Ecclesiastes 8:2

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

I say: The mouth of a king you must keep, even for the sake of the oath of God.

Latin

Ego os regis observo, et præcepta juramenti Dei.

Hebrew

English

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

because of your oath before God: Compare Ecclesiastes 5:2–6; 1 Kings 2:41–43.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.
Titus 3:1
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
Romans 13:1–5
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.
1 Peter 2:13–17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
1 Kings 2:43
So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?”
2 Samuel 21:7
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.
Ezekiel 17:13–20
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,
1 Chronicles 29:24
All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.
Exodus 22:11
…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.