Ecclesiastes 8:4

4 For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

Ecclesiastes 8:4 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:4

Where the word of a king [is, there is] power
Or "dominion" F26. Authority goes along with his word of command; and there is an inferior magistracy, a subordinate power under him, ready to execute his will upon the rebellious and disobedient. Jarchi interprets it, the word of the holy blessed God; and the Targum, the word of that King who rules over all the world; where his word of doctrine comes, not in word only, it is with power: his written word is quick and powerful; the word of his Gospel preached is the power of God to salvation; or is accompanied with power to enlighten dark minds, quicken dead sinners, unstop deaf ears, soften hard hearts, and deliver men from the slavery of sin and Satan; it makes men, of enemies, friends to God, Christ, and good men; transforms them by the renewing of their minds, and comforts and establishes saints; all which is attributed to the word; and are the effects of almighty power, ( Hebrews 4:12 ) ( Romans 1:16 ) ; his word of command also comes with power, being clothed with his authority; and is submitted to by his people in the day of his power upon them, who readily and cheerfully obey it; and who may say unto him, what dost thou?
call him to an account for, or complain of any of his works of creation, providence, or grace? This best agrees with God than with an earthly king; and is said of him elsewhere, ( Job 9:12 ) ( 33:14 ) ( Daniel 4:35 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F26 (Nwjlv) "imperium", Montanus, Rambachius; "dominatio", Vatablus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Drusius.

Ecclesiastes 8:4 In-Context

2 Keep the king's command because of your sacred oath.
3 Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases.
4 For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, "What are you doing?"
5 Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way.
6 For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.