Ecclesiastes 8:9
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt.
American King James Version (AKJV)
All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man rules over another to his own hurt.
American Standard Version (ASV)
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man hath power over another to his hurt.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
All this have I seen, and have given my heart to all the work which is done under the sun: there is a time when man has power over man for his destruction.
Webster's Revision
All this have I seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: there is a time in which one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.
World English Bible
All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.
English Revised Version (ERV)
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man hath power over another to his hurt.
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 8:9 Bible Commentary
One man ruleth over another to his own hurt - This may be spoken of rulers generally, who, instead of feeding, fleece the flock; tyrants and oppressors, who come to an untimely end by their mismanagement of the offices of the state. All these things relate to Asiatic despots, and have ever been more applicable to them than to any other sovereigns in the world. They were despotic; they still are so.
Barnes's Ecclesiastes 8:9 Bible Commentary
To his own hurt - Or, "to the hurt of the subject." The case is still that of an unwise king whose command is obeyed Ecclesiastes 8:2 even to the hurt of the wise man who obeys him.
Wesley's Ecclesiastes 8:9 Bible Commentary
8:9 To his hurt - There are some kings, who use their power tyrannically, whereby they not only oppress their people, but hurt themselves, bringing the vengeance of God upon their own heads.