Ecclesiastes 8:2 kjv — I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.

King James Version

"I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God."

— Ecclesiastes 8:2, King James Version

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Ecclesiastes 8:2 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 8 — Context

1

Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

2

I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.

3

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

4

Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

5

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.

Ecclesiastes 8:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 8:2 say?
Ecclesiastes 8:2 in the King James Version reads: “I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 8:2 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 8:2 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 8, verse 2.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 8:2.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 8:2 in?
Ecclesiastes 8:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 8:2?
Ecclesiastes 8:2 reads (KJV): “I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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