Ecclesiastes 8:6
New International Version
For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery.

New Living Translation
for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.

English Standard Version
For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.

Berean Standard Bible
For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.

King James Bible
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

New King James Version
Because for every matter there is a time and judgment, Though the misery of man increases greatly.

New American Standard Bible
For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a person’s trouble is heavy upon him.

NASB 1995
For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him.

NASB 1977
For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, when a man’s trouble is heavy upon him.

Legacy Standard Bible
For there is a proper time and custom for every matter, though a man’s trouble is multiplied upon him.

Amplified Bible
For there is a proper time and [appropriate] procedure for every delight, Though mankind’s misery and trouble lies heavily upon him [who rebels against the king].

Christian Standard Bible
For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though a person’s troubles are heavy on him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though man’s troubles are heavy on him.

American Standard Version
for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:

Contemporary English Version
Life is hard, but there is a time and a place for everything,

English Revised Version
for to every purpose there is a time and judgment; because the misery of man is great upon him:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
There is a right time and a right way [to act] in every situation. Yet, a terrible human tragedy hangs over people.

Good News Translation
There is a right time and a right way to do everything, but we know so little!

International Standard Version
Indeed, there is an appropriate time and a response for every circumstance, since human misery weighs heavily upon him.

Majority Standard Bible
For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.

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

New Heart English Bible
For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

World English Bible
For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For to every delight there is a time and a judgment, for the misfortune of man is great on him.

Young's Literal Translation
For to every delight there is a time and a judgment, for the misfortune of man is great upon him.

Smith's Literal Translation
To every inclination there is time and judgment; for man's evil is great upon him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
There is a time and opportunity for every business, and great affliction for man:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For every matter, there is a time and an opportunity, as well as many difficulties, for man.

New American Bible
Yes, there is a time and a judgment for everything. But it is a great evil for mortals

New Revised Standard Version
For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, because the misery of man is great upon him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because for every desire there is a time and judgment, because the affliction of man is great upon him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For to every matter there is a time and judgment; for the evil of man is great upon him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For to every thing there is time and judgement; for the knowledge of a man is great to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Obey the King
5Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him. 7Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?…

Cross References
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:21
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Ephesians 5:15-17
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.

Psalm 31:15
My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.

Job 14:5
Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed,

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. / For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.


Treasury of Scripture

Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great on him.

to every

Ecclesiastes 3:1,11,17
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: …

Ecclesiastes 7:13,14
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? …

therefore

Ecclesiastes 11:9,10
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment…

Ecclesiastes 12:1
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Isaiah 3:11-14
Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him…

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Although Decision Delight Evil Great Heavy Judgment Lies Manner Matter Misery Misfortune Procedure Proper Purpose Sorrow Time Trouble Way Weighs
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Although Decision Delight Evil Great Heavy Judgment Lies Manner Matter Misery Misfortune Procedure Proper Purpose Sorrow Time Trouble Way Weighs
Ecclesiastes 8
1. true wisdom is modest
2. Kings are to be respected
6. Divine providence is to be observed
12. It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity
16. The work of God is unsearchable














For there is
This phrase introduces a statement of certainty and universality. The Hebrew word used here is "כִּי" (ki), which often serves as a conjunction meaning "for" or "because." It sets the stage for a truth that is applicable to all people, emphasizing the divine order and wisdom inherent in God's creation. This opening assures the reader that what follows is a principle grounded in the reality of God's sovereign design.

a right time
The Hebrew word for "time" is "עֵת" (et), which signifies an appointed time or season. This concept is central to the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Ecclesiastes, where the timing of events is seen as part of God's divine plan. The "right time" implies that there is an appropriate moment for every action, reflecting the belief that God orchestrates the events of the world according to His perfect wisdom and timing.

and procedure
The term "procedure" is translated from the Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which can mean judgment, justice, or a prescribed way of doing things. This suggests that not only is there a right time for every purpose, but there is also a correct method or process to be followed. This reflects the biblical principle that God is a God of order, and His ways are just and righteous. It encourages believers to seek God's guidance in understanding the proper way to act in various situations.

to every purpose
The word "purpose" comes from the Hebrew "חֵפֶץ" (chefetz), meaning desire, delight, or matter. This indicates that every intention or plan has its own divinely appointed time and method. It underscores the idea that human desires and plans should align with God's will, as He has a purpose for everything under heaven. This encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan and to align their purposes with His.

though a man's misery
The phrase "a man's misery" refers to the burdens and sorrows that individuals experience in life. The Hebrew word "רָעָה" (ra'ah) is used here, which can mean evil, distress, or adversity. This acknowledges the reality of human suffering and the weight of life's challenges. It serves as a reminder that, despite the difficulties we face, there is a divine order and purpose that transcends our immediate circumstances.

weighs heavily upon him
This phrase captures the oppressive nature of human suffering. The Hebrew verb "לָבַד" (lavad) conveys the idea of something being heavy or burdensome. It reflects the existential weight that people often feel as they navigate the complexities of life. However, within the context of the verse, it also offers hope, suggesting that even in the midst of suffering, there is a divine timing and procedure that can bring meaning and resolution to our struggles.

(6) The connecting particles here present difficulties which have not been satisfactorily solved; and it has even been conjectured that some words may have dropped out of the text. The first half of the verse repeats Ecclesiastes 3:1; the second almost verbally Ecclesiastes 6:1; on this account our translation "misery" is to be preferred to "wickedness" as some render it.

Verse 6. - Because. This and the three following clauses all begin with ki, "since," "for," and the conjunction ought to have been similarly rendered in all the places. Thus here, for to every purpose there is time and judgment. Here commences a chain of argument to prove the wisdom of keeping quiet under oppression or evil rulers. Everything has its appointed time of duration, and in due course will be brought to judgment (see Ecclesiastes 3:1, 17; 41:14). Therefore (for) the misery of man is great upon him. This is a further reason, but its exact signification is disputed. Literally, the evil of the man is heavy upon him (comp. Ecclesiastes 6:1). This may mean, as in the Authorized Version, that the affliction which subjects suffer at the hand of a tyrant becomes insupportable, and calls for and receives God's interposition. Or "the evil" may be the wickedness of the despot, which presses heavily upon him, and under retributive justice will ere long bring him to the ground, and so the oppression will come to an end. This seems to be the most natural interpretation of the passage. The Septuagint, reading differently, has, "For the knowledge of a man is great upon him." Though what tiffs means it is difficult to say.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there is
יֵ֖שׁ (yêš)
Adverb
Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is

a right time
עֵ֣ת (‘êṯ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

and procedure
וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט (ū·miš·pāṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

to every
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

purpose,
חֵ֔פֶץ (ḥê·p̄eṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2656: Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter

though
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a man’s
הָאָדָ֖ם (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

misery
רָעַ֥ת (rā·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

weighs heavily
רַבָּ֥ה (rab·bāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

upon him.
עָלָֽיו׃ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:6 For there is a time and procedure (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 8:5
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