Ecclesiastes 8:11
Ecclesiastes 8:11 in Multiple Translations
When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Because punishment for an evil work comes not quickly, the minds of the sons of men are fully given to doing evil.
When people are not punished quickly for their crimes they are even more determined to do wrong.
Because sentence against an euill worke is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to doe euill.
Because sentence hath not been done [on] an evil work speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of man is full within them to do evil.
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
For because sentence is not speedily pronounced against the evil, the children of men commit evils without any fear.
If evil people are not immediately punished, it causes other people [SYN] to also want to do evil things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 8:11
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 8:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁר֙
אֵין
נַעֲשָׂ֣ה
פִתְגָ֔ם
מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
הָ/רָעָ֖ה
מְהֵרָ֑ה
עַל
כֵּ֡ן
מָלֵ֞א
לֵ֧ב
בְּֽנֵי
הָ/אָדָ֛ם
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
רָֽע
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
נַעֲשָׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
פִתְגָ֔ם
pithgâm
H6599
edict
N-ms
מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
הָ/רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fs
מְהֵרָ֑ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
haste
N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֡ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
מָלֵ֞א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לֵ֧ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
בְּֽנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
הָ/אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 8:11
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
נַעֲשָׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
פִתְגָ֔ם
pithgâm
H6599
"edict"
N-ms
This word refers to an official decree or command, like a king's order. It is used in the Bible to describe important announcements, like the ones made by King Darius in the book of Daniel.
Definition: edict, decree Aramaic equivalent: pit.gam (פִּתְגָם "edict" H6600)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: decree, sentence. See also: Esther 1:20; Ecclesiastes 8:11.
מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
הָ/רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | 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.
מְהֵרָ֑ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
"haste"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for haste or speed, often used to describe doing something quickly. It appears in the Old Testament, such as when David acted hastily in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) haste, speed 1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb) 1b) in haste (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly. See also: Numbers 17:11; 2 Kings 1:11; Psalms 31:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֡ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
מָלֵ֞א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
לֵ֧ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
בְּֽנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הָ/אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
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.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 8:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 8:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 8:11
Context — Fear God
9All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.
10Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile.
11When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.
12Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. 13Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 26:10 | Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness. In the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 50:21–22 | You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: |
| 3 | Romans 2:4–5 | Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 3:3–10 | Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. |
| 5 | Matthew 24:49–50 | And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. |
| 6 | Psalms 10:6 | He says to himself, “I will not be moved; from age to age I am free of distress.” |
| 7 | Job 21:11–15 | They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ |
| 8 | Jeremiah 48:11 | Moab has been at ease from youth, settled like wine on its dregs; he has not been poured from vessel to vessel or gone into exile. So his flavor has remained the same, and his aroma is unchanged. |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:18–19 | Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes, to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!” |
| 10 | Exodus 8:15 | When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. |
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Summary
[This verse is saying that when people don't see immediate consequences for their wrong actions, they are more likely to keep doing wrong things. This is because they think they can get away with it, as seen in Ecclesiastes 8:11. But as Christians, we know that God sees all and will judge all, as seen in Hebrews 4:13, and we should strive to live a life of obedience to Him, even when it's hard, because we know that He is just and fair, as seen in Psalm 119:75.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the hearts of men to become fully set on doing evil?
This means that when people see that they can get away with wrongdoing without immediate consequences, they are more likely to continue sinning, as seen in Ecclesiastes 8:11, and will follow the path of sin described in Romans 6:23.
Is the Bible saying that justice should be swift and harsh?
The Bible is highlighting the importance of timely justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:18-19, but not necessarily advocating for harsh punishment, rather that justice should be fair and proportionate to the crime, as seen in Leviticus 24:20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's patience?
This verse is not saying that God is not patient, but rather that when humans see a lack of immediate consequences for sin, they are more likely to sin, whereas God's patience, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9, is a call to repentance, and He is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish.
What is the role of fear in this verse?
The fear of consequences, or the fear of God, is a motivator for people to obey the law and do good, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:13, and the lack of fear of consequences can lead people to sin, as seen in the verse, whereas the fear of God leads to life, as seen in Proverbs 10:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I see the principle of this verse playing out in my own life or in the world around me?
- How can I balance the desire for justice to be done with the understanding that God is patient and longsuffering towards sinners?
- What are some sins that I have been tolerating in my own life, and how can I take steps to repent and turn away from them?
