Ecclesiastes 8:4 “For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you…”

Ecclesiastes 8:4

For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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

World English Bible

for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

American Standard Version

For the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

Geneva Bible 1599

Where the word of ye King is, there is power, and who shall say vnto him, What doest thou?

Darby Translation

because the word of a king is power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

Young's Literal Translation

Where the word of a king [is] power [is], and who saith to him, 'What dost thou?'

Bible in Basic English

The word of a king has authority; and who may say to him, What is this you are doing?

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Cross references

“the word”

Romans 13:1–4 Proverbs 20:2 Proverbs 19:12 1 Kings 2:25 1 Kings 2:29–34 1 Kings 2:46

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.

Proverbs 20:2 · BSB

The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.

Proverbs 19:12 · BSB

A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

1 Kings 2:25 · BSB

So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.

1 Kings 2:29–34 · BSB

It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!”

1 Kings 2:46 · BSB

Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.

“What”

Romans 9:20 Job 33:12 Job 33:13 Job 34:18 Job 34:19

Romans 9:20 · BSB

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?”

Job 33:12 · BSB

Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man.

Job 33:13 · BSB

Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks?

Job 34:18 · BSB

who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

Job 34:19 · BSB

who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

Also

Job 9:12 Daniel 4:35

Job 9:12 · BSB

If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’

Daniel 4:35 · BSB

All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”

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

In context

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

5Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure.

Read Ecclesiastes 8