Ecclesiastes Chapter 8 verse 4 Holy Bible
For the king's word `hath' power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
read chapter 8 in ASV
The word of a king has authority; and who may say to him, What is this you are doing?
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because the word of a king is power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
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Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
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read chapter 8 in WBT
for the king's word is supreme. Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"
read chapter 8 in WEB
Where the word of a king `is' power `is', and who saith to him, `What dost thou?'
read chapter 8 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 4. - Where the word of a king is, there is power. A further confirmation of the last thought. More accurately, "Inasmuch as the word of a king is powerful" (shilton, ver. 8). This last word is used in Daniel (Daniel 3:2) for "a lord," or "ruler." The king does as he thinks fit because his mandate is all-powerful, and must be obeyed, And who may say unto him, What doest thou? The same expression is found applied to God (Job 9:12; Isaiah 45:9; Wisd. 12:12). The absolute authority of a despot is spoken of in the same terms as the irresistible power of Almighty God. Αἰκὼν δὲ βασιλεύς ἐστιν ἔμψυχος Θεοῦ. "God's living image is an earthly king."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) Power.--The word used here and Ecclesiastes 5:8, only occurs again in the Chaldee part of Daniel. In the latter part of the Hebrew verse is one of the many reminiscences of the work of Job (Job 9:12; see also Wisdom Of Solomon 12:12).
