Ecclesiastes 8:8 net — Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one ca…

NET Bible

"Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked."

— Ecclesiastes 8:8, NET Bible

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Ecclesiastes 8:8 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 8 — Context

5

Whoever obeys his command will not experience harm, and a wise person knows the proper time and procedure.

6

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, for the oppression of the king is severe upon his victim.

7

Surely no one knows the future, and no one can tell another person what will happen.

8

Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked.

9

While applying my mind to everything that happens in this world, I have seen all this: Sometimes one person dominates other people to their harm.

10

Contradictions to the Law of Retribution Not only that, but I have seen the wicked approaching and entering the temple, and as they left the holy temple, they boasted in the city that they had done so. This also is an enigma.

11

When a sentence is not executed at once against a crime, the human heart is encouraged to do evil.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 8:8 say?
Ecclesiastes 8:8 in the NET Bible reads: “Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 8:8 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 8:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 8, verse 8.
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 8:8.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 8:8 in?
Ecclesiastes 8:8 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 8:8?
Ecclesiastes 8:8 reads (NET): “Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked.” 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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