Ecclesiastes 8:2 “Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.”

Ecclesiastes 8:2

Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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

World English Bible

I say, “Keep the king’s command!” because of the oath to God.

American Standard Version

I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.

Geneva Bible 1599

I aduertise thee to take heede to ye mouth of the King, and to the worde of the othe of God.

Darby Translation

I [say], Keep the king's commandment, and [that] on account of the oath of God.

Young's Literal Translation

I pray thee, the commandment of a king keep, even for the sake of the oath of God.

Bible in Basic English

I say to you, Keep the king's law, from respect for the oath of God.

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Cross references

“I counsel”

Proverbs 24:21 Titus 3:1 1 Peter 2:13–17 Romans 13:1–4

Proverbs 24:21 · BSB

My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

Titus 3:1 · BSB

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

1 Peter 2:13–17 · BSB

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,

Romans 13:1–4 · BSB

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

“in regard”

1 Kings 2:43 1 Chronicles 29:24 Ezekiel 17:13–20 Romans 13:5

1 Kings 2:43 · BSB

So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?”

1 Chronicles 29:24 · BSB

All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.

Ezekiel 17:13–20 · BSB

He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land,

Romans 13:5 · BSB

Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

Also

Exodus 22:11 2 Samuel 21:7

Exodus 22:11 · BSB

an oath before the LORD shall be made between the parties to determine whether or not the man has taken his neighbor’s property. The owner must accept the oath and require no restitution.

2 Samuel 21:7 · BSB

Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

1Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed.

3Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.

Read Ecclesiastes 8