- How can I use this verse to encourage myself or others to live a life of obedience to God, and to trust in His justice and timing?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because sentence [against] an evil work is not executed speedily,.... Any evil work done by magistrates, or others, against which the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, and is threatened with his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
Sentence against an evil work; or, the decree, &c. God’ s determinate counsel or sentence for the punishment of tyrants and all evil-doers. Therefore; because God’ s forbearance makes them presumptuous and secure, and confident of impunity. Is fully set, Heb. is filled, is carried on with full sail, as the LXX. understand it, like a ship with a strong and violent wind; or, is bold or presumptuous, as the same phrase is understood, .
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.Ver. 11. Because sentence against an evil work, &c.] Ennarrata sententia, a published and declared sentence. So that it is only a reprieve of mercy that a wicked man hath; his preservation is but a reservation to further evil, abused mercy turning into fury. Morae dispendium faenoris duplo pensatur, saith Jerome God’ s forbearance is no quittance; he will find a time to pay wicked men for the new and the old. "The Lord is not slow, as some men count slowness." Or if he be slow, yet he is sure. He hath leaden heels, but iron hands; the further he fetcheth his blow, or draweth his arrow, the deeper he will wound when he hitteth. God’ s mill may grind soft and slow, but it grinds sure and small, said one heathen. Tarditatem supplicii gravitate compensat, he recompenseth the delay of punishment with an eternity of extremity, saith another. He hath "vials of vengeance," which are large vessels, but narrow mouthed; they pour out slowly, but drench deeply and distil effectually. Caveto igitur, saith one, ne malam dilatura fiat duplicatum.
Get quickly out of God’ s debt, lest ye be forced to pay the charges of a suit to your pain, to your cost. Patientia Dei quo diuturnior, eo minacior. God will not always serve men for a sinning stock. Poena venit gravior quo magis sera venit. Adonijah’ s feast ended in horror; ever after the meal is ended comes the reckoning. Therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set.] Heb., Is full. So full of wickedness that there is no room for the fear of God’ s wrath, till "wrath come upon them to the utmost." Intus existens prohibet alienum. God offers and affords them heart knocking time, but they ram up their hearts, dry their tears, as Saul, and are scalded in their own grease, stewed in their own broth. The sleeping of vengeance causeth the overflowing of sin, and the overflow of sin causeth the awakening of vengeance. Jerome in Jerem.
Aeripedes dictae sunt Furiae. Aries quo altius erigittur, hoc figit fortius. Oφεθεωναλεουσιμυλαι, αλεουσιδελεπτον. De Utroque Dionysio. Val., lib. i. cap. 2. Bucholc
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
(11) Sentence.—This is a Persian word only found in Esther 1:20, and in Chaldee parts of Ezra and Daniel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
Verse 11. Because sentence] פתגם pithgam, a Divine decree or declaration. This is no Hebrew, but a mere Chaldee word, and occurs only in the later books of the Bible - Esther, Ezra and Daniel, and nowhere else but in this place. Because God does not immediately punish every delinquency, men think he disregards evil acts; and therefore they are emboldened to sin on. So this longsuffering of God, which leadeth to repentance, is abused so as to lead to farther crimes! When men sin against the remedy of their salvation, how can they escape perdition?
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 8:11
11. Because sentence against an evil work] The word for “sentence” is only found here and in Esther 1:20, where it is translated “decree” and is probably of Persian origin. Its primary meaning seems to be “a thing sent” and so the king’s missive or edict. The point of the reflection is that the anomaly noted in the previous verse was not only evil in itself, but the cause of further evil by leading men to think they could go on transgressing with impunity. is fully set in them to do evil] Literally, their heart is full in them.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11
11. Because sentence, etc. — So the absence of prompt punishment confirms the idea that there will be no punishment, and men become the more reckless.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 8:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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False Conclusions by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the patience of God and how it relates to the presence of evil in the world. He references Ecclesiastes 8:11, where Solomon declares that bec |
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The Secrets of the Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing before God's judgment seat and giving an account of our actions. He highlights that as Christians, we will face t |
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Faith vs. Unbelief by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal testimony of witnessing a miraculous transformation in a family. The mother, who had been praying for a miracle, saw three of her son |
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Christian, Are You Refusing God? by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater |
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Obeying the Authority by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the nature and character of God. He emphasizes that God is patient and long-suffering, even when dealing with the sinful nature of huma |
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Building the Body of Christ - 9 Enoch and Noah Walked With God by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the story of Enoch, the first preacher in the Bible who preached about the second coming of Christ and judgment against sin. It emphasizes the importance of |
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You’ll Reap That Act by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting that every action in life is like planting seeds that will yield a corresponding harvest. He warns against |