There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

ECCLESIASTES 10:5KJV
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Ecclesiastes 10:5 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 10:5 mean?

Ecclesiastes 10:5 describes a troubling situation the writer has observed: a mistake or wrong that comes from those in positions of power. The verse points out that even rulers can make errors that have harmful effects "under the sun," meaning in everyday life.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflecting on the realities of life and leadership. He is addressing anyone who will listen, sharing wisdom about the unpredictability and sometimes unfair nature of human authority. The verse sets up an example of how those in charge are not immune to making serious mistakes, which can lead to problems for everyone under their rule.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 10:5

  • רָעָה (ra'ah, "evil"): This word often means something harmful, bad, or morally wrong. Here, it highlights that the problem is not just a minor mistake but something with real negative consequences.
  • שֶׁגָגָה (shegagah, "error"): This word is often used for an unintentional mistake or blunder. The verse suggests that even unintentional errors by rulers can have serious effects.
  • יָצָא (yatsa', "proceedeth"): This verb means "comes out" or "goes forth," emphasizing that the error originates from the ruler and spreads outward, affecting others.

Why Ecclesiastes 10:5 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 10:5 reminds readers that authority figures are not perfect and their mistakes can have wide-reaching consequences, which is a realistic view of leadership.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following verses, which give specific examples of the kinds of errors rulers might make, helping the reader understand the practical impact of such mistakes.
  • By calling this situation "evil," the verse emphasizes that the effects of poor leadership are not just unfortunate but can be deeply harmful to society.

Where else these words appear

“ruler” Hebrew H7989 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 42:6 And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
  • Ecclesiastes 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

“error” Hebrew H7684 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 4:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:
  • Leviticus 22:14 And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.
  • Numbers 15:29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

“sun” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 2:24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

“is” Hebrew H3426 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • 1 Samuel 21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
  • Psalms 73:11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?