomaly, stated in the next verse, was as a blot in the government of the supreme Ruler of the Universe. Technically the word was used in the Mosaic Law of the involuntary sins of ignorance (Leviticus 4:22; Leviticus 4:27; Leviticus 5:18). The unequal distribution of honours seemed to men as a blunder of Providence.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
5. An evil — Koheleth speaks of this as occurring in his day and before his own eyes, (which could hardly have happened in the just reign of Solomon.) As an error, etc.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Death Comes to All by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the inevitability of death and the importance of wisdom in life. He emphasizes that no matter how well or evilly we live, death is a co |
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The Heart Is Deceitful and Desperately Wicked by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches about the dangers of trusting in man and the deceitfulness of the human heart, emphasizing the need to trust in the Lord for true blessings and security. He |
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The Care of the Soul Urged as the One Thing Needful. (Luke 10:42 by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches about the importance of the soul's care, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly concerns. He uses the story of Mary and Martha |
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Moral Insanity by Charles Finney | Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Moral Insanity,' emphasizing that the unconverted heart is inherently evil and mad, leading individuals to act against their own b |
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The Prudence and the Conclusion. 8:1-15 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by the Preacher, he reflects on the futility of human life and the inevitability of death, noting that neither foresight nor wickedness can save anyone from the grav |
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Moral Insanity by Aaron Hills | Aaron Hills preaches about the wickedness and moral insanity of the human heart as described in the Bible. He emphasizes how sinners are full of evil and behave as if morally insan |
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God Knows Best by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the common evil of a man who is given riches and wealth by God but is unable to enjoy them. He uses the example of a man who lacks noth |