Parallel Verses
International Standard Version
Since a king's command is powerful, who is able to challenge him, asking, "What are you doing?"
New American Standard Bible
Since the word of the king is authoritative,
King James Version
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
Holman Bible
For the king’s word is authoritative, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
A Conservative Version
For the king's word [has] power, and who may say to him, What are thou doing?
American Standard Version
For the king's word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
Amplified
For the word of a king is authoritative and powerful,
And who will say to him, “What are you doing?”
Bible in Basic English
The word of a king has authority; and who may say to him, What is this you are doing?
Darby Translation
because the word of a king is power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
Julia Smith Translation
Wheresoever the word of a king, it is powerful: and who shall say to him, What wilt thou do?
King James 2000
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What are you doing?
Lexham Expanded Bible
Since the word of the king [is] supreme, no one can say to him, "What are you doing?"
Modern King James verseion
Because the word of a king is that which has power; and who may say to him, What are you doing?
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
Like as when a king giveth a charge, his commandment is mighty: Even so whom may say unto him, "What doest thou?"
NET Bible
Surely the king's authority is absolute; no one can say to him, "What are you doing?"
New Heart English Bible
for the king's word is supreme. Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"
The Emphasized Bible
Where the word of a king is, there is power, - who then may say to him, What wouldst thou do?
Webster
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say to him, what doest thou?
World English Bible
for the king's word is supreme. Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"
Youngs Literal Translation
Where the word of a king is power is, and who saith to him, 'What dost thou?'
Themes
Government » The kings of the earth
King » Obedience to, encouraged
Interlinear
Dabar
References
Hastings
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 8:4
Verse Info
Context Readings
Obedience To The King
3 Don't be in a hurry to leave him, and don't persist in evil, for he does whatever he pleases. 4 Since a king's command is powerful, who is able to challenge him, asking, "What are you doing?" 5 Whoever obeys his commands will not experience harm, and the wise in heart will discern both the appropriate time and response.
Names
Cross References
Job 9:12
Indeed, if he snatches someone away, who could restrain him? Who can say to him, "What are you doing?'
Daniel 4:35
All who live on the earth are nothing compared to him. He does what he wishes with the heavenly armies and with those who live on earth. No one can hold back his power or say to him, "What did you do?'
1 Kings 2:25
So King Solomon sent for Jehoiada's son Benaiah, who attacked and killed Adonijah.
1 Kings 2:29-34
Somebody informed King Solomon, "Joab just ran to the LORD's tent and now he's standing beside the altar!" But Solomon ordered Jehoiada's son Benaiah, "Go kill him!"
1 Kings 2:46
So the king gave orders to Jehoiada's son Benaiah to go out, attack Shimei, and kill him. That is how the kingdom was established under Solomon's control.
Job 33:12-13
"You aren't right about this; My response is that God is greater than human beings.
Job 34:18-19
Can one say to a king, "You're vile!' or to nobles, "You're wicked!'?
Proverbs 19:12
The king's anger is like the roaring of a lion, but his goodwill is like dew on the grass.
Proverbs 20:2
A king's anger is like a lion's roar; anyone who angers him forfeits his life.
Proverbs 30:31
The strutting rooster, as well as the goat, and a king with his army.
Daniel 3:15
Now, if you are ready at this very moment to obey "the sound of the trumpet, the flute, the lyre, the four-stringed lyre, and the harp,' and worship the image that I have made" If you do not so worship, you will immediately have cast yourselves into the middle of the blazing fire, and what god is there who can deliver you from my power?"
Luke 12:4-5
"But I tell you, my friends, never be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can't do anything more.
Romans 9:20
On the contrary, who are you mere man that you are to talk back to God? Can an object that was molded say to the one who molded it, "Why did you make me like this?"
Romans 13:1-4
Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God's permission. The existing authorities have been established by God,